Very early in my career as a software engineer, I found myself in charge. Being the boss of another person, let alone several men who were older and more experienced, was new to me. I knew nothing about leading and felt overwhelmed and intimidated.

My uncle, who also had been my boss on a few occasions, advised me just to continue doing whatever got me into that position of leadership. He was one of the best bosses I’d ever had so I took his advice. When the challenges of leadership weighed on me, I reminded myself of my values. I arrived on time, worked hard, listened attentively, and thought carefully before speaking. And I expected those who reported to me to do the same. It didn’t matter that I was younger than them or that I was a woman.

Good work is ageless and genderless. It should also be recognized independent of nationality, ethnicity, economic status, religion, or any other metric irrelevant to the job at hand. Good, respected leaders show what they expect from their followers by exhibiting the desired behavior.

“Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” (1 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭12,‬ ‭CSB)‬‬

As a follower of Jesus, my every day behavior is very important. Ultimately, it matters more than my age, gender, looks, or social status. These things may be used to judge me at first, but if I am consistent in my behavior, people will come to a new conclusion.

If people hear me say loving, generous, and uplifting things, their hearts may be softened. If they see me do generous, kind, and self-sacrificial things, they may change their own ways. If they observe me honoring God in my priorities, they may wonder about this God and want to know more about Him. Leading by example is the most effective kind of leadership.

Dear God, thank you for the opportunities you have given me to be in positions of leadership. Thank you for being with me in those times with much-needed, wise advice. Help me to continue to live my life as though I am a leader, leading people to you.