The most effective form of leadership is setting an example. Particularly in the face of difficulty. This verse makes it clear that living a life of great character is also great leadership. People are watching. More importantly, God is watching. The Bible sees a life lived with great character as fully integrated, even transcending to the next life. Living the small things as God directs is like pieces of a mosaic that come together to create a masterpiece that glorifies its Maker.
Effective leadership requires leading by example. Therefore it can’t be exercised in silos. Effective leadership takes place in community.
People are always watching. Does our Sunday behavior differ from our weekday behavior? Does our behavior at home differ from our behavior at work? We should live our lives as an integrated whole. We want to exercise the leadership of good examples every day.
We often think of leadership as gaining and exercising authority. But that is a very small aspect of leadership. Exercising authority is usually a small part of our day and takes place in a silo. On the other hand, setting an example happens all day long, and is the kind of leadership that can awaken others to their calling. It can build the kind of teamwork Christ asked us to exercise as his followers. This begins with each of us embracing the responsibility of walking faithfully wherever we are and whatever we do, exercising stewardship within the circumstances we have been granted.
“Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.”
– 1 Peter 2:12