What kind of leader are you? Don’t be timid. You see, I think too many of us are.

For much of my life I’ve been a timid leader. Those who read these words will chuckle and say I’m not self-aware, since I’m no shrinking violet. But hear me out.

I think part of the leadership package is a craving for affirmation and approval. I don’t know if that just comes with the skill set, or if it’s a result of being at the front of the column of warriors and being tempted to turn back when we are hit with the first stones. But in my experience, the hot glare of criticism and judgment that is heaped on you when you step up to lead is uncomfortable, and can cause you to back off of the very things about which you should be pressing forward. So we lead, less. We tell less truth. We engage smaller initiatives. We temper our criticism of overt wrong; evil sin. We do this because sometimes it just gets too hot and thus, we shrink back.

This self-revelation came to mind today as I read Isaiah. For the first three chapters Isaiah has been saying to Israel “God is unhappy with you” as he lists out a litany of reasons. He’s been warning, and calling for change, and he brings this section of his prophecy to a climax in chapter 3, verse 14 where God takes his place in court and rises to judge the people. Then comes the real shocker. God enters his judgment not against the people, but against their “elders and leaders.” Wow! If you’ve ever thought of your self as a leader this would be a good time to be making your way to the exit. It’s about to get REALLY HOT in here.

The simple truth is people do need to be led. There is a very good reason that the Bible and it’s books of wisdom refer to people as sheep—animals that are vulnerable and totally devoid of cunning.

Some of us are in positions of leadership. Many of us got there because we like the spotlight and love to hear the sound of our own voice. Those who’ve known the swoon of an audience when you have them in the palm of your hand and could give any instruction that they would—at that mesmerizing moment—follow, know that leadership is a heady power. What we fail to realize is why we have that power. It’s because God has entrusted to us empowering gifts, abilities and experiences so that we would use them to lead people in the way they should go. Leadership is responsibility. When we relish its power and fail to embrace its responsibility we fall horribly, miserably short. We endanger those who would follow us and provide God a poor return on the investiture He’s placed within us.

Some people hold vested positions of official leadership. I don’t. Other’s embody leadership without formal position. I’m told I do. All of us should take to heart that “God entered judgment against the elders and leaders” and take a good hard look at ourselves. My guess is that we need to stand up, more. To speak truth, quicker. To stand against evil, stronger. To show others the pathways to safety, righteousness, prosperity and right-thinking; all the while pointing out the roads we don’t take and why we don’t take them—because they end in death and destruction. We need to take more seriously the responsibility that comes with the gifts and opportunities we’ve been given.

Timidity just won’t cut it. It’s OK to be afraid. You may need to grow in executing your leadership. You may need to get help from others who know better than you how to bloom into your leadership. But remaining timid and safe is unacceptable. It is unworthy of the gifts that were given to you so that you could deliver on the responsibilities for which you were designed.

If you are going to be a leader, commit to be a leader. If not, sit down, shut up, and get out of the way.