On August 28, 1963 Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial. Although one hundred years earlier, in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation that freed the slaves; black people in America still lived under the oppression of segregation. In his speech, King said, “Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksand’s of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.” He spoke of his dream. “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” Martin Luther King, Jr. rallied a nation to needed change. He had a vision for an America that assessed men by their character instead of by their skin color. His actions took courage and a willingness to press on even when the opposition to his cause was intense.
Leaders do not lead because leading is easy. They lead knowing full well that leadership involves costs. No greater case study on leadership can be found than that of Nehemiah in the Old Testament. He was made aware of a great need. He prayed and fasted. He surveyed the situation. He formulated a plan and called others to join him in a great task. When opposition arose, he did not turn back. God had given him a vision of a better tomorrow for his people and Nehemiah would not be dissuaded from his assignment.
May I encourage any young readers that may be reading this to consider making a difference by being a leader instead of a follower? Leaders are not always the smartest or the most talented or the most successful. John Maxwell said, “Although it’s true that some people are born with greater natural gifts than others, the ability to lead is really a collection of skills, nearly all of which can be learned and improved.” Leaders, however, do have a vision for a better tomorrow; learn all they can about their area of concern, set out with a plan for change and refuse to be sidetracked by their critics and opposition.
Again, to any young readers, I would challenge you to be leaders in an age of followers. I would love to hear from any of you about how you believe God might be pointing you in the area of leadership. The best way would be to email me at chuck@woolseybaptist.org
Lead On!
