Living is Leading

            Are leaders born or made? That has been a question asked for ages. The answer is rather simple once we look to God and the Bible. The answer is yes to both because both are one in the same. God created us to be a leader. You are born a leader from the moment God made in your mother’s womb. In that moment we are given a purpose to live out, but we must recognize that opportunity and have the heart to lead. In reality, everyone has an opportunity and capacity to lead you just have to recognize it then capitalize. This realization is how leaders are made over the course of their life’s journey. When we were born that was the moment God destined and designed us to lead. As we grow through life we are made into more efficient leaders from experiences we encounter and overcome. We lead people daily, but well developed leaders become leaders once they recognize they have the ability to impact and influence. 

        But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:26-28 

            The most effective way to lead is to lead by example through daily actions. How can we lead by example? Well we must follow the true example, Christ. To lead we must be led by His Spirit through humility, service, and trustworthiness. I believe God molds everyone to be a leader once they made the conscious decision to be led by Him. 

            Leaders are readers: Books are great because they train the mind and stretch it to new areas of perspective. The more we are aware the better we become. Reading is not enough unfortunately. True success lies in applying one thing you read to your life. We can read as many books as we want or gather as much information about anything. Though, if we do not apply what we read then all it is information. So as you read find ONE thing you can apply to your life today. Reading without application is simply knowledge, but reading with application that’s wisdom because applying knowledge is wise. Aim to read one book a month/every couple of months to stretch the mind. Then apply. Examples: 

        Must/Should read:                 

 1. The Bible                 

 2. Daily Devotion of any kind 

 Recommended Reading: (check out our recommended reading list page for more)               

 1. The Daniel Plan by Rick Warren                  

2. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren                  

3. Switch on Your Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf                  

4. Mind Gym: An Athlete’s Guide to Inner Excellence by Gary Mack                  

5. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch (dream again)                 

 6. Mastery Robert Greene 

            Write to Excite: As you write notes and anything down it excites the neurons in your brain. There’s a brain connection when we physically write something down. We live in a day with technology has taken our note taking to a phone or laptop. Unfortunately, typing to-do tasks, goals, or memorization is more beneficial through actual handwriting. Your handwriting excites neurons in your brain and you will be able to remember it better. Next time you have a goal or a dream. Document it by writing it down. Keep it somewhere you can see it frequently. Then type it up for more details. The more you write the more you will remember and the more excitement will fill you to achieve it.

            Recite for Might: We have to memorize and meditate on scripture. It is a reminder of what to do and a focus. The more we focus the easier it is to remember when we face struggles to keep us going. The word reminds us of who and whose we are. “For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what is says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” James 1:23-24

            Leaders encourage because they are encouraged: Leaders encourage others daily because they have courage to face adversity and daily hardships. Courage is the true power source of strength because courage is the kryptonite to quitting. If we have the courage to do something then we will keep going regardless of our performance. It allows us to start or start over again (come back). Push us further than we even thought we could go. Courage is the spark to the fire of our inner most desires. Listen to your voice of courage “Be Strong and Courageous, for your Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Lead with courage to encourage. Consistent Courage is Resilient.

            People are engaged and encouraged through our actions. Our life can develop someone to lead from our example in how we act and live. Everyone can lead because you were created to lead, but our choice is key.

            Simply put to lead effectively live a life that motivates and drives others for them to push themselves. The best way to lead by example is by Christ’s example from The Word and the Holy Spirit after surrendering to His Will for your life.                          

• Leaders Capitalize on moments around them                        

• Lead by Example by being Led Leader Tips:              

1. To lead you must read (10 min a day)              

2. Write to excite the brain and nervous system to improve memory recall              

3. Take notes as often as possible and write any ideas you have alongside             

 4. Meditate/Memorized scripture              

5. Pray for humility and surrender to be led by Jesus daily