The Art of Leadership
By Dag Heward-Mills
Value Every Moment in The Presence of a Great Leader!
Great leaders are part of God’s provision for you. Do not think that God provides for only some of His children. You wouldn’t do that to your children! So why would you think that God Almighty would care for some of His children and leave others destitute? That is not the case. The problem is that we can often not recognize God’s provision to us because we know of only one way in which He visits us. It is important to recognize when God visits you to provide for you.
When we are unable to recognize the people God sends to us, we miss great opportunities that we could have benefitted from. One of the ways we miss out on such opportunities is that we are unable to harness the blessings to be gained from the moments spent with such people. Is it not incredible that the disciples walked several miles with the Lord, on the road to Emmaus, but did not recognize Him! Isn’t that amazing? “After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country” (Mark 16:12).
…you did not recognize the time of your visitation.
Luke 19:44 (NASB)
Perhaps if they had not looked around they would not have noticed that everything they needed was already there. You need to become a master at discerning the great leaders God brings to you to be a blessing to you.
Three People Who Valued Their Fellowship with Great Leaders
- John the disciple spoke of his interaction with Jesus.
He shared how he had actually touched the Lord and heard Him speak.
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
1 John 1:1, 2
This was the greatest experience of his life. A few moments in the presence of a great leader will teach you many things.
- Elisha refused to go away from the presence of Elijah. He knew how important it was for him to stay close. On four different occasions, he refused to go away. And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel.
2 Kings 2:2
- Joshua was also greatly affected by his close interaction with Moses.
Remember that Joshua was the only one who went up the mountain with Moses. And the Lord said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them. And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God.
Exodus 24:12, 13
All the members of Moses’ original team became “someway” as time elapsed. Aaron moved into idol worship. Miriam became disloyal and critical. But Joshua was full of wisdom because of his closeness to Moses.
And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses. Deuteronomy 34:9
Seven Things to Notice in the Presence of Great Leaders
- Notice their vision. You will be inspired to have a greater vision. Value the time in their presence that gives you the opportunity to know their vision.
- Notice their achievements. Don’t miss this in the presence of a great leader. It will show you what is possible.
- Notice their focus. You will see the secret of concentration at work. It will help you all your life.
- Notice their relationship with God. It will inspire you to be closer to God. Do not trade this for anything else.
- Notice their appearance and their language. You will feel the atmosphere of greatness.
- Notice how they handle situations. You will receive wisdom for your own situation.
- Notice their weaknesses. When you see their great achievements in spite of their weaknesses, you will be encouraged!
Remember that God loved us so much that He sent His precious Son, Jesus to die for us. When God wants to bless you, He will send a man. Do not take that gift God has given you for granted. Do not place yourself in a position not to benefit from an important person’s presence. Value the presence of such an one and you will be blessed in your doing!
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