Knower or a show-er or both?

Leaders need to not only know the way, but should be showing the way! It is not enough to have knowledge without being willing to share that knowledge. Too many people today, want to continue to receive, rather than give back! We as leaders sometimes forget that, if not for someone walking with us on our journey, we would not have the knowledge and experience we have gained.

If we as leaders stay in front and let those with less experience bring up the rear, we are setting ourselves up for disaster. We have the thinking that as people have watched us they have learned from us.Wrong! It is not until we humble ourselves and walk beside them that they truly learn. Why? Because we are taking the time to genuinely care for them and want nothing but God's best for their lives.

When people see that leaders truly care and they are willing to share their time and knowledge, they gain a true sense of belonging. Too many times leaders assume that because they teach and preach, people are getting it. I wish it were that easy. But it is not! Leaders need to come along side them and guide them. They need to be willing to go back to the basics even when it means tedious repetition.

Paul himself was a leader who did not mind going back to the basics. In Philippians 3:1 he wrote, Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe. He was willing to back up and go over the things he already knew to help others grow in knowledge. He was never too smart, or had he come to the place he knew it all!

Paul always spoke in terms of teaching and learning growing in the knowledge of the Lord. If we as leaders have gotten to a place in our lives where we have lost the desire of serving to learn, how can we ever expect people to step up and learn to serve. They will never know how until we stop wanting to always know the way and not be more willing to show the way!

II Timothy 2:1-2-Paul writes--You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2-And the things you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.