FOLLOW THE LEADERwe get to the goal, the more it demands of us and the more it
means to us.^20“Passion energizes vision, and
vision disciplines the passion.”
(Lyle Schaller)Leaders are energized by their purpose. Simply put, vision produces vitality!
Influential leaders are always passionate about their purpose. It is their
passion that ignites other people’s passion. Effective leaders are passionately
positive and positively passionate!
Principle:
“Vision produces vitality. Leaders are passionately
positive and positively passionate.”King David revealed the source of his passion in life when he exclaimed:
“The joy of the Lord is my strength” (Psalm 118:24). Unquestionably,
David was the greatest king in Israel’s history – and certainly one of the
greatest leaders of all time. He had a passionate ability to bring people
together and unite very diverse groups under his leadership. Even though
he struggled from time-to-time with disappointment, discouragement,
despondency, and depression – as every leader does – joy ultimately won
out. David did not have joy because his leadership challenges were easy.
He faced every conceivable leadership problem and every challenge
imaginable! Because his joy was centered in God, his strength had a divine
base. David’s life and leadership remind us that even though circumstances
change – God does not. Wise leaders like David have come to understand
the difference between happiness and joy. Since this is such an important
life and leadership issue, let’s pause to distinguish one from the other.
The English word “happiness” comes from the root “hap” - from
which we get the word “happen.” The word “happen” means: “to occur
by chance or without plan.” Therefore, the word “happiness” means:
“favored by circumstances, lucky, fortunate.” It in turn comes from the
word “happenstance.” We can see that happiness is circumstantial. If the