How Do You Lead?

But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. “Let’s go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!” But the other men who had explored the land with him disagreed. “We can’t go up against them! They are stronger than we are!” So they spread this bad report about the land among the Israelites… Numbers 13:31-32

Caleb’s statement above was his feedback from when Moses sent spies to Canaan, those sent were leaders from each tribe. Out of the twelve that were sent, only two came back with a positive report. The remaining ten had a negative report that caused mayhem in the camp.

In the book of Numbers, as the Israelites travelled in the wilderness, they started complaining.  They complained about the food provided, lack of water, about Aaron and Moses’ leadership. Surprisingly, most of these complaints were instigated by so-called leaders.

There is also the case of Korah, Dathan and Abiram. The Bible says, “They incited a rebellion against Moses, along with 250 other leaders of the community, all prominent members of the assembly. They united against Moses and Aaron…” Numbers 16:2-3 (NLT). The outcomes of these incidences were not pretty for those leaders and their followers.

These leaders weren’t chosen lightly. Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law advised him during his visit, to select, “…able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness…” Exodus 18:21 (NKJV). These men were meant to be good examples and mentors to others and the same is required of us.

When we think of leaders, sometimes we only think of political leaders, church leaders, heads of companies, teams and departments and so on. The fact is we are all leaders one way or another. Fathers and mothers lead in their families. A teacher leads in the class. An older sibling is a leader to the younger siblings. Even among colleagues due to one’s age, education, or experience the person can still be a leader.

No matter where we find ourselves, we are leaders and others are looking up to us and are following our lead. Apostle Paul was a confident leader, he said not once but twice to the church in Corinth, “Imitate me…” 1 Corinthian 1:11 and 4:16 (NLT)

Leadership in whatever capacity, is a responsibility. We are responsible for those that we lead, and our actions affect them positively or negatively.

Where are you leading? At home, at work, in the community or Church? God wants you to be a good leader and an inspiration to others. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NLT).

Stay blessed,

Lara