Credibility And Emulation

Leaders whose lives are consistent with what they profess both gain credibility and encourage their followers to emulate their behavior. Although leaders have the authority to exercise power, it is their behavior not their position that brings them the respect and credibility. That same behavior, in turn, not only gains leaders credibility but gives incentive for others to behave in a similar fashion and become models in their own right. Paul describes this in 1 Thessalonians 1:5,6: For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia.