learning to lead

As I shared earlier this week leading is not for cowards.  And the greatest point I can say for any leader is never stop learning.  We never arrive.  There is a long way to go.  I am sure you agree.  Remember we are leaders at home, at work, at church and even beyond even if we don't have a title.  We lead people through influence (what we say and what we do).

Years ago I was influenced by Johnny Hunt, pastor of First Baptist in Woodstock, Georgia as he talked about reading Proverbs every day.  I miss days, but I am always learning when I turn there.  Proverbs add personal truth for every day, decision thoughts and strength that comes through knowing God and integrity. 

So lets go on a short trip.  Today's chapter in Proverbs...or at least the verses that talk to me about leadership today.  Read on...

Proverbs 15 (nlt)

 1 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

 2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.

 3 The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.

 4 Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

 7 The lips of the wise give good advice; the heart of a fool has none to give.

 10 Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined; whoever hates correction will die.

 14 A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.

 16 Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.

 17 A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.

 18 A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them.

 19 A lazy person's way is blocked with briers, but the path of the upright is an open highway.

  22 Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.

 24 The path of life leads upward for the wise; they leave the grave behind.

 26 The Lord detests evil plans, but he delights in pure words.

 27 Greed brings grief to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live.

 28 The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking;  the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.

 31 If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.

 32 If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.

 33 Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor. 

 

We have to learn to lead.  That is not easy but it so, so right.

 

Lord, help us hear, learn to follow and be always learning to lead.  May our influence be honoring to you and even a gift from you.  In Jesus' name. Amen.