Who is Leading You?

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In a world filled with countless voices, influences, and distractions, the question every believer must ask themselves daily is: “Who is leading me?” Leadership is not just about direction; it’s about influence, authority, trust, and allegiance. Whether we admit it or not, we are all being led—by someone, something, or some internal desire. As followers of Christ, we must constantly assess whether the One leading us is truly Jesus Christ, or if we have unknowingly allowed other forces to take the lead in our lives.

The Necessity of Leadership

Human beings were created to be led. From the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were given instructions by God, showing that divine leadership was God’s original design for humanity. When they chose to listen to the serpent instead of God, chaos and sin entered the world. This illustrates a crucial point: who leads you determines your destiny.

Leadership is about more than control—it’s about whose voice shapes your thoughts, decisions, and actions. In John 10:27, Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” A true believer is known by who they listen to and who they follow.

Competing Voices

In our generation, believers are faced with many competing voices:

• The voice of the flesh that says, “Please yourself.”
• The voice of the world that says, “Follow the trend.”
• The voice of Satan that says, “Did God really say…?”
• The voice of reason that says, “It doesn’t make sense.”
• The voice of friends or family who may not be aligned with God’s will.
• The voice of fear that says, “What if it doesn’t work?”
• The voice of culture that promotes compromise.

Amid all these voices, how do we identify the voice of God?

Jesus gives the answer in John 10. He said the sheep know the shepherd’s voice and a stranger’s voice they will not follow. That means intimacy with the shepherd—Jesus—is the key to discerning His voice.

Signs You Are Being Led by Christ

1. You Seek His Word Before Making Decisions.
   Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” If you’re led by Christ, you value His Word above your feelings or opinions. His Word becomes the map for your life journey.
2. You Pray Consistently for Guidance.
   A believer who seeks divine leadership is a person of prayer. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and He will direct your paths.” Prayer invites God to take the lead.
3. You Are Willing to Obey, Even When It’s Hard.
   Leadership is proven in obedience. When you are led by Christ, you follow Him not only when it’s easy but even when it costs you something. Abraham left his father’s house not knowing where he was going because he was led by God.
4. You Bear Spiritual Fruit.
   Jesus said in Matthew 7:20, “By their fruits, you shall know them.” A life led by Christ produces love, joy, peace, patience, and holiness—not confusion, compromise, or carnality.
5. You Experience Conviction, Not Just Emotion.
   Being led by Christ will not always feel “comfortable.” Sometimes His leading will correct you, challenge you, or convict you. But these moments are proof that the Holy Spirit is actively working in your heart.

Dangers of Misplaced Leadership

When we are not led by Christ, we are vulnerable to deception. Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” You may feel confident in your own choices or in the counsel of others, but if Christ is not leading, destruction is not far off.

Many believers today are unknowingly being led by:

• Ambition, rather than the Spirit.
• Popularity, rather than purpose.
• Comfort, rather than conviction.
• Success, rather than surrender.
• Charisma of others, rather than the character of Christ.

This is why it’s possible to be in ministry, in church, or even in leadership roles, and still not be led by Christ. If your decisions, relationships, career choices, and even spiritual commitments are driven by anything other than the Holy Spirit, you’re on the wrong path—even if it looks right on the outside.

Jesus: The Good Shepherd

Jesus did not come to be one of many leaders. He came to be the only Shepherd of your soul. In John 10:11, He declared, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” This leadership is not forceful, manipulative, or self-seeking. It’s sacrificial, loving, patient, and eternal.

He leads not just to direct us, but to protect us. He sees what you cannot see. He knows what’s ahead. He leads beside still waters and restores our souls (Psalm 23). When you follow Him, you’re not following blindly—you’re following wisely.

What Happens When Christ Leads You?

1. You Walk in Purpose.
   You are no longer living randomly. Every step becomes intentional, and every trial is seen as a process.
2. You Grow Spiritually.
   You begin to develop maturity, patience, discernment, and wisdom that come from walking with God.
3. You Avoid Traps and Pitfalls.
   The enemy’s plan is to mislead you into destruction. Christ leads you away from danger and into destiny.
4. You Make an Eternal Impact.
   When Christ leads you, your life becomes a testimony. Others see your light and glorify God.
5. You Experience Peace in Chaos.
   Even when life is stormy, you find rest knowing the One leading you is the Prince of Peace.

Self-Examination Questions

• Am I truly following Christ or just attending church?
• When last did I make a decision based solely on God’s leading?
• Who influences my thoughts more: social media or Scripture?
• Is my spiritual growth evidence that I’m following the Good Shepherd?
• Do I ask for God’s direction daily, or do I act first and pray later?

Final Exhortation

Beloved, the days are evil. The world is dark. The path is narrow. Now more than ever, we must be intentional about who is leading us. The wrong leadership can cost you your soul, but the right leadership—Christ—will lead you into eternal life.

Let go of self. Deny the voice of culture. Silence the noise of fear. And submit to the voice of the One who loves you more than life itself. Jesus is not just your Savior; He must be your Shepherd. Let Him lead.

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Prayer:

Father, I surrender to Your leadership. Forgive me for the times I have followed my own will, the crowd, or the voices of this world. Teach me to hear Your voice clearly and obey You wholeheartedly. Lead me in the path of righteousness for Your name’s sake. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Reflection Questions:

1. What voice has the most influence over your daily decisions?
2. How can you grow in sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading?
3. What changes do you need to make to allow Christ to lead every area of your life?
4. In what ways has following Jesus brought peace and direction?
5. Who in your life can help you stay accountable to God’s leadership?

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