“Every soldier must know, before he goes into battle, how the little battle he is to fight fits into the larger picture, and how the success of his fighting will influence the battle as a whole.”  ~ Bernard Law Montgomery

Leadership requires sacrifice.  There is a cost to being an effective leader and you must be willing to pay the price.  Great leaders are servant leaders who often make personal sacrifices for the sake of their team and their cause.  Servant leaders always go the extra mile. 

People follow the leader because the leader goes first. The leader sets the direction as well as the pace; but most importantly, the leader sets the example.  The standards accepted by the team are established by the habits of the leader.

A great leadership word picture in Scripture is that of “a good soldier”.  This example has personal significance for many of us.  We are so very proud and grateful to all the good soldiers who served our country as well as those who serve today.  We enjoy security and freedom because of their sacrifice.  The Apostle Paul uses the example of “a good soldier” to call us into active duty for Jesus Christ.

Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.  (2 Timothy 2:3-4 NASB)

As a Christian leader, you are called to be “a good soldier” for Jesus Christ.  Stand firm in your convictions and fight the good fight.  Put on the full armor of God so you can stand against the schemes of the devil.  Set the example of “a good soldier” for those who follow you.  Make the sacrifice, pay the price, go the extra mile and serve your team well.

All good soldiers make sacrifices to bring security and freedom to others.  The same is true of you as a Christian leader in your organization.  Give your team hope and encouragement and they will feel secure in your leadership.  Give them trust and respect and they will feel valued by you.  Your team members will be empowered and committed to do whatever it takes to follow you well if they have a sense of security and freedom.  Serve them well and they will serve you well. 

Good soldiers have self-discipline.  They stay true to the mission and make sure they are well prepared to get the job done.  Good soldiers never quit.

Finally, remember you are serving the one who enlisted you.  When you serve others well you serve Jesus Christ well.  As you follow the example of Jesus in how you serve others, you will bring glory to God. As the leader, you set the standard.  The people you lead are watching and ready to follow your example. Set the standard high by being “a good soldier” for Jesus Christ in your leadership today.