In the book Good to Great, author Jim Collins notes that through all his research he has found no correlation between charismatic leaders and successful (extraordinary) leaders. Charisma will only take you so far; ultimately you must chose to live out extraordinary leadership. What you chose today will determine your leadership greatness tomorrow. And that choice may not seem like a typical leadership decision.

Mark 14:3-9 give us a portrayal of a non-traditional leader. How is this seemingly ordinary woman considered and extraordinay leader? I see four different aspects of this leader's character that qualify her as a great leader in God's kingdom.

First, she recognizes that she is in the presence of God (Jesus) and displays sensitive leadership. She's senstitive to the time in history that's about to occur. I'm guessing here that she was spending a lot of time in prayer as she understands what's about to happen to Jesus when many of those around her did not. Her act is especially sensitive in its extravagance and uniqueness.

Second, she broke and poured the entire jar of expensive ointment on Christ, an act that displayed sacrificial leadership. Notice that many of the people there commented that the perfume could've been sold for a year's wages...expensive stuff that she gladly sacrificed out of her love for our Savior.

Third, she exhibited steadfast leadership. Despite the accusations and snarling of "some of those present," she stayed on track with her mission and focused only on Jesus. In the face of strong opposition she stuck it out and did what she knew she was called to do, even though it seemed wrong to those around her.

Finally, she showed the most necessary of all leadership qualities, servant leadership. She wasn't seeking greatness for herself; she was simply doing what she felt was right at the time. She was willing to serve, despite the sacrifice or the rebuttals of those around her.

This is truely an example of extraordinary leadership and it was rewarded with a place in history: "She did what she could...wherever the good news of Jesus Christ is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."

She wasn't striving for greatness, she wasn't hoping to earn a place in the Bible - she was just displaying her God-given leadership abilities, and that was what led to her place of honor in the Scriptures.

Sensitive Leadership, Sacrificial Leadership, Steadfast Leadership and Servant Leadership - what a great leader this woman was and what a great example for all of us today. Chose to be an extraordinary leader today!