What does it mean to lead by example?
Keith Radke joined me this month on the Lose Yourself Podcast, and we discussed the acronym R.E.A.L. – Relationships, Example, Accountability, and Leadership. The Wednesday blog post will look at each of these attributes individually this month. Today we start with the “E” for Example.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “Lead By Example” as – to act in a way that shows others how to act. Leading by example is an indispensable and unavoidable trait of any good leader.
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. – 1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV)
Speech
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. – Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)
Our speech inspires others or it can tear down our credibility. We can bless or curse, we can teach or mislead, we can build up or gossip. Though “actions can speak louder than words,” our words define our identity, integrity, and our faith. Remember the same mouth we use to share our faith can also wound others and discredit our witness. People will not take our witness and influence seriously if they doubt our character. The book of James teaches of the power our tongue wields and how it can control or destroy our lives.
If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. – James 3: 3-5 (ESV)
”Speech” also includes what we write or post online. Brent Crowe once said, “We can lose a lifetime of credibility in 280 characters or less on Twitter.” Leaders must be in control of our communication.
Conduct
Credibility and character have been scarce in 21st-Century leadership. High-profile scandal and society’s tendency to tear down public figures makes it difficult for people of character to lead by example. the Bible in Philippians 1 establishes a standard for Christian conduct.
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. – Philippians 1: 27-28 (ESV)
While many associate talents, charisma, and other extrinsic qualities with leadership, character, and conduct are the keys to longevity and credibility. Leaders can be tempted to neglect their conduct in favor of their abilities, but this area can be the weakness that removes them from their leadership role. Furthermore, if a leader’s actions do not match their message or persona, these actions can have profound consequences for the causes and organizations they represent.
having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. – 1 Peter 3:16 (ESV)
High-character leaders may find themselves strategically slandered by rivals. In an information age where lies and negativity travel – unhindered – at an alarming rate, leaders need to stay the course and not get drawn into an exchange they will regret.
Love
Love should be central in all we do. Love allows leaders to act free of obligation or compulsion, but of care and freedom. Matthew 22:39 and Mark 12:31 remind us to “Love our neighbor as ourselves” 1 John 4:8 warns, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” – 1 John 4:8 (ESV)
If God can unconditionally love us despite our shortcomings, can we not do the same for others? Philippians 2:3 challenges us to value others more than ourselves and reflect God’s love in our relationships. Leadership motived by compulsion is empty and short-lived. Leadership motivated by God allows us to love and serve beyond our limitations.
Faith
Faith is necessary to accomplish these goals. Without faith, humans must rely on their own strength. Without the empowerment of God and leading of the Holy Spirit, these efforts are futile. Leading by example can crush leaders under the weight of unrealistic expectations. When the leader points to and relies on God, they are empowered and sustained amid the burden of leadership.
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you gnot to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, heach according to ithe measure of faith that God has assigned. Romans 12:3 (ESV)
Purity
Matthew 5:8: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. – Matthew 5:8
Whereas “Conduct” can be seen as external, “Purity” deals with our inner life. Our spiritual disciplines such as prayer, worship, and scripture reading help us preserve the sanctity of our relationship with Christ and discern His will in a fallen world. While culture often dismisses purity as old-fashioned or regressive, God’s forgiveness of our sins and calling to be more like Him is a gift. Christ said, “Follow Me.” That calling is a journey of spiritual transformation and sacrifice, that allows us to find purpose in our lives and point others to the Gospel.
