You are a leader

Leaders are people who set an example. If  anyone is copying you, then you are a leader.
​We are looking for leaders who set an example that is worth following: people who want to serve, people who care for others, people who want to be an example more than they want to be the boss, people who don't mind if others get the credit, people who will be worthy of a gold medal on the day that the Lord Jesus is revealed.*
​If you know someone like that, learn from them.  Learn from their character. Try to imitate it. Don't waste your time trying to copy examples that are not worth following. That's the way you become a godly leader.
​Good leaders are self-controlled and alert. They know how easy it is to slip away from the Lord. They know that they are in a daily spiritual battle which they do not want to lose.
​I thank God for the many people who have led me. Some were or are officially 'leaders' in the church. Some were pastors or elders. Others had no official leadership position, but they drew me towards a closer relationship with the Lord. They cared. They loved. I am so grateful to God for them. And for those who set me the example that encourages me to lead today.
​Don't try to become a leader: you already are one. Instead, let God get to grips with your character. There's a gold medal to be won.
​More about this on Sunday.

​(* When Peter writes about a crown of glory he means the first prize for winning a race. 1 Peter 5:4)