Things Necessary for Leaders, part 5

Do the big thing. Big is the word. The big thing you do flows from your big gift. Your big gift, the biggest thing you are able to do, lights up your big dreams. The big expectations you have in life are rooted in your big dreams. By big gift, we mean here that thing you really have the talent and training for. Note the ongoing reality lesson of "American Idol." People with big delusions do not make it. If you can't sing well, you won't go far in a singing contest, no matter how much you "believe" in yourself. So, by saying "do the big thing" we are saying:

1) Know God. He wants our lives to matter. He puts in each of us a unique mix of potential, abilities, and experiences, which, if He is invited in faith to help Himself to, He can make much of. 

2) Know Yourself. What are you good at? What are your REAL talents and abilities? Have you developed them at all? Has your life prepared you? Nehemiah lived and worked in the presence of the highest grade leaders of his day. When the problem found him and he dared to pray, God had already immersed him in years of a certain type of leadership school, having been the cup bearer to the king. What about you?

3) Know Life. Do you understand that nothing replaces hard work and discipline? Or do you believe the commercials that say you can get 6-pack abs from pills or an electric belt you wear around your waist? If you haven't worked hard so far, you're in trouble. If you're not willing to do the hard work, you're going nowhere. If you are looking to others to open doors for you, they will remain shut. If you are blaming your lack of success on a lack of help from others, no one will help you. You get the picture. If you don't, then nothing more I write here will help. 

4) Know People. Nehemiah was not a jerk. This is important. I've encountered many people over the years who mistreat other people and expect success in life to follow. Theirs is a strange form of math. It doesn't add up. If you send nasty e-mails to someone, you won't win them over. If you lie to people, they won't trust you. If you take credit for the work of others, others will not want to continue working with you. If you disrespect leaders, you won't get their help or support. Nehemiah even treated his worst enemies with a certain grace. Read and you will see; he knew people. He knew how to rally the frustrated, recruit the help of kings, resist the attacks of foes, and reassure all that his was a mission from God. He didn't get mired in the petty. No one doubted that he had come to do the big thing!

How about you?