1 Peter 5:2-4 says, Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
Even in the ancient history of the church, the leaders were tempted to lead God’s people by the ways of the world instead of God’s way. The standards of the world pressure good leaders to lead out of fear or control instead of love. Leading people requires leaders to have to live an open and honest life among people, therefore being living examples. When people see leaders as a living example of God, they will follow. Nevertheless, if a man leads by hiding his life from the people, he will then raise up men and women that are full of fear and intimidation. One of the ways to discern the character of a real leader is one who relinquishes the impulse to dominate others. Be living examples to the world and lead them out of the wilderness to green pastures.