What's in a Leader?

This past week I had the privilege of going white water rafting with our middle school from church.  Our youth pastor has been doing this trip with our youth for as long as I can remember. It is one that all of the students talk about for years later. I know, I for one am thankful for a youth pastor that pours his heart and God's love into these students, into my children! He truly wants to see them succeed as leaders and he does an outstanding job at providing the tools for them to be leaders in their school, community and at home.

Through out the week, the students are encouraged to  participate  in many challenging  activities. Each activity is a build up to WHITE WATER RAFTING class 4 rapids down the Ocoee River. The first of the week they are provided an opportunity to be servants to an Appalachian family by doing repairs or building an addition around their home site. The middle of the week they venture into repelling and rock climbing a wall that is at least 30 to 40 feet in the air. This my friend is a large feat for this old gal! Once I get the nerve to climb the ladder to repel, I must rest a few minutes because I am so out of breath....I still am not sure if it is from the climb or the aroma (and I use that term very lightly) from our repelling guide who is "one with nature" if you know what I mean. I have been on this trip five time now and each year I think the stench gets a little stronger! BUT, as the week progresses it is important for the students to learn that there are challenges in life and either we meet them head on or we sit back and let life pass us by. 

We studied along with our students the importance of becoming a leader with conviction in this society that we live in. A Christian leader is one who soars like an eagle! One who is not afraid of the storms that life may bring, but one who is willing to fly directly into the storm to make an impact.  

John Maxwell once said, "The first step to leadership is servanthood." What greater example do we have than Jesus! John 13:14-16 states, "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him." Humility....being humble, yes that is what it takes to be a leader; a servant-leader! A servant-leader is one who leads by seeking to meet others' needs first. We must remove our pride, insecurities, lack of love, laziness...I could go on and on, but you get the point. When I think about how Jesus humbled himself, first of all to come to this earth as a human, but to live a lowly life while here just to be a sacrifice for me, I am blown away! My prayer is that I do not take that for granted. 

Oh dear parent, it is crucial that you are an example of a servant-leader to your children! Remember they learn by the examples put in front of them....YOU! Be their mentor, encourager and their protege. How can we ever expect our children to be all that God wants them to be, if they do not see us being ALL that God wants us to be!

"The most challenging step of any journey is the first step."