Do You Lead From the Inside Out?

Do You Lead From the Inside Out?

I can remember those days as if they were yesterday—building luxury homes in the suburbs of north Dallas to support my family during the grad school years. Studying theology one day, driving nails the next.

While I had always enjoyed building things as a kid, my first day on the job was an eye-opener. One of my first discoveries was that I had a very limited set of tools. My small gun-metal gray Craftsmen toolbox didn’t quite make the grade. I was outmatched and outsized by journeymen carpenters who had to call on a one-ton pickup truck to transport their tools to the jobsite.

No debate—tools are essential.

A carpenter needs a hammer. A plumber needs a wrench. An accountant needs a calculator. A surgeon needs a scalpel.

But what about a LEADER?

If you’ve been at the leadership task for any length of time, you realize more and more that a leader’s greatest tool, his greatest asset, is his life. Leaders ultimately lead with their lives. The undeniable pattern is inside out. God works IN you and then He works THROUGH you.

Leaders ultimately lead with their lives. The undeniable pattern is inside out. God works IN you and then He works THROUGH you.

I love how this reality is showcased in the lives of Peter and John, a couple of first-century leaders. The religious VIPs of the day were shell-shocked by the boldness that Peter and John displayed. At first glance, they accurately took note that they were ordinary men without many bullet points on their curriculum vitae. But that wasn’t the whole story. On closer examination, they recognized them as “men who had been with Jesus”. That is to say, there was something about their walk with Jesus that was reflected in the impact of their lives and leadership.

That’s worth thinking about. What happens to you when you are around leaders who “have been with Jesus”? Chances are good that you are encouraged. Refreshed. Blessed. Inspired. Challenged.

Mark it down: The weight of your leadership is in direct proportion to the depth of your character. And character is built over time in the life of a leader who consistently pursues a relationship with Christ.

The weight of your leadership is in direct proportion to the depth of your character.

Let’s cut to the chase. What do people say about YOUR leadership? Would the focus of their assessment be about your resumes or your portfolio or your trophy case of accomplishments?

Or would they say, “There’s a person who walks with Jesus”?

Chuck Olson
Founder | Lead With Your Life