Leadership. What is it and how do we obtain it?

I have been reading with a keen interest the articles of different writers to this blog. LeadershipVoices, I believe is a powerful platform for those in search of sound Godly wisdom concerning a dying virtue — Leadership.

I have to be perfectly honest here and admit I have plenty of room for growth in this, one of the greatest virtues. I state it as “one greatest of virtues” because as leaders we not only influence those in our respectful circle of life, but we leave behind a legacy that is sure to influence generations yet to come.

Consider if you will a passage in the Old Testament of the Bible, II Kings 23:25 and the glowing report of Josiah’s life. “Before him there was no king like him who turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses; nor did any like him arise after him”. What a legacy!

Where are the men of our generation who like the notable prophets Elijah and Josiah that are marked by humble yet confident prayerfulness?

If you are like me, there is a burning desire to get an answer to this question that seems to pop up daily now.

Where are our leaders?

So what happened, where did we go wrong? Too often, we are content with the halfhearted requests uttered as we drift off to sleep instead of the awesome privilege of deep communion with God Himself. (Whoa, I stepped on my own foot so hard I think I broke my toes)

We often wonder why there are so many struggles with the soul—we wonder why the hearts of men are so easily distracted, discouraged, and deceived. However, prayer in accordance with God’s Word allows His will to pervade our hearts and His glory to consume our minds. James 5:16 reads; “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much”. KJV  (This is my favorite translation of that text.)

Where are the men with calloused knees and tender hearts?

To be clear, the power of prayer is not in the man who prays, but in the God who answers!

God, the ultimate leader, left us a road map to follow. A rocket scientist I am not, but a map I can follow. God loved you and me enough that He made the way, mapped it out, then told us that if we don’t understand just ask.  Like Josiah, and Elijah before us, they were left to their own free will and chose Whom they would follow. We,  as well are left to our own free will with the following instructions; “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you”.

As spiritual leaders we are instructed to lead the lost to the fountain of Living water. What would happen if we were to live our lives like that of Josiah, and Elijah? What type of leaders would we become?

Be blessed my brothers, and thanks for allowing me to share these “points to ponder”.

Photo credit: Leonard John Matthews / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA