The word leadership can be a scary one.
The act of leadership can be a scary thing. At Onelife, a common phrase is one you have also probably heard thrown around a lot; ‘leadership is influence’. We are all influencers and therefore we are all leaders (whether you like it or not).
I influence people. Being only nineteen, it would be easy for me to feel like I’m not old enough or experienced enough to be a leader however one of the most important things Onelife has taught me is that leadership isn’t about how old or popular you are, it’s all about who you are. Knowing who I am and knowing my identity is in Christ is what everything I do flows out of. We must let the people we come into contact with on a day to day basis see Jesus through our behaviour, the way we treat them, through the way we appreciate, encourage and honour them. You may not feel like you are influencing the masses; maybe your youth group has about 10 regulars, maybe you only hang out with 5 people, maybe you only live with 2 other people, but each and every one of these people deserves to be loved and led the way Jesus loved and led.
Our values make up our character. They shape our decisions and our behaviours and therefore knowing the values you live your life by is very important. You need to be able to know yourself and lead yourself before you can lead others. One of my values is to show love to each and every person I meet and to always be kinder than I feel. Some might see this as clichéd but to me it is an important aspect in how I live my life from day to day. I don’t want to ever get tired of doing little things for others because sometimes the little things occupy the biggest part of people’s hearts. Maybe you could try it?
As well as having values, having a vision and knowing what you want from life is crucial. This is one thing I personally struggle with and I would really recommend taking time out to fast, to pray and to seek God in this area. What do you want to achieve and see happen in your lifetime?
Values and vision. It all makes up who we are and who we are is what the people we are leading recognise and reflect. Whether they are young, old or somewhere in the middle, we are setting an example to them. We have to make sure that example is in speech, life, love, faith and purity*.
India is currently serving as an intern at Onelife. Onelife are excited to be offering up to three internships starting in October 2013 until June 2014 which are designed to stretch your leadership capacity and introduce you to the world of young leaders across the UK. Check it out here: www.onelifeonline.org.uk/get-involved/internship/ (Application deadline: 30th April)
