Leading by example

So Aaron drew near to the altar and killed the calf of the sin offering, which was for himself.
Leviticus 9:8

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent. I have the idea, inspired by the verse above, that a leader should lead by example. Children will follow the example of their parents. There's a disconnect when someone says to do as they say, while they don't do it themselves. The best teachers are also practitioners and not mere theoreticians. Aaron made an offering for himself. He got dirty. He fully participated. If you are going to take others to the cross, you not only need to go there first for yourself; but you need to show and tell how you've been there as you seek to lead others there.