Monday, April 4, 2011
"Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Thessalonians 5:11-23
The scrutiny of others isn't a reality to bemoan, but an opportunity to embrace.
Dwight D. Eisenhower is most widely recognized as the thirty-fourth President of the United States, yet he accomplished so much in the time preceding his presidency. Eisenhower graduated as a Second Lieutenant from West Point Military Academy in 1915. While stationed at Fort Sam Houston, Dwight worked as the football coach for St. Louis College (now St. Mary's University). During World War I, Eisenhower became the third leader of a new tank regiment and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Although he never saw combat during the first world war, Dwight trained many soldiers and tank corpsmen. His interest in tank warfare only grew after the war, and he discussed such tactics with General George S. Patton and other military leaders.
During peacetime, he was stationed as an assistant to General Douglas MacArthur and even accompanied him on his endeavors to the Philippines. Between 1939 and 1941, Eisenhower held many staff positions in Washington DC before being promoted to the Chief of Staff for General Walter Krueger, Commander of the 3rd Army at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. Soon after, he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General.
Interesting to note, before World War II, Eisenhower was hired as the thirteenth president of Columbia University, a post he served from 1948-1953. During World War II, Eisenhower's leadership skill was rewarded as President Roosevelt appointed him Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe, making him responsible for the planning and supervising of the Allied attack in Europe.
To say that Eisenhower had leadership experience is an understatement. Even before he became President, he was well versed in leading others, so listening to his advice on leadership would prove beneficial for any leader. Here's what he once said on the topic:
"In order to be a leader a man must have followers. And to have followers, a man must have their confidence. Hence the supreme quality of a leader is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, on a football field, in an army, or in an office. If a man's associates find him guilty of phoniness, if they find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must square with each other. The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high purpose."Integrity, high moral standards, and a commitment to a purpose all define a good leader. As Christians, we are leaders in our world. You may not be a military general, a university president, or even the US President, but you lead others every day.
As a parent, you lead your children. As a husband, you lead your wife. As an employer, you lead your employees. As a friend, you lead your friends. As a teacher, you lead your class. As a pastor, you lead your church. We all are in positions of leadership. There are people who look to you and emulate what you do.
First Thessalonians gives us a list of "to-do's" as some would say, but more importantly, it's a list of guidelines by which to live our lives. Why is it so important for us to live godly lives? Because of our position of leadership, others look to us and examine our lives. This isn't a reality to bemoan, but an opportunity to embrace.
As a leader it is your responsibility to live a life above reproach. There are younger, less mature, newer Christians, and lost people watching your life. The immature person would complain at that fact, but the mature believer realizes the ability to use their lives as a testimony for others.
Are you committed to being a godly leader every day? People are looking to your life for guidance. Show them God's power by living for His glory today.
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