S Pahrii Sapa The topic of leadership is immensely important in our society today. Many want to be a leader but only few want to lead. I consider leader and leading two entities. George Barna once said “A Christian leader is someone who is called by God to lead; leads with and through Christ-like character; and demonstrates the functional competencies that permit effective leadership to take place.” The original concept of leadership is service. Leadership is not position but it’s about presence BNET Business Dictionary defines leadership as: “Leadership is the capacity to establish direction and to influence and align others toward a common goal, motivating and committing them to action and making them responsible for their performance.” Howard Gardner an American Psychologist’s definition for leadership is “... persons who, by word and/or personal example, markedly influence the behaviors, thoughts and feelings of a significant number of their fellow human beings.” Thus, taking into mind
*Leaders are the banners that display the society.’ *Leadership involves establishing direction, vision and purpose. *Leadership involves exciting others with regard to that vision and purpose.
The primary reason why our societies are degrading is leaders not leading. Most of us are not in front pulling but pushing from behind. The societies are where leaders are. My greatest challenge as a pastor is doing my preaching. I have Bibles, books, internet, friends and mentors to prepare my sermon. But the question is do I live what I’m about to preach? Leading congregation in the path where I have never trodden would be a dangerous journey. The Bible in proverbs 29:2 “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” Again in John 20:21 “Peace be unto you: as my Father sent me, even so send I you.” Also Jesus called Christians “The salt and Light of the World. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16) “We are ambassadors of Christ.”2 Corinthians 5:20. The word of God emplaced us a mission for Him. We (leaders) are really important before God to the world. As an ambassador is sent by the country to represent the country to foreign nation so are we to the world. We Christian Leaders must be an agent of change unto good. Today we have lots of spectators but only few players who are willing to take risks for the cause of our decaying society. Jesus the greatest leader the world ever produced taught us the danger of workless leaders. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. Matt.23:3 (NIV). Here Jesus emphasizes the danger of Workless words who take the role of leadership. In our community we have many who want to be a leader. Many Christian leaders today become talking leaders, not walking the talking leaders. I was told once by a friend about a reverend. A man has an uncle Rev. who preached nice. The man once told his friend, if my uncle preached and hide inside almirah, he will be very good. He meant the Reverend was not living good life though he preached great, great words. Theologically trained or holding high degree does not make a great leader. Here are few questions to test ourselves as we lead or are planning to lead!
• Have we ever broken a bad habit? To lead others, you must master your appetites. • Do we keep self- control when things go wrong? The leader who loses control under adversity forfeits respect and influence. • Are we a peace maker? A leader must be part of solution not problem. “The winner has a solution for every problem; the loser has a problem for every solution.” Leader must always be a part of solution. • Can we forgive? To lead others we must a heart of forget and forgive instead of nursing resentments and ill feelings. • Are we ready to face opposition? Leaders always face opposition. • Are we Optimistic? Pessimism and leadership do not mix. Leading with vision is a great value. • Can we stand with the truth when you it is in your power? Leaders must stand with the truth even though you may not win. (Abraham Lincoln) And the truth will win in the end. (John Wycliffe) • Can we say ‘NO’ to wine, Women and Money when those temptations come to us? These three are the strongest test that we encounter and will encounter in our life. If a man can resist from these three pressures he is reliable.
How we response for above investigation will determine our potential as a leader. The worst problem and danger of our land is our leaders can be bought by money. They said great, great words but found nowhere when they were offered money. Money had lead leaders astray and they fail to perform that ought to be done. What frighten our people most is leaders tilted where there is more money. Nagas are great in forming new society and organisation. We have many hundreds of societies and organisations from family and clan to the highest organisation, be it civil organisations, Churches, Governmental or non-Governmental offices. And we have leaders for those families, organisations and societies. It is not the size of society that determines the importance of leadership. All leaders are important and our role as a leader is tremendous. Our life should be distinctive. We must accept the blame when our societies are messed up. Christian leaders where are we? Are we OK as we are called to be in-front before the people and lead? “Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.” Exodus 18:21 Fellow citizens! God is looking for truth, humble and faithful Leaders because when the righteous are in authority the people rejoice. Its time leaders act right with truth and courage. We need daring and courageous leaders today. All great leaders possess two things: One, they know where they are going and Two, they are able to persuade others to follow.
