Leading and managing others is much easier if you are able to manage yourself first. Self-management, being able to self-direct, is a prerequisite for deeper leadership influence. Your personal example as a leader speaks very loudly to those around you.
Below are some passages that speak to this idea of self-management and being an example for others. Reflect upon them in the context of your leadership influence.
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,
and discerning if he holds his tongue. (Proverbs 17:28 NIV 1984)
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. (James 3:9–10 NIV 1984)
“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.” (John 16:12 NIV 1984)
When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive. (Proverbs 23:1–3 NIV 1984)
But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:10–11 NIV 1984)
Do to others as you would have them do to you. (Luke 6:31 NIV 1984)
Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. (1 Thessalonians 5:15 NIV 1984)
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12 NIV 1984)
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV 1984)
I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. (John 13:15 NIV 1984)
As a Kingdom leader you are being watched and your example speaks louder than your words. What are you modeling that others may imitate?
