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Being obedient to God may cost you important relationships. Leadership, by its very nature, makes you stand alone from time to time because of your distinctive vision, principles and decisions.

Dr. Myles Munroe shares in his book “Becoming a Leader:”

“Leadership is lonely, because to lead means you must be out in front, ahead of the followers. Also, because the leader is the one with the guiding vision and purpose, he sees the end from the beginning and must live both the process and destination, all at the same time.”

Leaders must realize that the decisions they make may not be politically correct, or even ones that reflect the hearts of the majority. However, since the leader is the visionary, it is important that the vision is pursued despite the friendships and relationships that may be lost in the process. There were times where Jesus’ preaching and teaching alienated Him from many of His followers, yet it never detracted Him from His mission. After one of his sermons (John 6:60-69), many stopped following Jesus because of His life-giving message. This will happen to every leader.

So the loneliness phase is part of the development of every leader. In this phase, you will learn to trust God to the point that if every one leaves and forsakes you, you remain confident, knowing that it is God who called and ordained you. And even in the worst-case scenario, if all your friends should leave you, you will have the assurance that God will never leave nor forsake you. His promises clearly state that whatever we lose for the Gospel’s sake shall be restored to us supernaturally:

“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” — Matthew 19:29

I want to hear from you. Please let me know what you thought about this week’s blog entry. If you have any areas that you want me to share about, please feel free to let me know.

Applying wisdom to everyday life for extraordinary results,

Victor Nazario

As an example, Let’s look to Paul and Timothy’s relationship. It is wonderful to read about their special “father-son” ministry relationship. It indeed was a special relationship that serves as a model for us all. On various occasions, Paul called Timothy a ‘faithful son’.

The Apostle Paul personally taught Timothy. Timothy spent extended seasons with Paul, following his steps and serving alongside him. Timothy learned how the Apostle Paul thought, spoke, prayed, rationalized, and lived out his life. Eventually, their relationship grew into a wonderful and effective partnership:

“To Timothy, a beloved son:” — 2 Timothy 1:2 “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” — 2 Timothy 2:1-3

The verse above shows how Paul allowed Timothy to spend time with him. Timothy listened to Paul preach and teach to the extent that Paul was able to instruct Timothy to entrust or commit what he had heard to other faithful men. The two books of Timothy attest to how personal and tender Paul’s relationship was with Timothy.

As a good teacher, Paul also reminded Timothy to stir up the gifts that were in him through impartation. (2 Timothy 1:6-7)

Timothy, like Paul, had ample opportunities to share in the apostolic blessings as well as in the sufferings and rejection Paul had endured. Paul recognized this in his spiritual son who had faithfully followed and learned from him.

Their ‘father-son’ relationship caused Paul to trust Timothy to the point that he could send Timothy to minister in his place (Philippians 2:19-24).

Paul could not trust other men this way. Timothy followed and learned from him, so his mentor was able to see various characteristics in Timothy:

Timothy had developed the same mindset and purpose as his teacher.
Timothy genuinely cared for others.
Timothy had a proven character and testimony.
Timothy effective served alongside his leader.
Timothy was faithful.
Timothy was teachable.

Ultimately, those who know how to follow great leaders become great leaders themselves. They can expect great rewards in the future.

You see the same benefits in the lives of Joshua, who served alongside Moses; Elisha, who was discipled by Elijah, and the disciples, who were personally taught by the Master Mentor, the Lord Jesus.

We can recognize the following benefits of mentorship/leadership in the lives of those who connect with Godly and effective leaders:

Faithful students learn from their leaders through relationship.
They receive an impartation of knowledge and experience from their leaders.
They are not only connected with their leaders, but are in covenant with the Lord.
They become examples to others in the faith.

Remember, your relationships determine how high you go in life and ministry.

Applying wisdom to everyday life for extraordinary results,

Victor Nazario

Do you want to be a leader? Get ready then to stand alone from time to time.

Your relationships determine how high you go in life and ministry