Leadership?

Does God ever put words on your heart? Do you find yourself constantly thinking of this one word, trying to define it? biblically, literally, and by yourself?


I've been given a few chances this week to define this word: LEADERSHIP
to myself, my parents, friends, and in the case of church.

There are so many different opinions on LEADERSHIP, but what is it exactly?

well, literally:

–noun

1.

the position or function of a leader: He managed to maintain his leadership of the party despite heavy opposition.

2.

ability to lead: She displayed leadership potential.

3.

an act or instance of leading; guidance; direction: They prospered under his leadership.

4.

the leaders of a group: The union leadership agreed to arbitrate.


and other's opinions:

Leadership is great men and women with certain preferred traits influencing followers to do what the leaders wish in order to achieve group/organizational goals that reflect excellence defined as some kind of higher level effectiveness. - Joseph Rost Leaders inducing followers to act for certain goals that represent the values and the motivations--the wants and needs, the apirations and expections--of both leaders and followers. - James MacGregor Burns (urbandictionary.com :P)

And biblically:

²⁵ But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. ²⁶ But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, ²⁷ and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. ²⁸ For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” -Matthew 20:25-28 NLT

But me? I think leadership isn't for everyone.Its a great quality and its a great one to possess. But dont try to make yourself a leader if thats not you're spiritual gift. Although, its something that you may not know you have. Leadership is a trait that can often be mistaken for egotistical and confidence, possibly even being naive. Its definitely something that one cannot give a direct definition or a "how to" guide on it, its not that easy. I view being a leader as something with great responsibility and challenges, and battles. Its not easy. I can honestly say, leadership is about prayer, people and Christ.

here are a few quotes I really agree with

• Peter F. Drucker
  Leadership is not magnetic personality—that can just as well be a glib tongue. It is not "making friends and influencing people"—that is flattery. Leadership is lifting a person's vision to higher sights, the raising of a person's performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations.
• Lao Tzu
  A leader is best when people barely know he exists, not so good when people obey and acclaim him, worse when they despise him....But of a good leader who talks little when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say, "We did it ourselves.
• Lance Secretan, Industry Week, 10/12/98
  Leadership is not so much about technique and methods as it is about opening the heart. Leadership is about inspiration—of oneself and of others. Great leadership is about human experiences, not processes. Leadership is not a formula or a program, it is a human activity that comes from the heart and considers the hearts of others. It is an attitude, not a routine.

This is a song that speaks about leading and leadership. God has just put this song on my heart this week as I'm going through the word "LEADERSHIP"
Sanctus Real - “Lead Me”

I look around and see my wonderful life
Almost perfect from the outside
In picture frames I see my beautiful wife
Always smiling
But on the inside, I can hear her saying...

“Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, what about us?

Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone”

I see their faces, look in their innocent eyes
They're just children from the outside
I'm working hard, I tell myself they'll be fine
They're independent
But on the inside, I can hear them saying...

“Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, but what about us?

Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone”

So Father, give me the strength
To be everything I'm called to be
Oh, Father, show me the way
To lead them
Won't You lead me?

To lead them with strong hands
To stand up when they can't
Don't want to leave them hungry for love,
Chasing things that I could give up

I'll show them I'm willing to fight
And give them the best of my life
So we can call this our home
Lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone

A leader's attitude should be not only about helping others, but looking for the better of others. Not looking just towards that month's goals and expectations, but to the big picture. Leaders need to look out for what is best for the people they will be LEADING. Many leaders think that they can just be leaders because they said so. But that way of leading will go no where. You must be prepared to take the responsibility and face the challenges that God will throw at you!