Called to Lead
“He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ and he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.’” John 21:17 (ESV)
The Gospel of John records Christ’s conversation calling on the Apostle Peter to “feed His Sheep.” Christ Jesus called on Peter to tend the flock. He challenged Him to selflessly serve those Christ Jesus loved, leading and investing his life into Christ’s own.
Peter was very aware of his own denial of Christ Jesus. Christ gave Peter the mantle of leadership responsibility for those Christ loved. Peter was ready, cognizant of his accountability to Christ.
In leading our families, our communities, and organizations, we will find ourselves failing to meet our own expectations of leadership. Leaders are not immune from failure. We drive to excellence, as we address our personal weaknesses, develop as leaders and strengthen in personal character.
As leaders we must hold ourselves accountable to others. We must consistently engage in our responsibility for the welfare of those we serve, driving them to excellence beyond failure. As leaders we tend the flock, care, guard and selflessly serve those beyond our own.
Address your weaknesses, pivot from your strengths, be accountable to others. Look beyond your leadership failures and take on the mantle of leadership responsibility. Tend the flock.
Answer the Call to Lead.