Easy to Follow: Trading Toxic Leadership for the Way of JesusSample

Becoming Easy to Follow

Early in my leadership journey, I thought results were the ultimate measure of success. I devoured every leadership book I could find—most of them focused on positional power and commanding outcomes. So I led with drive. I pushed hard. And often, it worked—on the surface.

But deep down, I knew something wasn’t right. I wasn’t helping people discover their God-given purpose—I was not a leader who was easy to follow. And while the results looked good on paper, good metrics are not God's only measure of success.

Then I did something that changed everything: I opened a Bible concordance and searched for what Scripture says about leadership. What I found surprised me. Leadership isn’t mentioned much. Jesus never identified himself as a “leader.” He didn’t hold training seminars on influence or cast vision through whiteboards and charts. Instead, he gave a simple, compelling invitation: “Follow me.”

In Matthew 20, James and John’s mother asked Jesus to give her sons positions of power in his kingdom. It's a very human request—who wouldn't want success, security, and a seat of honor for their children? But Jesus lovingly told her she didn’t understand what she was asking. His kingdom doesn’t operate like the world’s systems of influence.

He called the disciples together and flipped the leadership model on its head. "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them... Not so with you" (Matthew 20:25–26, NIV). In the kingdom of God, greatness doesn’t come from a leadership role—it comes from service.

“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28, NIV). That’s the model.

Leadership Jesus' way is not about status or titles. It’s about self-sacrifice. It’s about laying down our preferences, our egos, and our ambitions for the good of others. It’s not about being the highest on the ladder—it’s about being willing to kneel and wash feet.

We have a choice: We can try to blend secular leadership principles with sacred calling. Or we can follow Jesus’ example with courage and conviction. If Jesus disagrees with your favorite leadership podcast, then it’s time to follow the Savior, not the influencer.

The real goal of leadership isn’t to look like a better leader. It’s to look like Jesus. And when you see more of his character reflected in the mirror—humility, clarity, compassion, service—you’ll know you’re on the right track.

Reflection Questions:

1. When you think about your leadership, is it shaped more by culture or by Christ?

2. Are there ways you’ve prioritized results over people?

3. How can you serve those you lead this week—even when it costs you?