Leadership is usually considered in terms of our influence on others. And these are important considerations. But before we can effectively lead others we must also demonstrate an ability to lead ourselves.
This principle plays out at multiple levels. For instance, a qualification to be a leader in the church is to first be an effective leader of one’s home. If we cannot manage our own household, how can we take care of God’s church? Likewise, if we cannot manage ourselves, how can we take care of our household? At whatever level, there’s an expectation for us to manage what’s closest to us before extending our reach. And this requires self-leadership.
To lead ourselves means in part effectively managing our own emotions and ensuring we live with our integrity.
To be sure, we’re no longer in charge of ourselves when we allow our emotions to get the best of us. Of course, this doesn’t mean we have to repress or otherwise ignore our emotions. Our emotions prove to be great advisors as we weigh various decisions. But true leadership requires us to make the decision in the end, and not our emotions.
In the same way, leadership requires our daily actions to be aligned with our core values and beliefs. This doesn’t require perfection, but it does require an unwavering diligence to press toward the mark. We cannot lead others toward noble aspirations when we consistently compromise our own values.
In the end, leadership requires us to put our own house in order first. And this starts with our very selves.
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