There is a great need for leaders in America today—not
just in the governmental or political arena, but also in the classroom, in the
business world, in the pulpits . . . everywhere. Men and women, young and old,
married and single, are needed to rise up and take their appointed position in
life seriously and be godly examples.
In 1991, advertising executives at the respected J. Walter Thompson Agency in
New York, set out to take the “moral pulse” of America. Using state-of-the-art
research techniques, they conducted the biggest poll of private morals ever
embarked on, to uncover the personal ethics, values, and beliefs of Americans.
Amidst their discoveries, which are revealed in their very insightful book |
— Dave Meyer — |
The Day America Told the Truth, the subject of leadership
was addressed. The results:
“Our void in leadership—moral and otherwise—has reached a
critical stage. We still want leadership; we just can’t seem to
find it.”
1
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When America was being birthed, our leaders were strong and
visible. Our Founders—those men and women who exerted
substantial influence and provided leadership in the birth,
development, and establishment of America—were some of the
greatest leaders our nation has ever seen. Although they each
had their share of weaknesses and did not always agree with each
other, they still possessed great leadership qualities;
including integrity, compassion, faith, responsibility,
fidelity, truth, honor, and courage.
These men and women acted on what they believed—a major mark of
a healthy leader. They were not super human. They were real,
regular people like you and me . . . everyday people from every
walk of life. That is where leaders were found then, and that is
where they are still found today.
These men and women acted on what everyday people from every
walk of life. That is where leaders were found then, and that is
where they are still found today.
Begin in your own backyard. The search for leaders does not have
to start on Wall Street or in the halls of the great Ivy League
schools in America. Yes, leaders are found in those places, but
the place to begin looking for leaders is in our own backyard.
In other words, there is a leader in the house where you live,
and that leader is YOU.
To lead means “to guide, to show the way, and to go before.” The
truth is every person on the face of the earth is a leader to
some degree because everybody is showing somebody the way to do
something. Yes, some of us lead more people than others, but all
of us lead someone – even children lead younger children. The
greatest leader is not a person who can lead thousands or
millions of others but one who can lead his own family
effectively.
Grow in your Position of Leadership. Leaders are grown, not
born.
2 You can develop your ability to guide and show others the
way by learning from the examples of the people who have led the
way before you. What did the great American leaders, both
well-known and unknown, have in common? They learned to be
faithful right where they were at each level of their lives. If
they could speak to us today, I believe they would say . . .
● Being a leader means being a follower first. If a person is
unwilling to submit to authority, he cannot realistically expect
others to submit to his authority.
3 George Washington became the
Commander and Chief of the Continental Army AFTER he served as
an enlisted man and an officer in the Virginia militia.
Likewise, Abraham Lincoln became president AFTER he served as a
storekeeper, a postmaster, a country lawyer, and a legislator.
So submit to the authority you are under. As you learn to be
under authority, you are learning to be in authority – through
following, you learn to lead.
● Being a leader means being a servant. Our nation was built on
selfless service. People laid down their lives so that you and I
might have the freedom we now enjoy. Being a servant is the
highest form of leadership! The greatest Leader in the history
of the world tells us that in the Scriptures.
4 Probably the most
memorable words of John F. Kennedy, our thirty-fifth president,
were: “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you
can do for your country.” America needs you to serve, and it
begins in your home. Find your niche and fill it.
5
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● Being a leader means being an example. Somebody is always
watching our lives—always. The question is what are they seeing?
Benjamin Franklin said, “None preaches better than the ant, and
she says nothing.”
6 Without question, actions speak louder than
words, and our actions are speaking volumes to those we are
leading.
We are all an example, whether we want to be or not. Our
children, spouse, coworkers, neighbors, fellow church members,
clients, employees, and many others pay attention to the way we
live. This is an awesome responsibility and the embodiment of
leadership.
America’s future rests in my example and your example. It is our
greatest, most enduring ACT of leadership. Interestingly, our
leadership is often built on the seemingly insignificant
“little” things we do.
7 Little things do matter. Remember, it is
the “little foxes” that spoil the vine.
8 And if we are faithful
in the “little things,” we will be put in charge of greater
things.
9
Will you answer the Call? Will you take a stand and become a
godly leader in your present appointed position in life? Your
children and your children’s children are looking at you and
counting on you. God is counting on you too. I encourage you to
begin today! Begin being a godly leader in your own life, in
your own family, right where you are. May God empower us to be
the leaders He needs to restore the foundations of America for
us and for generations to come.
1. Charles Crismier, Renewing the Soul of America (Richmond, VA:
Elijah Books, 2002), p. 37. 2. See note 1, p. 47. 3. See note 1,
p. 45. 4. The Bible, Matthew 23:11. 5. See note 1, p. 47, 48. 6.
See note 1, p. 48. 7. See note 1, p. 50, 51. 8. The Bible, Song
of Solomon 2:15. 9. The Bible, Matthew 25:21, 23.
Dave Meyer is the vice president of Joyce Meyer Ministries and
has been married to Joyce for over forty years. He passionately
shares the truth about our rich Christian heritage in
conferences nationwide, encouraging people to get educated, pray
and take action.
America Needs Leaders
Who cannot be bought;
Whose word is their promise;
Who put character above wealth;
Who possess opinions and a will;
Who do not hesitate to take chances;
Who will not lose their individuality in a crowd;
Who will be honest in small things as well as in great things;
Who will make no compromise with wrong;
Whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires;
Who are not ashamed or afraid to stand for the truth when it is
unpopular, who can say no with emphasis, although the rest of
the world says yes.
Paul Borthwick, Leading the Way, Navpress, 1989, pp. 19-20
(illustrations on Leadership, sermonillustrations.com).
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