When I read the history of the Jaredites, there seems to be one common theme that is the root of all of their problems:

Power.

“And he gave battle unto Shule the king, in which he did obtain the land of their first inheritance; and he became a king over that part of the land.” (Ether 7:16)

These men wanted power.

They wanted power over other people so that they could make them do whatever they wanted.

They wanted power to give themselves more privilege and leniency.

They were willing to do whatever it took, including destroying families and friends, to grab power and to keep it.

What a contrast to Jesus.

He was the perfect example of humble “servant-leadership”

— Someone who gains authority by SERVING others. ⁣

Now, not many of us are seeking high positions of power.

But all of us have had some kind of leadership positions…

Whether in church callings, in work, and even as parents.

So what’s our leadership style?

Do we assume that our title gives us power, and we look for ways to get even more?

Or do we take leadership roles as a chance to serve those “beneath” us so much that we build our own loving authority and influence?⁣

Good leaders see opportunities of greater responsibility as a chance to do even greater service!

“The world teaches that leaders must be mighty; the Lord teaches that they must be meek.” – Stephen W. Owen

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Powerful leaders  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

I mean, we are talking about the literal Creator and Prince of Peace.

He could have said:

“Hey, I’m in charge. Can you find food anywhere at all? I’ll perform a miracle and multiply the food for the group.”

Or even:

“I will just create and multiply the food here and now.”

But instead, here’s what happened:

“When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?

“And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.” (John 6:5-6)

Christ asked Philip a question He already knew the answer to.

Jesus already knew the best way forward!

But instead:

• He pointed out the problem to His disciples. ⁣
• He asked them a question about how they could solve it. ⁣
• He listened to Philip’s answer.
• He listened to Andrew point out that someone had brought five loaves and two fishes. ⁣

And then He asked them to bring the food to Him.

He blessed it and told them to pass it to the crowd. ⁣

Imagine the apostles’ experiences!

They were thinking and problem-solving through every scenario.

And then they finally realized there was no other way than to expect a miracle.

And then imagine them feeling the miracle!

Imagine them passing full baskets around and collecting illogical amounts of leftovers.

That slow realization that something amazing was happening.

What a great leader Jesus is!

He included His disciples.

He asked them questions.

And then He ultimately led and performed a miracle that touched the disciples even more because Jesus had included them in the process. ⁣

I’ve learned countless times that God does not care about the most efficient way for things to happen.

He wants people involved.

He wants hearts changed.

He wants everyone to experience the miracle!

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post The best leader first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

My favorite leaders haven’t always been the most organized.

My favorite leaders haven’t necessarily made the best executive decisions.

My favorite leaders haven’t always been the smartest.

My favorite leaders HAVE strengthened me.

They’ve known me.

They’ve cared about me and reached out to me.

They’ve taught or presented or trained on things that I really need to learn in order to become a better person.

The focus isn’t on them.

The conversation is always on others.

I’ve had bishops, relief society presidents, and young women leaders who have strengthened me.

I’ve had bosses, principals, and team leads who have strengthened me.

I don’t know that everyone agrees that this is what makes a good leader.

But to me, it makes sense.

The ultimate, real, true purpose of us being here on earth isn’t to learn how to become the most efficient person we can possibly be.

It’s not to become that leader with all the charisma and fame.

It’s not to lead the biggest empire.

It’s to love God and then to love others.

It’s to take the strength we get from knowing our standing with God and to turn that around and spread it to others.

It’s to teach and build and share.

It’s real servant-leadership. 

It’s the type of leadership Jesus Christ showed while He walked the earth. 

Real leaders strengthen others.

Who has been a leader who has strengthened you? I want to hear about them, or pass this message onto them to let them know the impact they’ve had. 

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Real leaders strengthen first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

They were well-meaning saints who gathered together weekly and had copies of the Book of Mormon, but Warren recognized that his congregation needed someone with some greater priesthood authority and direction to assist them in Freedom, New York.

He wrote a letter to his brother Oliver’s good friend Joseph Smith asking for him to send someone with greater priesthood authority out to visit their branch.

I imagine Warren was excited to get someone to lead them.

Wouldn’t it be so nice to have someone step up and take charge?

Someone who actually knew what they were doing?

Warren had been familiar with the church since his brother had first met up with Joseph a few years earlier.

But Warren himself had only been converted and baptized for less than a year.

Finally, Joseph wrote a letter back to Warren!

“It is my will that my servant Warren A. Cowdery should be appointed and ordained a presiding high priest over my church, in the land of Freedom and the regions round about;” D&C 106:1

Wait, what?

Doesn’t Warren’s story sound familiar?

Sometimes we see the need.

It is so glaringly obvious.

Someone needs to step up and do something about that.

And then…

We are the ones called to fill that position.

Or, we realize on our own that WE could be the one to step up and be the solution.

It’s a lot easier to notice what’s wrong and wait for someone else to solve the problems we see.

“If only someone would fix that bulletin board!”

“If only someone would help that lady!”

“If only someone would start a fun hangout group!”

“If only someone would start advocating for that cause more!”

But what if… we were the person we were waiting for?

We can see a need, and we can be the one to step up.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Warren Cowdery and the high priest first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

Power.

Power over people.

Power to make them do whatever you want.

Power to give yourself more privilege and leniency.

People wanted power, and they were willing to do whatever it took, including destroying families and friends, to grab it and keep it.

What a contrast to Jesus, right?!

He was the perfect example of humble “servant-leadership” – someone who gains authority by serving others.

I want to follow my Savior, not because I am told to, but because of what he has done for me.

He’s paid the ultimate price for me, and given me the ultimate service.

And that’s why I choose to follow.

Not many of us are seeking high positions of power, but all of us have had some kind of leadership positions.

In church callings, in work, and even as parents.

So what’s our leadership style?

Is it to assume that our title gives us power, or to seek for even more?

Or is it to serve those “beneath” us so much, that we build our own loving authority and influence?

I think of the leaders that I’ve loved and admired in my life.

The teachers who reached out to me and asked how I was doing. The bishops who were willing to help out or speak. The bosses who would help me improve and provide me with resources. The leaders who are always available with a listening ear.

That’s really what makes a good leader – those who see it as a greater service opportunity.

And I look at our beloved prophet.

He’s a natural leader. Not because he was given a title. But because he cares about those whom he serves. He teaches, guides, serves, prays for, and blesses.

That is true leadership.

Seek to serve, and not to gain power.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Servant-leadership first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.