I once heard a motivational speaker say that one of the best ways to lose your job is to grip onto it too tightly. More than ever before companies are looking for real leadership at ever level…people that are willing to take risks…and those that have a passion to get things moving forward. The road to success can at times be a very lonely one…and most had rather manage what already exist…instead of risking their present state, in order to gain a greater level of achievement.
Here are just a few words concerning leadership with which I have always exhorted my children. "It is impossible to reach what is on top…if you are not willing to let go of what is on bottom. You can’t win the whole pot…if at some point you are not willing to put all your chips on the table. You can’t steal second base by standing on first…you have to be willing to get off the base…and take a lead!"
George Crane writes, “A man who desires to lead the orchestra must first be willing to turn his back on the crowd.” It is impossible to lead without criticism. There is no doubt that a willingness to suffer and a resolve to succeed must follow any of our attempts to do what is right.
Jesus told his disciples early on, “If any man will be my disciple let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.” This they certainly did. However, they did this not really knowing where it might lead them. It was a step of faith and obedience. The cross to which Jesus was referring, was a cross of rejection, persecution, and at times, even death. Reverend W.A. Nance writes, “Failure can be divided into those who thought and never did ...and into those who did and never thought.” I do not believe that he is referring to people of blind presumption, but rather to those of brave conviction.
Proverbs 12:9
“It is better to fail as a real leader in the field…
Than to simply pretend like you are someone of importance!”
What an eloquent and precise description …of people who live their lives as mere “actors” on the stage of fantasy...instead of leaders in the field of reality. This simple means that there is no real depth to their experience, character , or commitment concerning what they propose to do...or what they want to be. They are stamps that simply won’t stick to their place. After a few moments of time pass by...they simply peal back from where they were put...and redress themselves with some other part. This could be one reason why many in our country are so mesmerized by Hollywood. Instead of facing reality and finding a way to conquer it, many people are content to live in this fantasy.
However, when it comes to reality, people need more than a show. They need depth. They need someone with experience, courage, and ability, because life is not a fantasy. It is real. It has real problems and challenges, one whose consequences are many times sadly and tragically fatal.
I wish I could deny this fact…it is even embarrassing for me to admit…but yes…I have too many times in my life not played my role in leadership with as much sincerity and resolve as I should have. But nevertheless, as a result of this truth…I daily desire to lead as I should…to serve as I should…to take the steps forward that are required of me to finish my race…and make my Heavenly Father proud.
The greatest times of human history have resulted when God has produced leaders throughout the world, who in the face of fear, complexity, and criticism stand firm in their resolve to overcome the challenges that evil influences are constantly setting before us. Whether in our home, business, government, or church, may we be determined to be contenders in the reality…not pretenders of fantasy.
I pray that all of us can understand the depth of our responsibility to our family, our community, and our church...and be willing to take some risks...to get off the stage of fantasy...and on the field of reality...to become the true leaders that God has called us to be!