Today is the fourth day of October 2010. The number four has been used a number of ways Biblically and throughout history. However, there is something significant about the number four today.

Not only because it is the fourth day of October, but the number four represents the minimum number of people you will influence this day. In fact, the average person will influence a minimum of four people everyday.

So, why is today any different? It isn’t. This is just a reminder for all of us to provide the kind of leadership to influence these four people in the right way.

You and I have an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life by our influence, our leadership.

This fact should motivate all of us to learn more about leading. As well, we should give much greater consideration to the power of our influence. We need to give thought to the words we use, the attitudes we display, and our actions.

“A Minimum Of Four”   Think about it. Who will influence you and who will you influence?

Today is the first day of October. Have you ever heard someone say, “it’s the first day of the rest of your life?”

The Bible records many “firsts.” In Genesis we read about the first day, the first plants, animals, etc. We also read about the first man and woman, first children, and the first sin.

From the time we are born there are many firsts. We take our first step. There is the first day of school. Then we have our first car, first date, first kiss.

Later, in marriage, we have our first child and the experience of life begins again.

As leaders, there are many firsts as well. Today is the first day of a new podcast Wayne Roberts and I begin in discussing Homiletics. This is another first in opportunities.

If this is truly the first day of the rest of our lives, then how are we going to lead? Will we take that step to lead others?

This may be the first opportunity to influence someone for Jesus. Make this first step the best step in leadership.

I remember the first time I heard a someone say, “I’ll be your Huckleberry.” I knew that no matter what happened, he would, as we say, “have my back.” He would defend me and help me, no matter what happened.

God’s word teaches us how Jesus is our Advocate, Mediator, Intercessor, and several additional terms. These terms identify Jesus as someone who is there to defend us. There are going to be times when life happens and we struggle with various trials. Temptation works to destroy our faith and foundation.

However, Jesus is there to stand beside us and provide aid.

As leaders, we have a responsibility to the people who are following. They need to know they have a leader who is going to be there to defend them, to stand beside them no matter the trial.

Be their Huckleberry. When we do we are building relationships as greater leaders.

Perhaps you have seen the bumper stickers with a phone number next to the question.

I wonder, does anyone ever really call the number?

Do we take the time to observe a person’s driving and call to report to their superiors?

Generally, if someone calls, it is only to report inappropriate driving skills. Rarely would someone take the time to call and commend the driving of someone else.

It begs the question, “How’s my leadership?”

Do we take time to observe our leadership and take note of our abilities, activities, and accomplishments? Are we critical or commending?

As imperative the need for leadership, we must observe how we are leading. If our leading is inappropriate, then we need to make changes. If it is commendable, then strive to excel still more.

In the experiences of an unpredictable economy, concerns arise surrounding the cost of consumer products. We want to know if we can afford what it will cost.

At times the cost might be incidental, or it may be intentional.

Spiritually, Jesus taught of the need to count the cost prior to becoming His disciple.

Following Christ demands a level of total commitment. Jesus counted the cost of our salvation and paid for it with His life. What a tremendous example of leadership. Following Him could require nothing less than the same.

What about those who are following our leadership? Are they willing to pay the cost equal to our example?

Perhaps there is a more appropriate question. Have we counted the cost of leadership and set an example for others to follow?

What makes up our identity?

A name badge? Social Security Number? Job description?

Maybe size? Gender? Color of skin? Nationality?

Perhaps an educational degree? Athleticism? Social position?

Or, is our identity determined by our choices?

The uncertainty of our role in life or in understanding our true self is described as an identity crisis.

Could our leadership be characterized as an identity crisis?

Knowing our identity is vital to leadership.

How others identify us as leaders is a key element to successful leadership.

The choices we make define the identity of our leadership. From a spiritual perspective, the definition must be clear.

Spiritually, our leadership needs to be with certainty and understanding. Our direction must be focused and determined. Eternity demands clearly identified leadership.

Each morning I climb two flights of stairs. These stairs have come to represent something significant as I climb to the office where I work.

It takes desire to reach the top.

It takes energy to step up to the next level.

It takes focus to prevent falling.

It takes developing a certain level of habit, almost second nature.

These stairs could represent hundreds of ideas. However, it takes little effort to connect the dots in leadership. Read the list above again with a connection to leadership.

The list is not exhaustive, but successful leaders understand the “will to want to” when it comes to reaching the top. Successful leaders are willing to exert whatever energy it takes to accomplish the task. They do not allow distractions to cause them to lose focus. The habits developed daily as leaders not only become second nature, they are developed as first nature. The result produces success in leadership.

This game has been around since the beginning. Adam blamed God (and Eve). Eve blamed the serpent and people have been blaming someone ever since.

Children learn at a young age to blame a sibling, friend in school, a teacher, the weather, or anything they can in order to keep from accepting responsibility for their actions.

Where do they learn this behavior?

Why would they assume it is acceptable?

Can it be corrected?

John Maxwell claims everything rises and falls on leadership. Does our leadership as parents influence the behavior of our children? Are we willing to accept the responsibility?

Leaders, it all begins with us. If we are going to correct the trend of playing the blame game, then we must rise up and accept responsibility. If there is success, the credit goes to the team. If there is failure, the responsibility rests on our shoulders. Welcome to leadership.

Family. Home. Every person develops their own understanding of family and home. The idea of a beautiful house does not establish a home. The opposite is also true.

Images of a fireplace, the smell of baking, sounds of children playing, sports, fresh cut lawns, security, or a hundred other ideas often stimulate thoughts of home.

For others, home can often bring memories of violence, abuse, hardship, hunger, abandonment, and other areas of discontent.

The desire of all parents should be to provide an environment that says “there’s no place like home.”

What comes to mind when others think about our leadership?

Are memories made to promote thoughts of greatness?

Or, does our leadership cause others to find discontent and displeasure?

The opportunity is ours to make the difference in the way others view our leadership. The desire of leaders should be to create an environment that says, “there is nothing else like it.”

Listening to a conversation in another country, a different language, among different people, can be extremely confusing. At times, with a crowd all speaking/arguing at the same time, it is mass confusion.

What is the point attempting to be made?

Who/what is right…or wrong?

Is anyone really listening?

Does anyone care?

Imagine trying to provide leadership in such confusion. Who will step up? Who will follow? What is it going to take to get others to listen? How can they understand the need and care?

Now, consider your leadership. Are we all speaking the same language? Are we really listening? Do we really care?

The answer makes a difference in our leadership.