Scripture Passage:  “If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.”  Proverbs 24:10   “For a just man falls seven times, and rises up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.”  Proverbs 24:16

Dear Friends,

     How do you judge the strength and effectiveness of an individual?  What is the definition of a leader?  Can a person be quiet and passive and still make friends and influence people?  Does an assertive, take charge individual, develop into the best leadership material?    These are all questions asked by educational professionals, leadership training gurus, CEO’s of companies, and people in charge of hiring and firing.  Their answers vary and there are exceptions to every qualifier.  I want to give you my definition of a good leader and leave you to develop your own. 

     A good leader has stick-to-it-ness.  They persevere through the bad times as well as the good.  When things are good, they continue to work and not sit on their laurels.  When things are bad, they keep trudging alone even if it means going by themselves.  They have a stable presence that calms the fearful and an energizing drive that challenges the visionaries.  A good leader is able to see through situations with discernment and makes decisions with a clear head tempered with self-control.  A good leader knows when to talk and also knows when to remain quiet.  Their words carry weight because they are spoken at the right time and for the right reasons.  A good leader leads by example.  They would never ask anyone to do something they would not be willing to do themselves.  They have a discreet way of humbling the haughty while elevating the underappreciated.  They do a good job of helping everyone understand their role and purpose so that their talents may be used to reach the greatest potential.  Each job or task is completed because everyone has done their part and contributed according to their abilities.  This does not happen without good leadership. 

     A good leader handles adversity without taking opposition personally.  They realize there will always be differences of opinion.  Sometimes you disagree, and then move on.  They compromise when it is in the best interest of everyone involved, but stand unmovable on matters of truth, character, and integrity.  Finally, the best leaders I have ever known, admit when they have been wrong, say, “I am sorry,” do what they can to correct the situation, and then move on.  They are never hindered by the past or paralyzed by their mistakes.

     I have had the privilege of knowing a few of those people.  Not one single person was able to live up to my definition ALL the time. They came very close and impacted my life in a positive way greatly because of it. My life’s ambition is to live up to the example they set for me and to mature enough so I can set that example for others.  I know I have a long way to go, but God has begun a good work in my life and I am confident He will finish it before I die.  Every day is a learning experience.

In Christ,

Pastor Johnny