Have you ever felt this burning feeling inside you when you have to watch the people you love going through persecutions and sufferings for doing what’s right? You know your loved one will choose to do the right things no matter what the cost might be. You also know the possible outcome for such courage and uprightness. The sense of indignation coupled with helplessness can be quite unbearable in the face of injustices that might be taking place right in front of your eyes.
Have you ever had a good leader that you admire in your life whether it is your dad, your husband, your manager, your pastor or someone in position of authority? What are some common character traits that you admire so much about them? Each of us can probably list out many wonderful character traits in a great leader; however, most of us would concur that the one-character trait that seems to bring such deep admiration in all of us is their amazing courage in the face of adversity.
Have you ever watched a great leader in your life who endures great suffering and persecution and yet still chooses to do what is right regardless of the cost? Yes, that’s uncommon courage and inspires so much awe in us. Throughout history, there have been some outstanding individuals who stood out from among others and inspired so much greatness in those who followed them. Many of these were just ordinary men and women, who had extraordinary courage and strength of character. These great men and women all fought for causes that were greater than themselves and left a great dent in history for the good of mankind. Many of them suffered greatly and paid a high price for their undaunting courage. They never complained, and never had regret because it was the right thing to do.
Sadly, in our society today, these types of courageous leaders are far and few in between. We have a younger generation, who are coming up with a sense of entitlement and unwillingness to sacrifice or suffer with even the slightest discomfort let alone suffer greatly for the cause of righteousness. There are many people in the world of politics as well as business who enjoy the prestige of being leaders, managers and executives but do not care to lead nor do the right thing. Government is filled with corrupt politicians who care about nothing but to create more wealth and power for themselves off the blood and tears of others. I have seen the world of business filled with managers who would rather collect the paychecks and take a back seat than to take responsibility for their people and stand up for what’s right. Doing the right things for their company and for the people under their charge are the furthest agenda on their list. What a shame!
Leadership costs! Sometimes the cost can be greater than one can bear. Then why continue to fight for what is right when it brings pain and suffering? Ah, but that is where the line is drawn between an ordinary person and an extraordinary leader. A great leader will lead from the front and will lead with courage. They do what is right because it is the right thing to do regardless of the cost. They will never back down in the face of persecution and adversity. They are fighting for a cause greater than themselves and many of them are fighting for you and I. Yes, it costs them greatly and that is why we love them. We pray for them. We stand by them and encourage them to continue fighting for what is right. We follow their lead even if it means we might lose everything. A great leader inspires greatness in others.
Over two thousand years ago, the greatest Leader Who ever lived, made the greatest sacrifice by laying down His own life to bring about the greatest gift mankind has ever known, the gift of eternal salvation. In giving of Himself on the cross of Calvary, the Lord Jesus Christ made it possible for mankind to be redeemed from the torment of hell and to live forever in heaven with Him by simply placing their faith and trust in the finished work He did on the cross (John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Romans 10:9-10). What a marvelous gift that God gave to mankind through His grace and mercy!
If you are in any positions of leadership whether at home, church, or job, I pray that you will not take that responsibility lightly. Consider it an awesome privilege from God to serve those in your sphere of influence. Do the right things at all times, and lead with courage to inspire greatness in others.
