Showing The Way So Another Is Secure In Following

leadership - Showing the Way So Another Is Secure in Following

Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation. Psalm 25:5

Bob and I (David) were talking about him being open to follow so he could better lead his family. “I’m still searching for someone to whom I can feel comfortable submitting,” he said. “Then I’ll follow.”

That was almost twenty years ago, and Bob still hasn’t found anyone he can submit to. His family has suffered because of it. They’ve been plagued with church conflicts, rebellious kids, job instability, and financial problems.

I’m not sure humbly submitting ever feels comfortable, but it is the key to good leadership.

God has taught me about leadership through some surprising people. A church custodian during my college years taught me much about the Bible and how to impact people with the Good News of Christ. A loving grandfather showed his rebellious grandson about acceptance, even though I didn’t want to learn. Some of the sweetest elderly saints have taught me what it means to lead others toward thanksgiving to God in the midst of terrible suffering. And even our grandchildren have taught me about the nature of a loving God whose very character leads us into relationship with Him.

As I have struggled with my own hesitancies about following, I have learned to be more sensitive when I’m trying to lead. I’ve learned that leading by example far surpasses leading by manipulation. I’ve enjoyed the blessing of leaders who know me and want the best for me, contrasted with the disappointment in leaders who just want me to do stuff.

Finally, I’ve discovered that to lead in marriage must mean I am also willing to follow, willing to follow the God of my salvation wherever He wants to take me.

In what areas of your married life do you need to learn to follow God’s lead?