“If ever a leader walked this earth…”

Most of you reading this blog are aware that the world lost a great leader this week. No, it was not a political figure in some high government position, nor was it someone acclaimed as famous by the world.

However, in the eyes of God, Cy Stafford was one of the greatest leaders of our generation.

I do not have enough space to describe Cy’s influence in my life. Cy’s love for leadership was based on his incredible love for God, His word, and His people. He lived the biblical example of leadership greatness, “a servant to all.”

We constantly shared titles of books about leadership we were reading at the time. I know his library was full and, thanks to Cy’s suggestions, so is mine.

The discussions we shared concerning leadership are times I will treasure all my life. The encouragement Cy provided continues to drive my love for the subject and my desire to grow leaders in the church around the world.

I loved and admired Cy’s passion for souls, evidenced by his work in Tanzania and everywhere his presence was felt. He was humble, kind, and generous beyond words.

Few people will be as missed as this beloved husband, father, babu, brother, and my friend. Thank you Cy for your heart and influence.

Consider a long-standing thought: “Everyone brings happiness; some when they come and some when they leave.” Think about what this implies for our leadership.

There are times leaders are asked to leave and times when they choose to leave. How a leader walks away determines the nature of how they will be remembered.

Shattered farewells leave everyone hurting when leadership walks away from responsibility.

Divisive farewells leave followers turned against one another.

Venomous farewells leave a feeling of animosity, anger, distrust, and a lack of direction.

Gracious farewells leave followers united with a greater dedication to achieve the established vision, goals, and will of God that strengthen the overall good of everyone.

At some point, we say goodbye and when the time comes we all have to decide the level of integrity and Christlike character we will demonstrate. Here are few tips.

Remember the greater good of followers.

Always accept responsibility for actions.

Be kind, never harsh or abrasive no matter how unfairly treated.

Consider our Savior.

We are leaders and how we lead when we leave makes a difference.

All of us have to admit there are times when the road of leadership becomes difficult enough the easiest path to walk is to give up.

We also know the Bible is filled with instruction to endure until the end. Yet, we also know there are many who were unable to do so.

However, when considering the consequences of giving up, is it really the easiest choice?

When we give up…

We lose the edge of our character and get discouraged.

We will always wonder what could have happened “if” we had endured.

Someone else will lead, and their leadership is not always going to be in the right direction.

The opportunity to bring lasting change is delayed, if not eliminated.

The bottom line is – Satan wins!

Leadership has never been an easy road to walk. There are always problems to deal with and opposition to overcome. However, we must not allow those obstacles and challenges to cause us to give up.

A little twist on an old adage may prove helpful, leaders never quit and quitters never lead.

These two words are connected to several thoughts. In a wedding ceremony they become part of the vows exchanged. We conclude with, “until death do you part.”

We also find these words used of Jesus in speaking to the church at Smyrna, as He concluded “…be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life.”

The idea of behind the usage of these words indicates a level of dedication. There is an understanding of commitment deeply tied to the use of this phrase.

It also significant to notice the reward stated by Jesus is only given to those who hold true to their dedication and commitment.

In several areas of life, even leadership, when difficulties arise, change, distractions, interruptions, or a failure to measure up to our expectations, our culture looks for the bail out.

Consider the difference that could be made if we all honored our commitments.

Can we imagine the lives we could change by having hearts with such dedication?

There is much to be said for men and women who build on a foundation defined by these two words…until death!

Three simple words, yet here is a principle that challenges our leadership. The challenge to our leadership exists because the idea behind this principle involves communication.

When leaders do not keep others informed, the following happens:

People grow suspicious.
Distrust blossoms in their minds.
An element of doubt develops in leadership ability.
Anxiety begins to characterize feelings.

The lack of communication is not always intentional. Sometimes, our life becomes structured. We develop a routine and life becomes monotonous. In the end, our communication often suffers.

Is it possible to prevent these concerns from developing and growing? Yes!

Following these three simple words…Keep others informed.

Within the church, there is a great need for leaders to keep the brethren informed.

What kind of information needs to be provided?

Inform others of the plans for the future.
Inform others of any changes that need to be made.
Inform others of challenges / or hindrances facing the plans.
Inform others of the needs.

When leaders communicate / inform others, trustworthy and loyal relationships develop. It is time for God’s leaders to lead.

Harry Truman once said, ”Men make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.”

Several thoughts could be noted here and rightfully so. The last line of this quote, however, deserves our attention.

Leaders have come and gone. We could all list leaders who are remembered for the negative and destructive nature of their leadership. We could also list others who are remembered for the good and lasting nature.

Think of a more current and practical approach to leaders and ask, “What about you and me?”

How will our leadership influence be remembered in the church and community where we live and serve?

Will we be remembered because of the change we made for the better?

Will our leadership have an impact for the eternal good of others?

If it seems as though the world stands still around us, then maybe it is time we stood up to lead. Seize the opportunity to change things for the better. Lead as God would have us to do!

Consider the spiritual parallels to a statement made by Publilius Syrus, “Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.” For example, it is not difficult to have faith when life is going well.

The challenge to faith (holding the helm) involves our belief that God is in control and engaged in our lives, that He looks out for our best interest even when life is not going well.

This thought is also significant when dealing with our leadership. The spiritual nature of leadership will face numerous storms while we hold the helm.

Disbelief in our vision and goals may exist among those who follow.

Jealousy begins to consume dissenters who doubt our motives.

Gossip, slander, and malice will spread to discredit our leadership.

Attempts may be made to discourage and stop progress.

These are only a few ways the storms can blow against our leadership, even when we lead with a godly, Christlike spirit.

Hold the helm! Remain strong in the faith! Keep our eyes focused on Jesus! Continue to lead!