Are You Prepared For A Leadership Opportunity?

Good leaders are hard to find. Why? Because, while leadership is about influence, it is very difficult. It takes energy, effort, risk, and a willingness to endure stinging criticism. Not everybody wants to lead, but most everybody has an opinion about how others lead.

You may not currently be in a leadership position or even want to be, but as the future is unknown--can you be sure that you will not have a leadership opportunity in the future? What if God desires to use you in a key role of influence? How can you prepare now so as not to be disqualified then?

Below are three areas to consider if you desire to prepare for future leadership opportunities.

1. You Prepare For Future Leadership Opportunities By Being Devoted To Your Family.

We all have opportunities to influence others. While we may not be leading a business, an army, or a nation, we do have daily opportunities to speak into the lives of others. One of the primary environments for this is the home. In fact, the home is regarded as the training ground for Christian leaders. If you are not faithful to your family you certainly will not be faithful to your followers. Are you currently influencing your spouse for good? Are you inspiring him or her to a growing relationship with Christ? If you have children, are you faithfully leading them to the face of God?

2. You Prepare For Future Leadership Opportunities Be Being Devoted To Your Character Development.

Andy Stanley writes:

"It is incumbent upon you to do all you can now to prepare yourself for your eventual success. Your gifts will open doors. Your character will determine what you do once those doors have opened."

Once you compromise your character--you lose trust, once you lose trust, you have lost the opportunity to influence--lead. Are you living a blameless life? Are you "above reproach" in all your dealings? Are you self-controlled, self-disciplined, and making wise decisions? One compromise could ruin a future opportunity to influence others.

3. You Prepare For Future Leadership Opportunities By Being Devoted To Studying God's Word.

Direction comes from truth. Are you a student of the Word? Are you willing to learn? Are you teachable?

Good leaders are hard to find. So get prepared because it may fall to you!