When Noble Character Meets People in Need

When turbulent times arise, it is more important than ever to have a strong grasp of courageous leadership and what it means to Christians.  The American people are asking questions and they’re not looking for armchair quarterbacks, slothful clergymen or greedy politicians to answer those questions. They’re looking for men who hold an understanding of transcendent truths and who manifest those truths in their daily lives.

Many think that leadership is a position of command but while this may be an external manifestation of leadership, in reality, leadership is a series of internal suggestions resulting in immediate action towards a noble goal and the selfless character necessary to help others reach the same. Jim Mellado summarized it well when he said leadership is “The expression of courage that compels others to do the right thing.”

When one man takes an action requiring a nobility of character, others are inspired by him and are challenged positively by his actions. When a populace is seeking answers they will turn towards any man willing to take action with confidence. Today, our blinded society looks for anyone who will walk confidently – not just men of character. It’s imperative that we become examples of strong character but also of visionary and confident action.

In his book Talent is Never Enough, John Maxwell says, “Courageous Leadership simply means that a man has developed:

• 1.) Convictions that are stronger than my fears.
• 2.) Vision that is clearer than my doubts.
• 3.) Spiritual Sensitivity that is Louder than Popular Opinion.
• 4.) Self-confidence that is deeper than self-protection.
• 5.) Appreciation for discipline that is greater than my desire for leisure.
• 6.) Dissatisfaction that is more forceful than the status quo.
• 7.) Poise that is more unshakable than panic.
• 8.) An attitude of risk taking that is stronger than safety seeking.
• 9.) Right actions that are more robust than rationalization.
• 10.) A desire to see potential reached more than to see people appeased.“

A lot of young men I know want to get married, have children and build a legacy. I understand this desire; I have it myself. But men, listen – You will never, never, have a biblically sound marriage, have children who honor you or build a legacy that lasts longer than the vapor that is your life until you understand courageous leadership. It is simply impossible.

Please realize that leadership doesn’t mean that others are following you; it means that you are leading. Having a wife won’t make you a leader any more than being in a car makes you the driver. Having children won’t make you a leader any more than being in an airplane makes you the Captain.

You aren’t a leader until you’re walking ahead of the group, taking bold steps of character-driven action and others put their trust in you to guide them to their destination. Like the locomotive on a train, when you start pulling the weight not just of yourself, but of all those around you, they can’t help but follow you. But it’s impossible to follow a stopped or detached locomotive anywhere.

You won’t be a leader until you’re first a man of noble character, a grandiose vision, and a stomach for the fight.

Written by: John Moore. For more articles and thoughts from John check out his blog heumoore.com