Saturday, 12 February 2011

Leadership Promises


The Longest Way is a Short Cut

Then [Saul] waited seven days, according to the time set by Samuel. But Samuel did not come . . . So Saul . . . offered the burnt offering. Now it happened, as soon as he had finished presenting the burnt offering, that Samuel came . . . And Samuel said, "What have you done?" 1 Samuel 13:8-11
One of the most common obstacles to success is the desire to cut corners. But short cuts never pay off in the long run. If you find that you continually give in to your moods or impulses, then you need to change your approach to doing things. Cutting corners is really a sign of impatience and poor self-discipline. But if you are willing to follow through, you can achieve a breakthrough. The best method is to set up standards for yourself that require accountability. Any time you suffer a consequence for not following through, it helps you stay on track. Once you have your standards in place, work according to them, not your moods. That will get you going in the right direction. Self-discipline is a quality that is won through practice.

Friday, 11 February 2011

Leadership Promises


Buying Into the Leader
So he said to Him, "O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manaseh, and I am the least in my father's house." And the Lord said to him, "Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man."
Judges 6:15-16
Who would have picked Gideon as a leader? Certainly not Gideon. But despite Gideon's doubts, God used him. And he grew as a leader through several stages:
  • He started at home with his servants by destroying an altar to Baal and building a new altar to God.
  • He won over his father, who was a key influencer, and Gideon's life was spared when the men of Ophrah came after him.
  • He broadened his circle by winning the influence of Joash, the Abiezrites, and tribes beyond his borders.
  • He moved at the right time, with the right number of people, and won a great victory.
People don't automatically buy into a good cause, as we see with Gideon. People buy into the leader first, then the leader's vision.