So, I have been challenging myself in the area of leadership lately. Unashamedly I want to be the best leader that I can be through the strength and leading of God! So, I have been reading and listening to all kinds of things… However, I just read something this morning before my meeting with some guys that blew me away…
“A leader is someone who has the courage to say publicly what everybody else is whispering privately. Next Generation leaders are those who would rather challenge what needs to change and pay the price than remain silent and die on the inside.” ~Andy Stanley, Next Generation Leader. This made me really think! Do I have the courage it takes to be a leader even in the most difficult times?
I pray that the answer is YES! GOD GIVE ME THE STRENGTH!
What do you think? Would you rather speak up, or remain quiet?
2 Comments
I think for me my biggest struggle is Speaking Out too much. Injustice is all around us in a whole host of issues. One of my favorite passages of scripture speaks a little to I think what Andy is referring to and something that almost compels me to say something when it may not be politically correct to do so. Jeremiah 20:8-9 (The whole passage is worthy of a second look)
8 Whenever I speak, I cry out proclaiming violence and destruction.
So the word of the LORD has brought me insult and reproach all day
long.
9 But if I say, “I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,”
his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones.
I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.
Thanks for the thoughts.
I just read: In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership – By: Henri Nouwen. It is a must read for anyone wanting to be a Christian leader in today’s culture. It was published almost 20 years ago, but it is still fresh and relevant!