Leaders Go FIRST!

As kids, teachers always had small jobs and task for their students to voluntarily perform. There was the board eraser, name taker, errand person and most popular, probably was the line leader. The line leader had the distinct privilege of standing and walking ahead of everyone else and being the first person to enter the hallway, cafeteria, library and other outside classroom excursions. Well, as these students aged and moved into adulthood, some possibly have carried the "line leader" leadership role into their adult lives. While tasks began smaller and more concise, as adults those leadership roles have increased and became multidimensional in duty and responsibility. What do adults eagerly "stand in line" to do or perform?
Leaders display many good qualities and can easily be detected by their behavior and role in society. But one thing has not changed....Leaders still go FIRST!
Leaders, actually have become givers at the adult stage, who give their time, talents and presence for the sake of other larger causes. So now, they are more than leaders, but givers as well.
As we read about various Biblical activity, we find the same principles to be true.
They are as follows:
*Leaders (givers) go FIRST!
*Leader (givers) receive a return.
*The return may not be immediate.
*Giving does not keep us from misfortune(risk involved).
*If you do not give, one cannot expect a return.
*The return will be "in proportion to" your giving.
*The motive for giving is love for God.
Being a leader, causes one to offer, support and give in many ways. Leading in many ways, does not come without sacrifice regardless, as to if we are leading ourselves or others. Philippians 2:2-11, shares with us, how Jesus Christ was the ultimate example of servant leadership. He made the ultimate sacrifice to take on the lower form of the creation, being human while he was empowered with the benefits of His Superior Father. In the book of Ruth, Boaz (the leader) did not keep score of all he gave for Ruth, but just kept giving for her benefit. We can't lead without giving (and in Boaz's case, love).
If you or someone you know is a leader, understand they have chosen to "lead a line", rather than trail it. There are sacrifices, work and giving often required. We have many great examples and now, understand what is happening when Leaders go FIRST!