A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day (September 9, 2016)
Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. (Joshua 1:6-9)
Leaders are not born that way. Yes, some people are born with certain personality traits that can help them in being a leader but being a leader is not automatic. Leaders are shaped and molded through a myriad of different events such as spiritual milestones, education, personal challenges, job experiences, successes, failures, etc. They go through a onstant refining process. The following are just a few leadership truths that may be helpful to you in your endeavors:
The journey is too great for thee (1 Kings 19:7) – Elijah was one of the most powerful prophets in the Bible. He caused the rain to cease, raised the dead, and called down fire from Heaven, just to name a few things. But when Jezebel said she was going to kill him he ran and hid in a cave. God told him to get out of the cave and go anoint three men (Hazael, Jehu and Elisha). A true leader will always finally realize that the journey is too great for them alone. Even Elijah could not be a Lone Ranger. These three men helped Elijah accomplish all his goals, including the killing of Jezebel. You too will need people! That is why the Bible tells us not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought (Romans 12:3).
No looking back – Abraham was told by God to move out of his home territory and go to a land of promise. He cautioned Abraham to not be mindful of where he came from because if he did he might have had an opportunity to return (Hebrews 11:15). Looking back has never proved profitable with God. Just consider Lot’s wife (Genesis 19:26). God wants you to move forward. Coulda, woulda, shoulda, will just drag you down. Your past has no future and that is why God removes your sins as far as the East is from the West (can’t measure that).
Walk in integrity – You have to personally walk this integrity thing out first. You cannot lead someone to a place where you’ve never been. Integrity is a victory, not a gift! It is the result of self-discipline, trust in God, and a decision to be relentlessly honest in all situations with yourself and with God.
Be true to yourself and God– Edgar Albert Guest was a prolific English-born American poet who was popular in the first half of the 20th century and became known as the People’s Poet. The following is a poem he wrote:
“Am I True To Myself?”
I have to live with myself, and so, I want to be fit for myself to know, I want to be able, as days go by, always to look myself straight in the eye; I don’t want to stand, with the setting sun, and hate myself for things I have done. I don’t want to keep on a closet shelf a lot of secrets about myself, And fool myself, as I come and go, into thinking that nobody else will know the kind of man I really am; I don’t want to dress up myself in sham. I want to go out with my head erect, I want to deserve all men’s respect; But here in the struggle for fame and pelf, I want to be able to like myself. I don’t want to look at myself and know that I’m bluster and bluff and empty show. I can never hide myself from me; I see what others may never see; I know what others may never know, I can never fool myself, and so, Whatver happens, I want to be self-respecting and conscience free.
God wants all of us to be leaders in whatever arena He has called us to. He has given us everything we need to walk it out. Let’s just remember that we all need people. Even Jesus needed twelve. No looking back! We are forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before (Philippians 3:13). Walk in integrity and be true to yourselves and be true to God. Be strong and courageous!
