When I hear "Leadership" I once thought of those who have a great influence in the world, the President, the CEO of a billion dollar industry, Oprah, but being at Brigham Young University and attending the Foundations of Leadership Conference has given me a different perspective. Instead of a leader being someone with the most power, money, or the highest status, it is someone who is humble enough to bring themselves down and do whatever they can to lift someone else up.
In these it seems like everyone is racing to the top, everyone wants "to be a billionaire so fricken bad," and they will do anything to gain fame and fortune. With these worldly achievements, one will gain influence and be looked upon as a leader. This selfishness is the opposite of what a leader should be, and how they should act. Being a leader, is more of being the Chief servant, doing all that is within their power to serve everyone. The best leader of all is Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ lived his life on earth doing all that he could for everyone else. He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, everyone knows of the miracles he performed with his own hands, though they were the humble hands of a carpenter. He did not have the highest status, the most power, and certainly was not a billionaire, but thousands followed him and worshiped him. This was because of his service to everyone, he attended to all as the Shepard he was.
One of the best examples of his leadership was when he knelled down before the 12 disciples, and washed their feet. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, washed the feet of those who followed him. What a great act of humility and love. As I am at BYU I am striving not to be a leader specifically, but to serve all those around me to the best of my ability. I am not much, just a poor college student trying to survive, but my service to others can really make a difference, and I can be the answer to someone's prayer.
Ooh, great job Ashley! I love it! You did a great job explaining how the best kind of leadership is love and service; exactly how Christ lead his people. You will definitely be an answer to someone's prayer if you are willing to serve.
ReplyDeleteIn the spirit of musical lyrics, here is a lyric from some weird rock band named Toxic Infinity, "There is always a lesson to be learned and that lesson is leadership ." How exciting that you are learning that lesson! And that you are learning the true lesson of leadership. Divine Centered Leadership. I am excited to see your shift in your leadership ideology and I look forward to reading your posts!
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