Example or Excuse Leadership

There are not just followers and leaders, but there are "example" leaders and "excuse" leaders. To explain, example leaders are the more obvious of the two types of leadership. They are usually admired by their peers because they possess the qualities of character, integrity, and commitment that followers, and yes, even excuse leaders, would like to attain to get that character.

Excuse leaders are the ones that followers use to excuse their own lack of character, integrity, and commitment. For instance, if the excuse leader makes a commitment, but only sees it halfway through, then the follower has no motivation to finish the task without him. This kind of leader is very dangerous because his decisions are based solely on his own selfish desires, and he rarely takes into account those that are following.

Revelation 3:15-16 tells us, I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm; neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Those seem like strong words from a loving God, but I think it sends a clear message that God expects each of us to be an example and not an excuse. Do you really think God likes all the games we play with Him? Do you think He enjoys our lack of commitment?

What have you done lately to be an excuse leader? Have those around you missed out on being all that God wants them to be because you gave them an excuse for an easy way out?

Why not be an example leader! Make the decision that you will no longer take the easy road, but the right road. That if anyone follows you they will be going in the right direction because you have decided to follow the ultimate example leader, Jesus! Remember lead by example!