October 1, 2026
The old saying, “Rome wasn't built in a day,” was popularized by the English playwright John Heywood in 1538; however, its origins date back to a 12th-century French proverb. Similarly, healthy leadership practices cannot be achieved overnight.
Unfortunately, we live in a culture that encourages instant gratification. My wife and I, for instance, can order something for our grandson on Amazon at 9:35 PM and have it delivered to our door the next day. This tendency has led many to believe that healthy leadership can be developed instantaneously. Yet we know that healthy leadership practices are cultivated over a lifetime through disappointments, failures, and achievements in our everyday lives and ministries.
Healthy leadership begins with honesty regarding our relationship with Christ. This is reflected through our daily commitment to studying scripture, engaging in prayerful meditation, and living in obedience to Christ as we embody the gospel.
The scriptures are foundational for developing our roles as healthy leaders in our homes, churches, and ministries as followers of Christ. Proverbs 4:20-22 challenges us, saying: “My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to all their flesh.” Of all the wisdom on leadership I have encountered over my 40 years in ministry from various influential leaders, the Bible has consistently provided the best guidance.
We can all agree that Jesus exemplifies what it means to be a “healthy leader.” Furthermore, prayer—one of the key elements of leadership—was something the disciples directly asked Jesus to teach them (Luke 11:1). However, we sometimes get caught up in merely performing the act of prayer rather than truly “being in prayer.” E.M. Bounds famously wrote, "Prayer should not be regarded as a duty which must be performed, but rather as a privilege to be enjoyed, a rare delight that constantly reveals new beauty." This perspective frames prayer as a joyful connection, rather than a burdensome task, and significantly enhances our leadership development.
One of my accountability partners, now with Jesus, would always ask during our meetings, “Are you clean? Are you close to the LORD today?” Those words serve as a constant reminder that my capacity to be a healthy leader is directly influenced by my personal obedience to Christ. You cannot have one without the other. You may get by for a season, but this imbalance will eventually catch up to you. As Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
Finally, go and be the leader that your relationship with Christ has shaped you to be, allowing Him to reveal your best self through scripture, prayer, and personal obedience to the gospel.
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Marty Youngblood is the Pastor Wellness Catalyst, Southeast Region, for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board.
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