Key Verse:
“Set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”
— 1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV)

Devotional Summary:

In every fight, there’s someone who sets the pace. Someone who controls the ring, commands the respect, leads the charge. That’s what leadership looks like — not barking orders from the corner, but stepping into the center of the action and setting the tone.

You may not feel like a leader. Maybe no one ever told you that you could be one. But listen — if you follow Jesus, people are already watching you.
Your younger siblings. Your teammates. The new kid at the gym. The way you speak, the way you act, the way you treat others — you’re leading whether you realize it or not.

Look at Joshua. When Moses passed the torch, God told Joshua: “Be strong and courageous… Do not be afraid, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) Joshua didn’t wait for permission — he stepped into the fight. He led God’s people into battle, into blessing, into purpose. Not because he was perfect — but because he was faithful.

Leadership is not about being loud — it’s about being consistent.

• Be the one who prays first.
• Be the one who speaks truth.
• Be the one who walks away when it gets wild.
• Be the one who sets the temperature instead of reacting to it.

Real leaders lead from the front — with grit, grace, and God at their side.

Discussion Questions:

• Do you think of yourself as a leader? Why or why not?
• Who has influenced you the most — and what made their leadership matter?
• What are some ways you can set an example this week?
• Why is consistency more powerful than popularity?

Challenge for the Week:

Choose one place where you will lead by example: home, school, gym, or church. Write down how you’ll lead in:

• Speech
• Conduct
• Love
• Faith
• Purity

Pray this aloud:
“God, I don’t want to follow the crowd — I want to lead with courage. Help me to lead from the front and represent You with strength and honor.”

You don’t have to be famous to lead. Just faithful. Set the tone — and the others will follow.