Day 3: Be Yourself, But Adapt Your Leadership Style

"[19] Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ.
[20] When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law.
[21] When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.
[22] When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.
[23] I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings."

-1 Corinthians 9:19–23 NLT

Paul introduces himself with an interesting contrast: "I am a free man…yet I have become a slave to all people." This is our first leadership lesson of the day: Servant leadership is a choice. It's not a one-time act of kindness; it's a sustained lifestyle and a shift in perspective. We no longer see ourselves as the center of attention but as bridge-builders who bring resources, clarity, and purpose to help others thrive.

This is the science of leadership—the "what." The unchanging truth is that Christian leaders are designed and called to serve.

But the art of leadership—the "how"—is something we develop over time. That's where today's principle comes alive.

Adapt to Lead

Paul's ministry shows us that adaptability isn't compromise; it's connection. Here are four ways we can follow his example:

1. Familiarize yourself with those you lead.

Ask open-ended questions. Learn your team or family's values, motivations, fears, and aspirations. What helps them thrive? What burdens are they carrying?

Paul tailored his approach to each audience because he knew his audience. We can't lead what we don't understand.

2. Stay flexible, not malleable.

There's a difference between bending to reach others and allowing others to reshape who you are. Paul was flexible—able to move freely between cultures, conversations, and contexts—but he wasn't shapeless. He remained rooted in his identity in Christ. As he said in 1 Corinthians 9:21 NLT, "I obey the law of Christ."

3. Let your past experiences inform but not dictate.

It's tempting to lean on what worked before. But, years into his ministry, Paul didn't allow past successes to cloud his present awareness. He adjusted to meet the needs of the moment. Today's danger for many leaders is getting stuck in "back in my day" thinking. That rigidity can disconnect us from those we're trying to serve.

4. Let people show you how to lead them.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians in response to division and dysfunction. He didn't ignore the signs. He addressed them with precision and care. Likewise, our teams, families, and communities constantly give us feedback through conversations, reactions, and even silence. Wise leaders listen for those cues.

Final Thought

Being yourself while adapting your style isn't easy. It requires humility, curiosity, and courage, but it's essential for transformational leadership. You don't have to abandon who you are. You have to meet people where they are.

Rooted leaders reach farther. Secure leaders serve better. Flexible leaders lead deeper.

Today, ask yourself: Where must I adjust how I show up for others?

Then take the first step.