God can use anyone, from anywhere, to do anything.

Perhaps you hear this statement and think to yourself, “Leaders may be everywhere, but I’m not one of them!” If this is your reply, then I’d have to disagree with you.

In your community, you likely have teachers and administrators, politicians and chairpersons, managers and journeymen, law enforcement and military. All of them are leaders in their own right.

And yet, according to Christian Author and Speaker John C. Maxwell, “Leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less.” (The Maxwell Leadership Bible: Lessons in Leadership from the Word of God)

Influence is significant to leadership.

A leader can be categorized as anyone who has influence on another person or persons. With this in mind, then the inclusion of leaders is widened to artists and athletes, musicians and writers, tradesmen and engineers, and so on and so on.

All of these positions and many more, influencing the people in their communities and around the world; therefore, leading them in some way.

Now let’s think about our families and friends.

Let’s think about mothers and fathers, siblings and grandparents, relatives and in-laws, neighbours and coworkers. Let’s think about these roles and the influence we have on the people we love the most.

Let’s ask ourselves, “Who do I influence?” Or better yet, “Who’s life do I influence on regular basis?“

The answers to these 2 questions can be sobering. Once we have influence into someone’s life, whether we like it or not, we are in fact leading them in some way, shape or form. We’re faced with the reality that we may in fact, be leaders after all. We’re faced with the reality that leaders truly are everywhere.

What about those of us who call ourselves Christians?

Jesus Christ has given us the Gospel message, to influence the world. Choosing to outreach, evangelise and disciple others, is therefore a leadership decision.

Consider the rest of John Maxwell’s famous quote the was previously mentioned.

“Leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less. If you are being salt and light as Jesus commanded, then you have begun to obey God’s call to leadership.” (The Maxwell Leadership Bible: Lessons in Leadership from the Word of God)

Walter C. Wright, Author and Leadership Professor at Fuller Theological Seminary speaks to this thought in his book, Relational Leadership.

“If by leader we mean a person who enters into a relationship with another person to influence behaviour, values, or attitudes, then I would suggest that all Christians should be leaders. Or perhaps more accurately, all Christians should exercise leadership, attempting to make a difference in the lives of those around them.” (Relational Leadership: A Biblical Model for Influence and Service)

Remember, God can use anyone, from anywhere, to do anything.

Before the weight of this calling causes you too much anxiety, we must remember that God is always faithful to equip the people who answer his call.

Over the next 4 weeks, we’ll be exploring 4 Biblical leaders who had 4 very different stories. Each of them came from different backgrounds with different personalities; each facing a different set of challenges and adversities.

Nevertheless, they were all used to influence the world in an incredible way and became amazing leaders. All because they allowed God to use them and work through them.

Throughout this month, we’ll be looking at the following Biblical leaders. We’ll be unpacking their backgrounds, their personalities and their ability to influence the world around them.

• MOSES: The Analytical Melancholy
• ABRAHAM: The Dependable Phlegmatic
• PETER: The Expressing Sanguine
• PAUL: The Leading Choleric

CAN I HAVE YOUR FEEDBACK?

Where do you have influence? How is God calling you to lead through that area of influence?

Please comment below or share your answer on Facebook or Twitter.