by: The Lone Ranger

It’s the life I always wanted. Really being an RA is everything I wanted. It has it all, it is the leader’s dream. Think about it, you stand at the front of the people of your floor and lead them in being people of God. Not only this, you lead them in being obedient and an essential part of this community. It’s kind of like a being a cop in their city, but not really, kind of like being a manager in their factory, but not really. Or, in other words it’s like being a general in an army leading your troop to a victory, but not really. Being an RA means holding a lot of responsibilities but at the same time allowing to be free from responsibilities because there is freedom in obedience.
Maybe defining the role is too difficult because each person can handle any situation that comes up in his or her own way and still have a positive outcome. Some will lead like a cop, manager, or general but the focus is not on how you lead but how you follow. This is confusing yet revealing at the same time; allow me to explain.
When we follow Jesus we are really learning how to lead. What I mean by this is, when you are apprenticing under a master you learn how to be a master. Similarly when you follow Jesus you learn how to lead. Not only this, but you also learn how to follow. This is important because when you know how to follow, you learn how to have a mind of the people that are under your leadership because likewise you are under the leadership of Jesus. It works both ways. So when it comes right down to it, an RA has to be a follower and a leader at all times. Almost like how Jesus came to serve but also lead at the same time.
So as an RA, I must serve the people on the floor and also lead them collectively. This is called Servant Leadership. Many books have been written on this style of leadership. And it is the most productive and helpful in drawing people closer to God. Do you know why? Servant Leadership is based off of Jesus’ methods. If you read the gospels you will begin to see that Jesus very regularly serves his disciples. Some examples include washing their feet, feeding them, and ultimately taking humanity’s place on the cross; these are all examples of serving.
Now serving and following are different in some aspects, but for this article, assume they are the same thing. John C. Maxwell, is in my opinion the best, I mean the leading expert in leadership principles and methods. I have read a few of his books and they are so helpful in giving me guidance in leading. I tell you this because Maxwell writes that one must follow before he/she is to lead. Let me tell you right now that if you forget everything about this article remember this, one must follow before he/she is to lead. Authors commonly state something twice to emphasize a point, but because I am so bent on you remember this one point I want you to read it one more time. One must follow before he/she is to lead. Thank you for your participation.
Now that you know the purpose of why I wrote this article there is some small print that you need to know if you are to apply this principle. You will suffer because you will have to deny what you want. You will have to move forward when you feel like giving up. And you will have to set an example every minute of every day. In all honesty, it’s like walking the Christian faith, but with a more focused intention on serving and leading instead of just living. But if any one is capable of giving you the strength to complete this mission, it’s Jesus. If you are focused on following Jesus and have a desire to lead others, you’re all set. When you start this journey, dig your heals in and walk boldly with every step. Care deeply for others, dream passionate thoughts, crave your mission’s completion, and fill your nostrils with the aroma of Jesus’ sweat as you trudge this rocky road of life side by side like an apprentice with his/her master.