YOU MUST GROW YOUR LEADERSHIP
Proverbs 12:24 LB
Work hard and become a leader, be lazy and never succeed.
Most men are not born natural leaders. It’s not a skill set most men possess. After half a century, working with thousands of men, I’ve witnessed this first hand. I certainly was not a natural born leader. I may be choleric, but I was not a natural born, skilled and effective leader. It took tremendous intentional effort, a relentless striving, to become the leader of churches, men, my own life and my wife and children. I had many bad habits to overcome, and many good habits to develop. Much wisdom to acquire, much growth to achieve.
Proverbs 12:24, has been a constant reminder to me of what it takes to become a skilled and effective leader. Leadership is hard work. Lazy men will never become skilled or effective leaders. All of us as fathers and husbands can, and must, become effective leaders. The only way this will be achieved is by hard work, striving to grow and excel in the right things.
Here are the things you must intentionally, diligently work hard at.
Leaders must be men who assume and take responsibility for those around them. Leaders don’t leave the heavy lifting to others. Most men do not want this responsibility. They shun it, avoid it, and will not commit to it. Many men become husbands and fathers, yet never become truly responsible leaders. They let that responsibility fall like a heavy rock on the shoulders of their wives, who were not made by God for that task.
Leaders take initiative. They don’t wait around for someone else to do a thing. They put forth the extra effort required to get things done.
Leaders know they must learn to communicate effectively. Most men I’ve encountered over the years are poor communicators. This must change. We must learn to effectively express ourselves to our wives and children. It’s impossible to lead if you can’t communicate effectively. We have to train ourselves in this skill. Learn to put your thoughts and emotions into words that are understandable and clear, both verbally and in writing.
Leaders take the time to attentively listen to those they strive to lead. They are attentive to their needs and concerns. Their greatest desire is to serve and help those that they lead succeed.
Leaders must be consistent. Consistency is essential, it is a major reason those you lead will respect you. You cannot lead people who do not respect you. Consistency, consistency, consistency, this is what your wife and children need from you. Honestly, I have been shocked over the years by how inconsistent Christian men tend to be.
Leaders are men you can count on. You can rely on them. They keep their word. They go above and beyond what is expected of them.
Leaders think and plan ahead. We must be men who are planners. Men who take time to think, strategize and plan for our family’s well-being.
Leaders must be strong and courageous. They have to possess a strength to stand strong when others oppose them, dislike them, or they have to make difficult, unpopular decisions. Godly leaders are never cowards who cave in to the whims of the mob, or the grumblings of foolish people. They will stand up for what’s right, no matter what it costs them.
Leaders must set a good example themselves. You should not, and cannot ask others to do things you yourself are not striving to do yourself. You should be an inspiration to those you’re trying to lead. Your life must inspire confidence in those who look to you for leadership. Inspired men inspire others! Are you inspired?!
Leaders must be humble, and readily acknowledge a mistake, or shortcoming, not arrogant fools who always blame other people. You must be very self-aware. Apologize for wrongs done or failings that negatively affect others.
Leaders use their words very wisely to encourage and put heart in those they lead. Leaders know they must, at times, deliver difficult news or correct those they lead. They strive to do this with great care and wisdom, so as not to rip the heart right out of those they lead. Leaders are always building morale.
Leaders cannot be lazy. I have known so many lazy men over the years. Men who refused to really discipline themselves, to overcome the bad habits ingrained in them. Laziness will destroy any potential good in your life.
Leaders give themselves orders, then consistently obey the orders they give. They imitate the ANT! — “Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and be wise! Even though they have no prince, governor or ruler to make them work, they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter.” Proverbs 6:6-7 NLT
Leaders, godly leaders, know they desperately need God’s help. They earnestly, zealously seek the Lord in prayer for his wisdom, his help, his deep spiritual insights, and ask God to change and transform their life. Men hear me on this—YOU HAVE GOT TO UP YOUR GAME.
Leaders motivate and envision those around them. Give your wife and children regular motivation, vision and encouragement.
Leaders look and listen intently to God for his leadership, for his directions. They relentlessly devote themselves to the Words of God!
Leaders earn and win the trust of those they are called to lead. Leaders cannot be duplicitous and hypocritical. Leaders must be men who are trustworthy.
Leaders are eager to serve others for their good. They’re not on a power trip. They are always striving to lift others up. Wise leaders are never bullies, never.
Leaders must be just and fair, merciful and kind. They care about the dignity of others.
Leaders are creative problem solvers. They are undaunted in the face of obstacles. They find a way, they make a way. They make the very most of all they’ve been given. They do not waste valuable resources.
Leaders face difficulties and adversities with faith, and hope in God. They certainly will feel the weight of fear, apprehension, and the imminent dangers that life brings. They will have to battle great discouragements. But, in spite of all of that, they choose faith in God and in God’s promises. They find a way to press on, trusting somehow that God will bring them to the other side.
Leaders express their gratitude often to those they lead. They realize they are nothing without the people around them. We do not succeed without our wives’ tremendous help, sacrifice and devotion. Even our children will end up serving us in countless ways. Be certain to express your sincere gratitude to them often. You can never be too grateful or appreciative!!
Leaders give clear, easy to follow directions. They create systems and routines that are easy to implement, that help those they lead experience success. People need simplicity, not complexity. Take the time to patiently instruct them, and train them in the things you are asking for.
Leaders live by the right priorities. They never lose their focus. They maintain a laser-like focus on the things that matter most.
This world we live in is full of weak, incompetent leaders. We must determine not to be one. We must make every possible effort to grow and develop our leadership skills. If not, we will be one of those weak, ineffective, incompetent leaders.
Helping you become a Strong Disciple,
Because of Jesus,
Pastor Mark Darling
