what is leadership anyway?

People who call themselves "leaders" need to realize they are held to a high standard than the average Jane of Joe on the street. What creates a leader in today's society? I was under the impression that a "leader" was someone of high moral integrity. A leader should be a person who does not go with the crowd, but has the courage (and I know this phrase is over-used) to stand up for what is right. At least that was the kind of person I viewed as a leader.

The problem in society is that there is no longer a compass for "right" behavior. What is right to me, may not be what is right for you. And if I say a word about what I believe is right and it does not line up with what you believe is right, I am accused of being "politically incorrect" and therefore my opinion is disregarded or considered unitelligent. Christians have a completely different view of what is right than the rest of the world. It is a truth that should not be any surprise. Still, I guess I am naive enough to believe that those who call themselves leaders all have a moral ground in which they stand. That must be too much to expect from the world in which I live.

It is evident that now more than ever the world truly, truly NEEDS Christian leaders. The world possesses leaders who are making a difference. The problem is, this difference is not drawing the world to Jesus Christ. People are sinful. Again, a truth that should not come as any surprise. I have seen over and over again the previous days that sin is everywhere. Mediocore Christians are not getting the job done.

The reason why many Christians do not rise up to lead, is that they are afraid of being persecuted, not necessarily physical persecution, but persecution in emotional and mental kinds. This is fear is not in vain. 2 Timothy 3:12 tells us, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." Therefore, if I am being persecuted, does that not mean I am doing something right? In the Beattitudes, Christ tells us that those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, then they shall inherit the kingdom of Heaven. Human persecution here on earth is such a small price to pay for dwelling with the God of the universe for all eternity.

James 1:2-4 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." The fear needs to leave the hearts of Christians when it comes to stepping out of the status-quo. If God is for us, who can be against us?