Empowered to be More as a Leader
“In every age there comes a time when leadership must come forth to meet the needs of the hour. Therefore, there is no potential leader who does not find his time. Tragically, there are times when no leader arises for that hour.”
British Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery: “Leadership is the capacity and will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character which inspires confidence.”
John Maxwell: “Leadership is influence.”
“What is a leader?”
L – A leader is a life-long learner.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24, NIV)
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, NIV)
Abraham Lincoln – “I will be ready and then perhaps my chance will come…”
Charles T. Jones – “What you will be in five years will be determined by the people you associate with and the books you read.”
E – A leader empties self in order to become what God intended.
“When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”" (Mark 10:41-45, NIV)
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:24-26, NIV)
A – A leader is always accountable.
“”I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.” (Ezekiel 22:30, NIV)
D – A leader is filled with desire and determination.
“His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”" (John 2:17, NIV)
Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Those folks who succeed simply remain enthusiastic longer than those who fail. Every great and commanding movement in the annals of the world is a triumph to enthusiasm.”
Winston Churchill – “The nose of a bulldog is slanted backwards so he can continue to breathe without letting go…”
E – A leader endures no matter the problems, pains, or pitfalls.
“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV)
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14, NIV)
“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:6-8, NIV)
R – A leader reproduces what they are in others.
” “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:15-20, NIV)
Norman Vincent Peale: “Nothing is more confusing than people who give good advice but set bad examples.”
John Piper wrote: “What is God looking for in the world? Assistants? No! The Gospel is not a help wanted ad. It is a help available ad. God is not looking for people to work for Him but people who let Him work mightily in and through them.”
