““I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.”

‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭11‬-‭15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Leadership” can be hard to define- yet, when it is present, it is often taken for granted; yet when it is absent, everyone notices. 

I’ve never thought of this passage as an example of a leader and manager but it is. Leaders lay down their lives for their team, but a manager runs at the first hint of trouble, even putting their own interests and well being above their team. 

 In recent years, I’ve read many wonderful books on leadership and learned many valuable things. But the ultimate example of a leader is Yeshua. He put first things first as Stephen Covey would say – He spent time alone with G-d in solitude, communion, and prayer. He cultivated relationships with His disciples – they got to know His voice. He provided for His inner circle – His disciples- and the people who followed Him. And ultimately, He laid down His life for all of eternity.

As a leader, I face choices every day. I can respond as a shepherd – providing, protecting, and positioning my team – or I can respond as a hireling – abandoning and running. 

Leading as a shepherd sounds a lot like just loving people. 

Before you think you’re not a leader, I challenge that perspective. We all have someone who looks to us for guidance – that makes us leaders. 

Leadership doesn’t have to be complicated. Leaders just have to love. If we start with love, the rest will follow. 

Father – thank You for how You lead and love me. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen. 

Daily Reading: John 9, 10:1-21

October 24, 2022