Majoring in the minors

Leadership. For many, this word sends chills down their spine and propels them into the shadows.

Leadership. For others, there is a firm understanding of the word and its simplistic meaning and they choose to embrace it. For the record, we are talking about a facet of society that is sorely lacking. It seems easier to follow than lead.

As I watched the Inaugural events unfold yesterday, I watched with interest. The Armed Forces, Law Enforcement, Secret Service, National Guard, and others entities all operated under a strict code of conduct. Seeing Marines snap a salute every time President Obama or President elect Trump walked by inspired something deep within me. I cringed when dignitaries would receive a salute then not acknowledge it. Protocol aside, leaders pay attention to small things.

I Watched as Secret Service maneuvered to protect dignitaries and made me pause to think of the agent's extensive training. Later as "peaceful protests" broke into riots, police officers and Guard executed their orders with swiftness and precision. Once again they demonstrated their training and implementation. The stepped forward to lead. All of the small things in training exercises jelled at moments of crisis to create a concise response.

Do you consider leadership to be one of your strong points or do you consider yourself a follower?

Leadership is not always something we are born with but leadership can be taught and obtained. Leadership at its core is simply doing many small things with excellence. Leadership is training oneself to acknowledge values in others and recognize their achievements. Leadership equals influence.

"The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.’ “His master replied, ’Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’" (Matthew 25:20-21, NIV)

Jesus shared this parable and was less focused upon the talents and more so on the man's faithfulness to engage. Having been giving 5 talents, the man went and invested those into something of value to produce five more. Faithfulness is a sign of leadership. It isn't the only sign but a main one.

We'll begin a four week leadership training today and the first thing we'll need to do is identify a 'call'. God calls all of humanity to step forward. Many hear the call and respond immediately. Many hear the call and cogitate. Many hear the call and turn the other way. The call is not for a certain few. Leaders or those striving toward leadership will faithfully listen, hear, step forward, and engage.

Pause right now and listen to God's still small voice. Can you discern a 'call' to step forward into leadership? It seems a minor thing to consider listening for God's call, but in the end will have led us toward major breakthroughs in our life and faith.