Day 25: Bold Leadership is Revolutionary Leadership

At the end of yesterday’s devotion, I said this:

“Your Lazarus moment may not gain applause, but it may start a revolution. Keep showing up, serving, and leading well.”

That’s where we are today. What does it mean to be a revolutionary leader, whether as a parent, coach, pastor, CEO, or anything in between?

The idea is exciting! Many of us long to be revolutionary—to make bold moves, break molds, or launch the next viral idea. We chase innovation and idolize originality. The “good idea fairy” often accompanies us into meetings and brainstorming sessions.

But here’s the danger:

In our pursuit of what’s “next,” we lose sight of what’s “now.”

Don’t Skip the Basics

I remember sitting in a meeting where my friend pitched his next big innovation. His heart was in the right place because he wanted to serve his customers and followers with the best tech available, but the executive abruptly stopped him and asked:

“What about the product you had us buy last month? How’s that working?”

“What about this computer’s basic functionality? Why isn't that working?”

Then he started listing the projects my friend had already launched. Many of them were unfinished, some broken, and all were distracting from core needs.

At first, I sighed. This leader seemed short-sighted and impertinent. But the more I reflected, the more I realized he was right.

We can become so obsessed with revolution that we ignore the reason we started in the first place: to serve people well.

Jesus Was a Revolutionary

Jesus was the most revolutionary leader in history, and He never lost focus.

He didn’t change the world through hype, trends, or flashy innovation. He did it through love, obedience, truth, and sacrifice. He turned systems on their head. His decisions weren't exactly popular, but they were purposeful.

• He challenged the religious elite, not to stir chaos, but to defend righteousness (Matthew 23).
• He restored dignity to outcasts, like the woman at the well (John 4), the woman caught in adultery (John 8), and lepers and Gentiles considered unclean.
• He elevated the lowly and silenced the prideful with clarity, consistency, and compassion.

How Do We Lead Like Jesus?

1. Be Brilliant in the Basics

This is twofold:

• First, master your craft. Whether you’re leading a household or a boardroom, show up prepared.
• Second, meet basic needs before attempting dramatic change. If your team lacks clarity or your family lacks unity, don’t start with grand vision statements; begin with listening, clarity, and care.

2. Strategically Challenge the Norm

Jesus didn’t rock the boat for fun. Yes, He overturned tables (Mark 11:15–17). However, this seemingly provocative action was to defend God's holiness.

Revolutionary leaders ask:

“Am I challenging this system because it’s broken, or am I challenging it for other reasons (e.g., attention)?”

Change is necessary, but strategic disruption is more powerful than aimless rebellion.

3. Use What You Have

Though He could have, Jesus didn’t always pull miracles from thin air. He often started with what was already there.

• He used jars and water at the wedding (John 2).
• He fed the masses with a boy’s lunch (John 6).
• He used mud and spit to heal (John 9).
• He taught from a borrowed boat (Luke 5:3) and was buried in a borrowed tomb (Luke 23:50–53).

Your revolution doesn’t need a massive budget or a million followers. Start with what God’s already given you and move with faith.

4. Stay Focused on the Mission

Jesus was never distracted by fame, fortune, or fads.

“My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me.”

-John 4:34 (NLT)

Don’t be a “shiny object” leader who always chases trends, tools, or temporary attention. Revolutionary leadership is quietly relentless and rooted in a mission that matters.

The Foundational Truth

Revolutionary leaders don’t chase "change" for attention. They build legacies through obedience, sacrifice, and purpose. Whether you’re washing feet, feeding thousands, or leading a quiet family through a chaotic world, your bold obedience can spark a revolution.

Start where you are, and remember: the most powerful revolutions begin in the heart.