Prevo’s Post – Leadership principles to live by
As our new school year begins, it’s important to remember that being “Champions for Christ” means a call to leadership. Students, you will take leadership roles in your professions and the communities where God plants you. But the call to leadership begins now.
Some of you might ask, what does it mean to be a leader? Jesus gave us a prime example in Mark 10:45 when he said, “For even the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” The Apostle Paul said something similar, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). Paul explains more fully exactly how Jesus demonstrated absolute humility at the cross in Philippians 2.
The heart of leadership is service. Jesus was the greatest example of servant leadership. He sacrificed his life at the cross of Calvary on our behalf and in total obedience to God the Father.
The true measure of a leader isn’t their fortune or fame but their ability to serve others faithfully and competently. As you grow in your knowledge and experience, always remember Christ. Look to his faithful example.
The first leadership principle to live by is humility, which costs. It’s not about you. Any leader who makes it about themself is nothing more than a boss. Yes, leaders see the importance of the mission, recognize the strategy, and know how to execute a plan to reach their goals. But real leaders foster and build teams and put their people first. Servant leaders see their people not as objects for their ends but as image-bearers with eternal value. Did Christ not die for them? How you treat others should reflect how Christ sees them also.
Be the example first of what you expect from others. That’s the second leadership principle. So often, we expect from others what we aren’t willing to do. A natural leader never demands from others what they aren’t first willing to do. John reminds us, “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). Our standard of excellence in leadership cannot come just from an expectation but from a demonstration of humility and service to others. We emulate the work we want from our team members. Leading by example will inspire and encourage your team to serve well and earn their respect.
I am often reminded of my dear friend, Dr. Jerry Falwell. He said, “You do not determine a man’s greatness by his talent or wealth, as the world does, but rather by what it takes to discourage him.”
Show grace to others regularly. This is the third principle. We know that grace and mercy are two different things. Mercy is not getting what you deserve, but grace is being given what you do not deserve. Christ gave us unmeasurable grace. Often in life and in leadership, the realities of failure can be more certain than success. Failure is costly but never final. Failures are learning opportunities and opportunities for growth. Leaders must demonstrate an incredible amount of patience and give grace often. Yes, it’s costly, but remember that ultimately Christ is paying the bills. Everyone is held accountable for their performance, but grace can be afforded in moments when it is needed the most.
Finally, seek accountability as a leader. I am often brokenhearted to see when leaders have failed, because they failed to seek help, counsel and loving accountability. The greatest leaders always have someone to whom they are held accountable. This is not so leaders can be weighed down by burdens but so they can live in freedom. Leadership is one of the greatest responsibilities anyone can undertake.
When we put others first, live in humility, show the example we expect and give grace regularly, we develop ourselves into true leaders. This is part of our spiritual sanctification in Christ. As we begin our semester, please join me in praying for your fellow students — that they will seek to know, follow and serve Jesus as true leaders and as “Champions for Christ.”
Prevo is the Interim President of Liberty University. Follow him on Twitter @JerryPrevoLU