“Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.” – 1 Peter 5:3 (NLT)
A few years ago, two men, Ben and Perry, led ministries in the same city. Both were gifted communicators, both could quote Scripture fluently, and both had people looking to them for guidance. But over time, the impact of their leadership couldn’t have been more different.
Ben was quick-witted, relatable, and always had a crowd around him. But behind the scenes, he carried habits he never dealt with — overeating to the point where his health was visibly suffering, casual profanity when the pressure was high, and a tendency to laugh off his impatience and temper as “just the way I am.” His followers noticed. Some began to make little compromises in their own life. Surely if Ben could, they could. Others excused their own habits, saying, “Well, we’re not perfect — Ben’s not either.” Without realizing it, Ben’s visible struggles had become permission for others to lower their standards.
Perry was different. He wasn’t perfect — he’d be the first to admit that — but he guarded his example like it was part of his calling, because it was. He kept his prayer life consistent, studied God’s Word daily, treated his body as a gift to be stewarded, and when he did stumble, he repented openly and made changes. His leadership wasn’t flashy, but it was steady. People who followed him didn’t just remember his sermons; they remembered his consistency. They’d say things like, “When I feel like slacking, I think of how Perry lives. It makes me want to step up.”
In time, both men left a legacy — but one left behind a culture of excuses, and the other left behind a culture of spiritual growth, consistency, and fruitful leadership.
Leadership is never neutral. People will rise or fall to the level of the example they follow. That’s why Scripture calls us to lead “by our own good example.” Words matter, but example is what sticks.
As leaders, we must ask ourselves:
• Am I living in such a way that others are inspired to grow closer to Christ?
• Are there habits in my life that, if left unchecked, could give others an excuse to compromise?
As Christians, our lives do matter. We are called to be a light and an example of Jesus to the world. Of course, we will stumble. That is a given. But, will we grow past our stumbling into a godly example of Jesus? As developing and budding Christians leaders, our example and lifestyle matters—more and more as time goes on. The truth is, your example is shaping someone’s standard right now. Let it draw them higher.
Philippians 3:17 (NIV) "Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you."
Prayer: Lord, help me never forget that my example is a powerful influence. May the way I live make it easier, not harder, for others to follow You. Let my words and my life be in harmony, so that those who watch me see a path worth walking. Amen.
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