“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” ~ Martin Luther King Jr.
Leadership is influence. This is a very simple yet profound principle of leadership. If you can’t influence people, you can’t lead them anywhere. The basis of your ability to lead is all about your ability to influence others. No matter who you are, you most likely have a group of people you influence. Some leaders have a small realm of influence while others may be in a position to influence thousands. The question is: What kind of influencer are you going to be?
From your platforms of influence, you will have unique opportunities to be a leader in your family, your workplace, your church and your community. The issue of influence is not so much about how many people you influence as it is about how well the people around you are influenced by you. Your character is the driving factor determining the quality of your influence in the lives of others. One of the best examples of character and influence I can think of is the example of Daniel in the Old Testament.
Then King Darius sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world: “Peace and prosperity to you! “I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end. (Daniel 6:25-26 NLT)
Even as a young man with no title or position of authority, Daniel influenced a king. In fact, Daniel was a prisoner who not only won over his captors and their kingdom, but his influence reached “every race and nation and language throughout the world.” Wow! That is amazing influence.
No doubt God orchestrated many miraculous supernatural signs and wonders to affirm Daniel, but all that was built on the foundation of Daniels’s character. What great and incredible things could God do through you to impact those in your realm of influence? Be intentional about building relationships of trust. Your character and competence as a leader will draw people to you and give them confidence in you as a leader. God can use you to influence them in a positive way.
As a Christian leader, let me challenge you to always be bold and lead with confidence in God and to trust Him to multiply His work through you. Pray for God to give you the wisdom to lead well today. If you focus on the quality of your character in your realms of influence today, tomorrow you’ll rejoice in what God will accomplish through the impact of your leadership. Remember, a positive influence in the lives of others will always be passed on.