Called To Lead: Live Out Biblical Leadership That Reflects Christ’s Example

You are not just called to follow—you are called to lead. To stand firm where others falter. To speak the truth when being in silence would be easier.

Leadership isn’t an option; it’s a divine calling embedded in the DNA of every man who follows Christ. This type of leadership isn’t a call to the kind of leadership celebrated worldwide. No, this is something deeper, something more demanding.

It’s a call to lead with the same authority, humility, and love Christ demonstrated.

Authentic leadership isn’t about holding power; it’s about embracing responsibility.

It’s not about popularity; it’s about purpose.

The path is narrow, the stakes are high, and the examples set by the world are often more misleading than inspiring. By the grace of God, there is a standard—a perfect example to follow. And that example is Christ.

The question isn’t whether you’re called to lead. The question is, will you answer that call and lead in a way that reflects His example? Let’s dive in today and answer the call.

Leadership Is Not A Popularity Contest

Many men find themselves chasing approval, mistaking it for leadership. Leadership isn’t about being liked or even admired. It’s about being faithful to the task God has given you.

The truth is that admiration results from fulfilling the task and is not required to have the task fulfilled. Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” The desire to be liked is a trap. It can turn even the most muscular man into a puppet, dancing to the tune of social media and public opinion.

As much as Jesus Christ is loved, He wasn’t popular with everyone who witnessed Him. His teachings offended many. Yet, He never wavered from His mission. In John 15:18, He reminds us, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.”

As the man of God, you are not called to be liked by the world; we’re called to be faithful to God and His Word. In turn, this gives you the favor of operating on a kingdom leadership level.

This means making not just the right decisions but also the righteous decisions, even when they’re unpopular. It means standing firm in the truth, even when it costs you relationships, reputation, or opportunities.

The world may measure leadership by the number of followers on a social media platform, how many people buy their books, and many other vanity metrics. God measures it by faithfulness.

Consider Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egypt. He wasn’t the most popular leader. His people grumbled, complained, and rebelled against him multiple times. Moses remained steadfast because he wasn’t leading to please the people but to fulfill God’s purpose. He understood that leadership is not about winning the approval of man but living out the approval of God.

When you lead with the fear of God rather than the fear of man, you’ll find a strength that doesn’t falter under pressure. Your decisions will be rooted in conviction rather than consensus, and your leadership will reflect the integrity and courage that Christ modeled.

Contests will win you prizes at the moment. Leadership will win you responsibility for a lifetime.

Leading From The Back Is Greater Than Leading From The Front

Leaders in the corporate and business world are often seen at the forefront, issuing commands and setting the pace. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this way of leading. Christ’s example flips this notion on its head.

Authentic leadership is about service. It’s about leading from the back, not the front.

In Matthew 20:26-28, Jesus said, “But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Jesus, the greatest leader of all time, didn’t lead from a throne but from a cross. He didn’t solely issue commands from a distance; He also washed His disciples’ feet. This is the model of leadership you’re called to emulate.

Leading from the back means putting others’ needs before your own. It means taking on the tasks no one else wants to do. It means guiding your team with humility, patience, and grace.

Consider the shepherd who leads his flock. He doesn’t walk ahead, forcing the sheep to follow. He walks behind them, guiding them with care, ensuring that none are left behind. This is the picture of leadership that Christ paints. It’s a leadership marked by humility and self-sacrifice.

Leading from the back also means empowering others. A true leader isn’t threatened by the success of those he leads; he celebrates it. He equips others to excel, knowing his role is to support, not overshadow.

This type of leadership builds trust, fosters loyalty, and creates a culture where everyone thrives.

As a man of God called to lead, your greatest strength lies in your willingness to serve. When you lead from the back, you reflect the heart of Christ, who came to serve, not to be served.

Reflect His Example By Reflecting His Execution

Leadership isn’t just about intentions; it’s about execution. It’s not enough to know what’s right; you must also do what’s right. James 1:22 warns us, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

A leader who merely talks about following Christ’s example without actually living it out is like a man who builds his house on sand. His leadership will not stand the test of time.

Christ didn’t just preach about love; He demonstrated it by laying down His life. He didn’t just discuss the importance of obedience; He fulfilled it by submitting to the Father’s will, even unto death. This is the kind of execution that defines authentic leadership.

Leadership requires perseverance. In Hebrews 12:1-2, we’re encouraged to “run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.”

Leadership will not reveal itself in the sprint but in the marathon of moments.

There will be challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But just as Christ endured the cross for the joy set before Him, we must endure the leadership challenges for the sake of the calling God has placed on our lives.

Reflecting Christ’s execution also means leading with love. In 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Paul reminds us that without love, all our efforts are in vain. Authentic leadership is fueled by love—love for God, love for those you lead, and love for the mission you’ve been given.

When your leadership is rooted in love, it becomes a powerful force for good, inspiring others to follow Christ and fulfill their divine purpose.

The Call to Lead

Being called to lead is a weighty responsibility but also a profound privilege.

As Christian men, we’re not called to lead like the world but to lead like Christ. This means rejecting the pursuit of popularity in favor of faithfulness, embracing a posture of service over power, and reflecting Christ’s example through consistent, faithful execution.

The titles, positions, or accolades are not what makes leadership worthy. It’s about upholding kingdom principles and order that influence those within our responsibility.

It’s about making decisions that honor Him, serving those He’s placed under your care, and executing your duties with the same love, humility, and perseverance Christ modeled.

Remeber that you don’t lead alone. The One who has called you is faithful, and He will equip you with everything you need to fulfill your divine purpose.

So, rise to the challenge. Lead with courage. Lead with conviction. Lead with Christ as your example, and you will fulfill your calling and inspire others to follow Him.

This kind of leadership changes lives, impacts communities, and advances the kingdom of God. This is the leadership you’re called to.

Will you answer the call?

Let’s continue to conversation. Comment below your thoughts on the article and how you can impliment bibical leadership into all that you do.