Shape or Be Shaped

You cannot lead according to the opinions of the masses. If a leader operates for the praises of man, then that leader is being led by the opinion of the masses. Such a leader is not a shaper of the culture, but rather is shaped by the culture.

Many lead according to the opinion of the masses, and even for the opinion of their close followers. Jesus was no such leader. Jesus' leadership style often confused His closest friends, and the measure of His success was never determined by the masses. To the dismay of every human being that followed Him, He died on the cross.

What does this say about our leadership styles today? True leadership success is not measured by the acceptance of the masses. If you are in a place of leadership primarily for the approval of your followers, then you are the follower and your followers are the leaders, and you have been shaped.

Shape or be shaped? That is the challenge of culture. Will you live for the approval of the culture? Will you bow to the spirit of the age? Or will you shape the culture and bare disapproval of those who have become dependent on it?

There is freedom in leaders that is not enslaved to its followers. There is freedom in finding your identity above the opinions of man. This freedom comes from the revelation that your identity and success is determined not by the approval of man, but of God. Once are you connected to the heart of God in your leadership, what approval matters other than that of God?

Obviously this leadership is not devoid of compassion, rather this kind of leadership seeks to draw its followers into the same heart of God and empower them. That was the leadership of Jesus.

Be freed from the opinions of man. Be freed from the approval of the masses and seek the approval of God in your life. The opinions of the masses shift far to much to be the basis of your success. Therefore, find your identity in the opinion of an unchanging God that loves you. One day men will love you and the next they will leave you, but a leader whose identity is found in God is never shaken by the imperfect opinions of man.

Disclaimer: This does not mean that your friends cannot provide your with constructive criticism. I love Godly council. Remember you are fallen just as much as anyone else, even with God's approval. Don't toss out the good council of your Godly friends and honor those in authority over you.