Building Blocks for Life:

Being a Leader

Defined•A leader is “the person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country.”

Memory Verses•The memory verses for this lesson come from the words of Jesus and the pen of Paul (Matt. 5:16; 1 Tim. 4:12).

Matthew 5:16• Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

1 Timothy 4:12•Paul said, “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.”

Positive Examples•Shadrach & His Companions•Esther

Shadrach & His Companions

•Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego demonstrated leadership in refusing to bow before the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar erected on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon(Dan. 1:6-7; 2:46-49; 3:1-30).

Esther•Esther demonstrated leadership in coming (uninvited) before the Persian king Ahasuerus (Xerxes), in order to save the Jews from the wicked plot of Haman (Esth. 3-4).

Negative Examples•King Saul•King Herod

King Saul•King Saul demonstrated a lack of leadership in blaming the people for his own failure to obey God (1 Sam. 15:1-35).

King Herod•King Herod demonstrated a lack of leadership in allowing himself to be manipulated into ordering the execution of John the Baptist (Mark 6:17-29).

Application•How can I show leadership

• at church?

• at home?

• at play?

• at school?

Conclusion & Challenge•Am I willing to follow Jesus, standing up for what is right, even in the face of opposition or persecution?•Am I willing to accept responsibility for my actions, and not blame others formy own bad behavior?