When you hear the word, “leader,” what comes to mind? A strong personality? An outgoing person that can pull people towards them like a magnet? An extrovert who never meets a stranger? Probably.

In our world today, it typically is the one who speaks the loudest that garners the most attention and gets what they want. Would you believe me if I told you that leaders can be introverts? Quiet personalities that fly under the radar, yet have influence in other ways?

I have found that the world’s definition of things is usually skewed and off centered, and God doesn’t follow the culture.

I truly believe that every believer has the ability to be a leader regardless of the personality they possess.

See, we all have our circle. Our people group that we associate with. These are the people we encounter daily, interact with regularly, and communicate with often.

My people group, and your people group, are not the same. And within that people group are those that value your opinion, your voice, your views. Just as there are those in my people group who do the same.

This is where our leadership becomes valuable. Those that value what you have to say will be listening to you when you speak on things that are important to them. They will listen when you raise concerns, share your heart, or express your opinion.

We live in a world that chooses leaders based on how loud they can be and how much they can promise (even if they can’t fulfill those promises). Perhaps it’s time we look for leaders that are dedicated to truth, admit mistakes, and do what is right even if it means they lose some of their following. Maybe it’s time, especially as believers, to follow leaders that are pursuing God with all their heart at all times, not just when the spotlight is on, not just when the way is easy, not just when the crowd is following.

Perhaps it’s time we all realize that we are leaders in some way. Someone is always listening, watching, and taking note of how we live, how we work, what we say, what we do…

The question is, will you point them to Jesus or to your personal feelings and thought? Will you direct them to truth or will you direct them to your side? Will you step up and lead in the capacity God has granted you, or will you follow another’s lead that takes you away from truth? Sometimes this is the true test of a good leader.

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17