Actions have Consequences

Currently I am reading George Barna's A Fish Out of Water: 9 Strategies to Maximize Your God-Given Leadership Potential. I am only two chapters in, but I am compelled to share what I have learned thus far. As you may have already found out through my profile, I really have no idea what I want to be when I grow up, so for now, I want to be and do everything. Eventually, I would like to be a consultant of sorts in emergency management and mitigation or somehow weasel my way into the business marketplace.

I love leadership; books, articles, journals, you name it. The great debate is and will continue to be, "Are people born leaders or are they educated to become leaders?" The answer depends on whom you speak with. In my opinion, it is a little of both. You see, God creates those He wants in positions of leadership, however those people may not agree due to their own timidity and lack of confidence. Take Moses for example. These folks that may be unsure of themselves can seek to hone their skills to become more effective leaders through experience, education, etc. The catch is, however, if God has not appointed them as a leader, no amount of experience or knowledge will ever allow them to become effective leaders. God's appointment, regarding leadership, is the requisite credential.

This prelude leads us to today's entry. The most effective leadership strategy, whether it be for a battle, a business, or a home, can be found within the pages of Scripture. Many extra-biblical texts serve to be invaluable resources but the foundation is Scripture, itself.

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This is Newton's Third Law of Motion. The same principle applies to leadership. Whether it be in business, the battlefield or home; Actions have Consequences.

For those in leadership positions, this saying is applied ten-fold because not only is everyone watching you, they are depending on you for guidance. The truest definition of a leader is one that has followers. Without followers, there's no leader. The author of Ecclesiastes, through the divine and sovereign hand of God, tells us in the third chapter "There is an occasion for everything and a time for every activity under heaven." This includes action. Action, then leads to change. Change often leads to consequences; good and bad.

It is through this arduous process that Christian leaders be the Godly representative which in-turn shows our Creator's influence in our decision making process and calling as leaders. We are to be trailblazers and point-men/women, providing a path of safe-haven while we lead our constituents. Similar to a light house that leads an ocean vessel to safety, we too are to lead. (Matthew 5)

"Leadership is the art of serving God by helping His people become more like His Son through the indefatigable pursuit of His vision and values (Barna)."