Scripture: “Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.” – Hebrews 13:7 (NLT)
As a leader, I’ve always believed that one of the most powerful truths about influence is this: People will follow what they see in you more than what they hear from you. Words can inspire, but example transforms. That’s why Scripture tells us to remember our leaders, not just for what they taught, but for the good that has come from their lives.
My daily walk with God — my prayer time, devotional study, and intentional awareness of His presence — isn’t just for my personal spiritual health. It’s part of my responsibility as a leader. When I speak to others about walking with God, I want them to know I’m walking that same road, not giving directions from a distance.
But leadership integrity extends beyond the spiritual disciplines. The Apostle Paul wrote, “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27 NLT).
That’s a sobering reminder — leadership includes stewardship of our whole life: our spirit, our soul (our mind and emotions), and our body,( yes, even our physical health.) When a leader’s life is marked by habits that visibly contradict their message — whether it’s uncontrolled anger, profanity, drunkenness, or disregard for caring for their body — it sends a confusing signal to those who look to them for guidance.
This isn’t about judging others’ worth before God — none of us is perfect, and each of us has areas where we’re still growing. In Jesus, our righteousness is of Him! But it is about recognizing that leadership magnifies our example. Let me say that again. When you are a leader, your example or your life is magnified. People are watching you. What may seem like “a personal or private weakness” to us can become “public permission” for those we lead. If we normalize compromise in our own life, we risk multiplying compromise in theirs.
I’ve known leaders whose teaching was sharp, but their life blurred the message. And the truth is, it damages trust. People can smell inauthenticity. They want to see a life that embodies the truths being preached, not one that only quotes them.
Jesus gave us the model — He lived among His disciples, walked in holiness, and cared for the whole person. His leadership wasn’t just about what He said; it was the seamless harmony between His words and His life.
If you lead — in a pulpit, a classroom, a workplace, or your home — I encourage you to do a heart check today. Ask God:
• Am I living what I’m teaching?
• Do I model spiritual disciplines that I authentically live out?
• Is my private life aligned with my public message?
Leadership worth following starts in the secret place with God, flows into disciplined living, and is proven in the quiet consistency of your example.
1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT) "...Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."
Prayer: Lord, help me to lead from a place of authenticity, humility, and integrity. Guard me from hypocrisy. Strengthen me in disciplines — spiritually, emotionally, and physically — so that my life honors You and inspires others to follow You, not just my words. In Jesus's name I pray, Amen.
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