By Ty | Encouraged by Faith
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A faith-filled devotional about following Christ before leading others, building a personal relationship with God, and leading with humility, obedience, and faith.
One thing I know for sure is this: before I can lead anyone else, I must first have a personal relationship with Christ. Leadership does not start with being in front of people — it starts with following Jesus.
God has really placed this on my heart. How can I encourage others to follow Christ if I’m not following Him myself? How can I point people in the right direction if I’m not walking that direction daily?
Before God calls us to lead, He calls us to sit at His feet, learn from Him, trust Him, and walk with Him. Everything flows from that personal relationship. When our foundation is solid in Christ, leadership becomes a natural overflow — not pressure, not performance, but purpose.
I’ve made up my mind that I want to follow Christ fully. Not just talk about Him. Not just read about Him. But truly walk with Him. And as I follow Him, I want my life to point others toward Him as well.
Leadership Begins With Relationship
Following Christ while leading others starts with a relationship, not a position. It’s not about having a title, being seen, or being in charge. It’s about knowing God for yourself.
When you have a real relationship with Christ, it shows. It shows in how you talk, how you treat people, how you respond when things don’t go your way, and how you handle pressure. People don’t need perfect leaders — they need real ones who are walking with God.
“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
— Matthew 4:19 (KJV)
Jesus didn’t say, “Lead first and then follow.” He said, “Follow me.” Leading comes after following.
You Can’t Lead Where You’re Not Willing to Go
I’ve learned that you can’t lead people where you’re not willing to go yourself. You can’t encourage others to trust God if you’re not trusting Him. You can’t tell people to stay on track if you’re not staying on track.
That doesn’t mean we’ll be perfect. It means we’re committed. It means we’re willing to grow, be corrected, and keep choosing God even when it’s uncomfortable.
Leading others means being honest about your journey — the victories, the struggles, and the lessons learned along the way. God uses real obedience, not perfection.
God Is the Greatest Leader
God is the greatest leader there is. He leads with truth, love, patience, and faithfulness. He doesn’t lie. He doesn’t fail. He doesn’t change based on emotions or circumstances.
“God is not a man, that he should lie.”
— Numbers 23:19 (KJV)
When I follow God, I’m following someone who always keeps His word. That’s the kind of leadership I want to reflect — leadership rooted in truth, integrity, and faith.
Leading by Example, Not Control
True leadership isn’t about controlling people. It’s about setting an example. It’s about obedience, humility, and consistency. It’s about living out your faith in a way that others can see God at work.
“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
— 1 Corinthians 11:1 (KJV)
That scripture reminds me that our example matters. People are watching how we live, not just what we say.
Humility Keeps God at the Center
Even while leading others, I want God to receive all the glory. I’m not the source — I’m just the vessel. Without Him, I wouldn’t have the strength, wisdom, or courage to do anything He’s calling me to do.
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God.”
— 1 Peter 5:6 (KJV)
Humility keeps our hearts in the right place and allows God to trust us with more responsibility.
Helping Others Come to Christ
God doesn’t want us to follow Him quietly. He wants us to help others come to Him, too. That doesn’t always mean preaching. Sometimes it means listening. Sometimes it means encouraging. Sometimes it means simply being present.
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.”
— Matthew 28:19 (KJV)
Leadership looks like compassion. Leadership looks like pointing someone back to God when they feel lost. Leadership looks like reminding others that God is always near.
Staying on Track While Leading
Leading others doesn’t mean we stop growing. I still need prayer. I still need guidance. I still need God to check my heart.
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
— Proverbs 3:5 (KJV)
Following Christ daily keeps us aligned, grounded, and focused on what truly matters.
Devotional Reflection
Following Christ while leading others is a daily commitment. Leadership is not about being seen — it’s about being surrendered.
When we stay close to Christ, our leadership flows naturally. Our words carry weight. Our actions reflect love. Our lives point others back to God.
You don’t have to have everything figured out to lead. You just have to be willing to follow Jesus faithfully, one step at a time.
Encouragement for Future Leaders
If God has placed leadership on your heart, start by following Him. Spend time in His Word. Pray daily. Ask Him to guide your steps.
Leadership grows as your relationship with God grows.
More Encouragement & Prayer Support
If this message encouraged you, you can find more faith-filled content in my Encouragement Corner, where I share messages to strengthen your walk with God.
If you’re looking for prayer and devotional support, visit the Prayers & Devotionals page for Scripture-based prayers and reflections to help you stay encouraged and spiritually grounded.
Reflection Questions
- How is your personal relationship with Christ right now?
- What areas of your life is God calling you to grow in as a leader?
- How can your daily walk point others more clearly to Christ?
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for calling me to follow You before leading others. Help me build a strong personal relationship with You so I can reflect Your love, truth, and faithfulness. Teach me to lead with humility, patience, and obedience. May everything I do bring glory to Your name and point others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ty
Encouraged by Faith 🤍
I find the way I build my relationship with God is through prayer and reading the word. The more I read the more I love God. Especially as the head of the household it is imperative to have a strong relationship. In this space I am the follower of God FIRST. We must learn to follow before we lead. The individual time with God my wife and I have allows us to come together to lead our children spiritually and naturally
Love this, thank you for sharing. As leaders, we definitely need to practice what we preach.