Perhaps you want more influence. Maybe you’re pursuing a promotion that requires leadership. Maybe it's clear: you want to be a leader. You want to be in charge. 

When we find within ourselves a desire to lead, we must first understand our primary calling as Christians. Once we know our first calling, we will then have the blueprint for how to lead, whether we are “in charge” or not. 

Father Henri de Lubac articulates clearly what our primary calling is, as followers of Jesus:

“It is not the proper duty of Christianity to form leaders — that is, builders of the temporal — although a legion of Christian leaders is infinitely desirable. Christianity must generate saints — that is, witnesses to the eternal.

The efficacy of the saint is not that of the leader. The saint does not have to bring about great temporal achievements; he is one who succeeds in giving us at least a glimpse of eternity, despite the thick opacity of time.” - Father Henri de Lubac 

Father de Lubac is reminding us that leadership must be rightly ordered. All leadership must be submitted to our desire for holiness and the salvation of souls. This applies to all of us. Before all else, we’re called to be saints who point people in the direction of Heaven. If we want to lead, this comes first. 

“Seek first the Kingdom of heaven and its righteousness,” Scripture says. If you - and those who are wiser than you - believe that you have skills of leadership, then that desire is good as long as first things come first. After “seek first the Kingdom of heaven and its righteousness,” Scripture goes on to say, “and all of these things, and more, shall be yours.” Seek first the Kingdom of God and your calling to lead - the when, the how, the if, the details - will flow from the power of God and His Kingdom. Sainthood is the certain calling of all Christians, as Fr. de Lubac reminds us, so all desires must be filtered through that primary call. 

If you desire to be a leader, first examine your heart. Where is this desire coming from? What comes first in your heart? 

Father de Lubac also says that “the saint does not have to bring about great temporal achievements; he is one who succeeds in giving us at least a glimpse of eternity, despite the thick opacity of time.” Since sainthood must be pursued before leadership, our leadership must be focused on giving people a glimpse of Heaven and what it takes to get there. This is the blueprint for how to be a leader, whether you’re officially “in charge” or not. If you want to lead, lead people to God. 

Consider a few ways that you can lead people to get a “glimpse of eternity,” regardless of your job title. 

Do you pray throughout your workday? If appropriate, do you invite your coworkers into moments of prayer before a meeting or meal? 

Do you ask God for an inspired way to bring up discussions of faith with your coworkers?

Do you do your work with excellence? 

This one is a big deal. Doing our work with excellence is one of the best ways to lead people to God and give him glory. The Lord asks us to do everything with love and a humble desire to serve. When we do, our coworkers can witness the diligence and care that God inspires within us. By doing your work well, you also make life better for your team and for the people whom you serve. This draws people to the beauty that God creates in a soul who serves Him. Excellence is a magnet. 

I was recently on a film set where the cinematographer, a man with significant skill and experience, had volunteered his time. Because it was an unpaid position, it would have been understandable if he had cut his hours and effort. Instead, I observed someone who put in hours of extra work in order to create the best possible outcome. At the end of filming, one of the actors thanked the cinematographer for going above and beyond. The cinematographer replied that he wanted to do everything “unto God.” 

He wanted to do his best for the Lord. 

Because of his excellence, this cinematographer is a “temporal leader,” according to Father de Lubac’s definition. But his leadership is one ordered first to the glory of God, not the glory of man. 

So when you next feel that desire for leadership, start by offering your “first fruits” to the Lord, and immerse your desire for leadership in prayer. From there, God will reveal to you what your call to lead is meant to look like. 

 All for the glory of God!