Leadership

Leadership is important at every level of society. It is important in the family. God has called men to lead their families. It is important in our schools. Without good leadership, learning will be slow at best, and non-existent at worst. It is important in our churches. Pastors are called to lead local churches under the direction of the Holy Spirit. It is important in our government.

Every two years this nation holds local, state, and national elections. We elect men and women to serve as mayors, councilmen and law officers. We elect people to serve in the Congress, in the Senate and in the White House. These individuals take a sacred oath to uphold the constitution of the United States and to serve the people of this great nation. How well they serve is often determined by the kind of leadership philosophy they embrace.

There are dozens of leadership styles. However, effective leaders have several things in common. Effective leaders understand the importance of submission. Effective leaders understand their limitations. Effective leaders know when to ask for help.

This morning I was listening to an interview with former Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. She was talking about a national security meeting which was held soon after the 911 attacks. There were two things that she said which caught my ear. First, she indicated that President Bush called upon her to lead the national security leadership team in prayer. In my opinion, that is leadership! It demonstrated a willingness to recognize their own limitations and to ask for help. Later that evening Attorney General John Ashcroft sat down at a piano and began to play. The song that he chose? His Eye is on the Sparrow.

May the Lord give us leaders who recognize that they do not have all the answers and who are willing to seek His face, His wisdom and His grace.