It’s a simple but profound truth: we become like the leaders we follow. If the voices we listen to thrive on fear—fear of the other, fear of change, fear of questioning—and use that fear to discredit and divide, we will inevitably absorb their mindset. When we align ourselves with leaders who promote an “us vs. them” mentality, we risk losing sight of who we are meant to be and the deeper call to love.

This isn’t new. In fact, Jesus confronted this very dynamic in His own time. He spoke to the Pharisees—the religious gatekeepers of His day—and delivered a searing truth: “You shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to” (Matthew 23:13). These leaders, with their rigid rules and judgmental posturing, were so focused on controlling who was “in” and who was “out” that they missed the beauty of what God was offering. Worse yet, they kept others from experiencing it too.

But what is this Kingdom reality that Jesus spoke of? It’s not a place of fear, condemnation, or tribalism. It’s not about building walls to keep others out or wielding power over those who don’t conform. Kingdom reality is rooted in lovingkindness. It’s a realm of light, where joy and peace flourish. It’s the expansive, healing presence of God that welcomes everyone to the table.

So here’s the question: What kind of leader are you following?

If you feel trapped in fear or find yourself becoming more judgmental and divided, maybe it’s time to step back and ask: Am I following someone who reflects the Kingdom values of love, peace, and joy? Or am I being shaped by fear-driven rhetoric that separates me from others—and from God’s heart?

The truth is, what we follow shapes who we become. We are all called to be participants in the Kingdom reality, a movement of radical love and reconciliation. The good news is, we don’t have to settle for less. We can choose to walk away from fear-based leadership and step into the freedom of a life led by love.

This choice is not just about our individual journey—it’s about the kind of world we are creating. Let’s be the kind of people who open the door to light and joy, for ourselves and for others. Let’s choose leaders—and lives—that reflect the reality of the Kingdom.