The study of leadership is one that is as conflicted as it is popular. There is often more discussion and debate about leadership than there is real demonstration of it. Like every subject, what we believe about the life and influence of a leader should be guided by what God teaches in His Word. Only the Bible provides the theological foundation and the philosophical framework for lessons on leadership.

This should not merely be a subject of interest to pastors and those who hold “official” positions of leadership. Real spiritual leadership is not a position or a title – it is influence used for God’s intent. The Lord Jesus Christ designed it so that all who follow Him are to be leading others to do the same. This means that ALL of us must discover and apply these principles in our own context.

In a home, at work, with friends, through making disciples – all of God’s children are to be following Christ and leading others closer to Him. In the words of the Apostle Paul, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). One of my doctoral professors in seminary wrote extensively on the fact that every leader is a “follower first.” As we become better followers we become better leaders.

But, what is the leader’s most sacred work?

Leaders are busy people, and by nature can be distracted people. There is always much to do, many people, and little time. In the hurry of it all it is easy to miss the work that is most important to God.

I have been reading through the life of Moses again recently and have been struck by how often he prayed for those he led. There were millions of followers and a myriad of problems, but again and again through the Pentateuch we have Moses taking the role of intercessor. At every turn in the wilderness he is pleading for his people and presenting their needs to the One who alone has the power to meet them. This was Moses’ most sacred work.

This is what Jesus did for His followers…it is what He continues to do for His followers! He worked, He taught, He exemplified, but do not miss the simple fact that He prayed. Our Lord prayed then (John 17), and He prays now (Hebrews 7:25). One Bible commentator observed that in many ways His whole life was an intercession. Isaiah 53:12 says, “…he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” This was Christ’s most sacred work.

Study the life of Paul, a man who led many to the Lord. His letters are full of spiritual instruction and encouragement. But each are seasoned with the intercessory prayers of a man who understood that unless God worked in the lives of others all of his words and works were in vain. (Spend some time in Paul’s prayers in 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12, Colossians 1:9-14, Philippians 1:9-11, and Ephesians 1:15-23, 3:14-21.) This was Paul’s most sacred work.

The most sacred work of any leader is not planning direction, making decisions, or delivering messages. His most sacred work is done in private – it is the work of intercessory prayer. As we pray God works in them, for us, and through all circumstances. Prayer declares that God alone is the Leader and we are all simply following Him.

Who are you called on to lead? Make a list of those God has entrusted to your influence and instruction. Then, by God’s grace, determine to spend more time interceding to God for them. You will find that your prayers accomplish more than all your other efforts and that, as you pray, all of your other work is divinely blessed. This is the leader’s most sacred work.