Who are your personal heroes? Not sports or entertainment heroes. Who are the people you admire and base your life on? Ministry mentor Fred Smith says, “One’s character is largely determined by those whom they follow.”

In a letter to his personal hero, Smith highlighted some lessons he learned from this leader:

  • Duty fulfillment – Do we have a sense of duty that motivates us to complete the task with excellence… as unto God?
  • The excitement of accomplishment – Do we feel excited when we see things completed to the best of our ability? Do we thank the Lord for empowering us to serve Him and fulfill His purpose?

As the Lord gives us opportunities to serve and lead, we should recognize that others are watching and learning—even copying—what we do and how we do it. I know that can be a little frightening. If we realize we’re examples for others, it can become a driving force.

Leadership expert John Maxwell states, “Real leadership is being the person others will gladly and confidently follow.” That ought to spur us on in the important role the Lord has given us.

The Apostle Paul led by example. Yes, he sent letters of instruction to Timothy, Paul’s apprentice. But he primarily demonstrated the personal qualities others should follow. After instructing the Corinthians on how they should conduct their lives, the Apostle boldly stated, “… you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1 NLT).

I recently revisited the classic leadership book by Peter Drucker, who is often recognized as the founder of modern management. In The Effective Executive, Drucker highlights the qualities that make a true leader worth emulating. He also discusses the difference between efficiency and effectiveness.

“Efficiency is getting a lot of things done, while effectiveness is choosing and getting the right things done.”

Drucker humorously followed that thought with this insight: “There’s nothing quite so useless as doing with great efficiency what should not be done at all.”

As Fred Smith points out, “One’s character is largely determined by those whom they follow.” And at the same time, our lives and leadership influence those who look to us as mentors.

Yes, it can be a bit intimidating to realize that others are patterning their lives after ours. But knowing we serve as examples can be a motivating force. And it helps us stay mindful of our need to follow Jesus in every area of our lives.

As Fred Smith said, “It’s not egotistical to want to live a life worth following.”

God’s best,