Those that "pay now" are often the ones we drool over as they are enjoying the benefits of their sacrifice early in life, while others are still contemplating whether or not they want to fully engage in the game.
I believe that is both!
Natural leaders do the little things well, they learn to focus on the priorities, they use leisure well, they have intensity, they know how to exploit momentum, they are continuously growing, they overcome discouragement and "impossible" situations, and lastly they understand his or her weaknesses.
But to do naturally all in itself would be no more than self promotion. It would be all about the individual receiving all the credit for what they have done.
I am convinced that we live not for what we can do alone in the natural, but that we must possess an appetite to connect to the Almighty God in the spiritual, so that He would receive the Glory.
A.W Tozer writes:
"A true and safe leader is likely to be one who has no desire to lead, but is forced into a position by the inward leading of the Holy Spirit and the press of circumstances...The man who is ambitious to lead is disqualified...the true leader will have no desire to lord it over God's heritage, but will be humble, gentle, self-sacrificing and altogether ready to follow when the Spirit chooses another to lead".
I believe that as we allow the natural and the supernatural to cross paths we will personally and corporately experience a divine interaction that will be explosive in our homes, churches, communities, and ultimately within the world that God has called us to "GO" into.
Naturally, we must do our part! We have to be faithful in what God has allowed us to be a part of presently. Spiritually, we must put aside all the distraction's and learn to "listen" to the Spirit's leading for our lives.
James 1:19 says, "Everyone should be quick to listen..."
Reflection:
- What "natural" leadership abilities do you sense God has given or built into you?
- What steps are you taking to assure that you are not walking only in your natural abilities, but also walking as the Spirit leads?
Great quote."A true and safe leader is likely to be one who has no desire to lead, but is forced into a position by the inward leading of the Holy Spirit and the press of circumstances... "
ReplyDeleteI dont think that a true leader is one who decides to lead one day and then starts leading. I think it starts with the very first step you take. I have always believed that you cant lead someone to a place you've never been. And you cant fake it for long, eventually it will catch up with you. I Don't know if God has given me any "natural" leadership. He has given me Godly leaders to follow and to learn from. There is always something to learn. I dont feel as though leadership is my natural ability but as soon as i become comfortable I know that I need more of him. I also reflect on my decisions and see how I have grown or not grown, How i could have handled them different and what the experience taught me.
Often times I have my own agenda. Lately I have been opening myself up to learn about things that are not near the top of my personal agenda. Now that I am open to hearing and learning about other things I see how I play an important role in other's lives as well as how so many unforeseen people play important roles in my life too.
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