What a great line this is! Leaders separate themselves from others by acting differently, by being different. It is not accurate to say that a leader is defined y the number of followers. These situations involve power, not leadership (at least to the leader). Great leaders simply do things differently and may be unaware or indifferent about followers.
Leaders are often alone. Since they do things that are unusual, they can stand out from the crowd. Now, to be an effective Christian leader you don’t stand out simply by doing different things. You stand out by following God and chasing his plan for you.
We can be leaders at every level of our lives. We first can, and must, lead our selves. Self discipline and a willingness to change are keys to self leadership.
The next level is in family. We choose to a different kind of father, a different kind of mother, brother, sister, cousin. In these ways we lead within our families.
Next we lead in our community and at work. We set ourselves aside from others when we chase the will of God in these settings. We are mindful that standing out (notice the relationship that phrase has to “outstanding”) will draw attention of different kinds.
Some may seek to downgrade us. Others will see our leadership. Some, particular insecure leadership may seek to block you. But r rally, if you are chasing God”s will and he is on your side, who can stand before you!
Finally we may be called to lead in larger ways. Public service, politics, in the social structures and institutions around us. All the while we are simply following God. No matter the level of our leadership, we simply follow and seek God’s will.
Mark K.