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"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil, for if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!". Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Leading people is no joke, and it comes with lots of influence. The same applies whether leaders are identified as good or bad, right or wrong. People tend to match the tone and exemplify the behaviors of those they identify with as their leaders. To further illustrate my point, I would like to share a true story that occurred in my military unit during basic training. 

One of our drill instructors injured his leg while off duty and returned to Paris Island wearing a boot. Because of his injury, he walked with a limp. As we continued our training, which included learning various marches, it became evident that we had a big problem. Every soldier in our platoon marched with a limp. It wasn't like we were doing it on purpose, but because our leader limped, we limped. Our drill instructor yelled, cursed, and called us names I will not put in this devotional, but we still limped because he limped, resulting in another drill instructor having to step in to finish our training. Leadership influences people in ways you can't imagine, which is one of many reasons why I've encouraged readers time and time again to be careful when it comes to whose feet you sit at for leadership and guidance, and who you rent space out to in your heart and mind. Consider leadership from various perspectives, such as within your home, local community, church, state, nationally, and globally. As a country, which tones are we matching, and what behaviors do we now exemplify? Are you proud of what we represent, or are you ashamed of it? Like my platoon, are we too walking with a limp? These are questions I believe every Christian needs to ask and answer today.    

As you prepare for what life has in store for you today, I encourage you to evaluate who and what you allow to influence you and maintain a clear space in your heart and mind. Let's pray for ourselves and the tone of leadership we set and the behaviors we demonstrate. Remember, people are watching. What we do and say does make a difference, and there's always someone willing to act upon our words. Ask God to bless us with the strength we need to hold our leaders and each other accountable in a spirit of love.  

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