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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 “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
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
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.
NOTES: 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.
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