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Understanding Leading and Following

Leadership is often seen as the ultimate goal—the place where influence, authority, and vision converge. But many miss a crucial truth: no one becomes a great leader without first being a great follower.

In today’s fast-paced world, young adults especially want to lead, to take charge, to make a difference. Yet, too often, they resist the wisdom of those who came before them. They want to skip the process, bypass discipline, and start directing without first learning. But true leadership is cultivated through humility, learning, and obedience—all principles deeply embedded in Scripture.

Even Jesus Followed Before He Led

If anyone had the authority to step straight into leadership, it was Jesus Christ. Yet, what did He do?

• He learned: “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52)
• He submitted: “I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of Him who sent me.” (John 6:38)
• He obeyed: “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8)

His leadership was not born out of ambition but surrender. He first followed, then He led.

The Blind Spot of Young Leaders

Many young adults today want the title of leadership but avoid the weight of preparation. They dismiss the wisdom of elders, eager to carve out their own space. But leadership without instruction leads to reckless decisions. Authority without accountability breeds arrogance. Influence without wisdom creates confusion.

The Bible warns of this impatience:
“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15)

A leader who has never followed does not understand patience. A leader who has never learned does not recognize humility. And a leader who refuses to listen will one day struggle to be heard.

The truth is no one can pour out what you have not been filled with. If you do not sit at the feet of wisdom, how can you guide those behind you? If you do not embrace learning, how can you expect to teach? The best leaders never stop being students—they are teachable, adaptable, and willing to grow.

The Seamless Transition Between Follower-ship and Leadership

Leadership and followership are not opposing forces; they are complementary and deeply intertwined. It is highly advisable to be a leader in one aspect of life, yet a follower in another. It is imperative you disciple others in faith, you are a student of God’s Word. We are always learning, always growing, always transitioning.

Paul understood this when he said:
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)

The most powerful leaders never cease to follow. They continue to seek wisdom, embrace mentorship, and humble themselves before the throne of knowledge. Leadership is not a destination—it is a journey.

Conclusion: The Call to Follow First

So, the question is not simply, “Are you a leader or a follower?” but rather, “Are you willing to follow first so that you lead well?”

To every aspiring leader, the challenge is clear:

• Humble yourself. “Before honor comes humility.” (Proverbs 15:33)
• Sit at the feet of wisdom. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10)
• Absorb truth, then dispense it. “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness.” (Psalm 86:11)

For when the moment comes for you to lead, you will not lead from arrogance, but from knowledge. Not from assumption, but from experience. Not from ambition, but from wisdom. And that is the mark of a true leader.

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