NEEDED: Leaders
Prayerful, and passionate, for righteousness
November 3rd approaches.
U.S. citizens will cast votes, in a variety of ways, to determine our next set of leaders. Bombarded with the cacophony of campaign messages—lobs of accusations and counter accusations—it’s all we can do to stay genuinely optimistic about the outcome. So much rancorous discord.
Still, we need leaders. Desperately. Good leaders. Spirit-anointed leaders. Women and men who know God, and out of that relationship speak the truth. Who courageously contend for what is right and fair—and best for our nation—while calling out what is wrong and unjust.
They are needed in our government, in our courts, in our universities and schools, in our businesses, in our neighborhoods, and in our churches. Leaders who know the gospel, willing to share it. Leaders who prayerfully take initiative, at the Spirit’s direction through the Word, for righteousness.
This weekend, Pamela and I will be in Washington, D.C. to pray on Saturday with thousands of others along the National Mall. At noon (EDT) beginning at the Lincoln Memorial, and prayer-walking toward the Capitol, we’ll beg the Lord for His evident hand in the upcoming elections, as well as for other matters before our government this fall. Franklin Graham said it, “Without God we have no hope.”
LEADERSHIP CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
Recently, a group of men with whom I gather weekly finished a study of the Old Testament book of Nehemiah. What a centered, prayerful, passionate for righteousness leader! The account of his life, the directives from God he followed, and his initiating leadership is a must read for anyone seeking to energize the will of God in her/his generation.
In 440 B.C., a protective wall needed to be built around the neglected city of Jerusalem. Worship in the neglected temple needed to be restored. Entrenched spiritual enemies who sought to keep God’s people and this special place in compromise had to be identified, uprooted, and taken out of the picture.
Dr. Charles Swindoll’s summation of Nehemiah’s impact is spot on. Nehemiah faced the wrong head on. When necessary, he dealt with the wrong severely. He worked toward a permanent correction that was righteous. And he always followed up a dealing with what was wrong with prayer (Hand Me Another Brick, Chapter 15).
Without godly leadership, people drift easily back into compromising sin. Godly leaders first pay attention to the condition of their own lives, but then seek to shepherd others who often like unthinking sheep wander into danger. Swindoll observes, “Our world is filled with a fearful and confused humanity.” Leaders grounded in the Word, who listen to God’s Spirit, bring a prayerfully informed passion for setting things right.
YOU’RE LIKELY A LEADER
Most all of us lead in some way or another. You may be leading a home with your spouse, shepherding the precious children God has given you. You may be leading a business. Several classes of students. Coaching a team. Overseeing a military troop. Patrolling and protecting our city’s streets and neighborhoods. Leading a Connect Group. A group of students. Maybe you sense the Spirit calling you to start leading.
Understand, your role is vital in making a difference for righteousness. Set the pace by each day meeting and walking with God obediently. Operate hourly with a prayerful awareness of situations, large or small, that call for the Lord’s influence through you.
And, together, let’s truly pray about the choices we as a nation will be making in the days ahead. May God’s Spirit and hand be on the move.