Last week, we discussed the challenge of equipping the next generation to lead. As noted on Friday, there are a number of steps that are essential to lay the proper foundation.

If there is one step that enables us to consider the proper direction, it is prayer. Nothing is more foundational. We must pray for guidance and ask God to help us equip the next generation to lead.

Read the accounts in the Old Testament where Joshua and Israel marched into Canaan. Every time they did not seek prior counsel with God, consequences were incurred.

If we feel we can rely on the past, some form of “wingin’ it,” or a laissez faire approach in our efforts, we are already defeated.

We also need to know that it will take more than a casual mention of the need when we think of it. We must be fervent, diligent, persistent, and plead with God to help us, because of the consequences if we do not.

Think seriously about the nature of the situation and start praying now about how we can take the next step to achieve our purpose.

Few subjects hold the amount of significance and weight as the subject in today’s post. Without a doubt, a desperate need exists for more and greater leaders today.

A number of books address the next generation of leaders and how the future of the home, country, corporate world, and, above all, church requires our attention in this area. However, a major downfall is found in the approach to succession planning for the next generation.

What are we doing to prepare the next generation of leaders? Have we considered the consequences currently experienced in the church because previous generations lacked a plan? Are we willing to passively watch from the sidelines as another generation arises without the proper preparation and tools to lead?

We have much to consider and the longer we procrastinate the more difficult the journey becomes to equip the next generation of leaders.

A number of steps are essential to lay the foundation and walk into the future equipped to meet the problem head on and change the direction of tomorrow for the next generation. Next week, we will examine several steps needed for this foundation.

We all desire happiness, but what determines our happiness? Dale Carnegie once said, “It isn’t what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about.”

The discussion of what it takes to bring happiness is unending. Books, articles, blog posts, along with every other form of social media, tries to provide the answer to happiness.

Sadly, where most look for happiness is in one or more of three areas: 1) what we do (happiness comes with success), 2) what we have (happiness comes with material possessions or money), and 3) what others say about us (happiness comes with image or status).

Happiness is rarely associated with what we think. Yet, even God identifies the need for us to let our minds dwell on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, things of excellence and anything worthy of praise.

Leadership can change the direction of happiness in the lives of others by leading with this mindset and helping others learn how to think on the right things.

The eye is an amazing part of the human body. We do not have enough space to cover the complex intricacies of the eye.

However, as we begin to age, it is fairly common (somewhere around 40-ish) that our arm does not extend quite far enough to read the print on the page.

Two conditions normally occur around this time of life: 1) near-sightedness – the ability to see things up close, but not far away, and 2) far-sightedness – the ability to see things far away, but not up close.

In a spiritual sense, leaders must avoid both conditions. Leaders need the ability to see what is going on up close around them, knowing the present needs that exist. They must also have the kind of vision that makes it possible to see what will occur down the road. Perhaps the appropriate term is “insight.”

Leadership insight demonstrates the ability to see both near and far and makes it possible to address current needs and plan for the future in ways to overcome the obstacles in order to achieve success.

Leadership material abounds in every bookstore throughout the world. A number of styles, qualities, characteristics, and laws/principles have been discussed in an effort to help others learn the best approach to leading.

The idea of considerate leadership takes into account all four of these areas and indicates the power to direct the future.

Leaders must show consideration to the heart of others. The challenge is not in knowing the heart of others as much as learning to consider the good intention of others first. We have become a very skeptical world. As such, we tend to question the motive or intention of everyone, including those who deserve our greatest trust.

Leaders must also give consideration to the needs of others. The needs are hard to recognize when we are only involved in superficial or surface oriented relationships. Leaders must dig below the surface to learn what is really needed and consider how to be approach providing for the need.

Consideration should be a part of a leaders daily walk in relationship to others, and doing so exemplifies the compassion of great leadership.

A contrast of counsel is found throughout the Psalms and Proverbs. We are urged not to walk in the counsel of the wicked in Psalm 1. Later in the Psalms, David expresses the need to wait for the counsel of the Lord, because His counsel will endure forever.

Solomon claims a wise man is one who listens to wise counsel, and one who possess understanding will acquire wise counsel.

One of the best Proverbs about counsel is found in Proverbs 27:9 where we read, “A man’s counsel is sweet to his friend.”

Leadership should always provide a source of counsel that is based on the word of God, designed to provide guidance to spiritual success and an eternal reward.

When leaders provide godly counsel, several beautiful things occur: 1) Above all, God is glorified; 2) His people are built up in the faith; 3) leadership is strengthened in righteousness; and 4) the future is secured.

The consequences of not seeking wise counsel can be seen in the life of Joshua (Jos. 9). Let leaders learn today from his example, then pursue and provide godly counsel.