FollowtheLeader.indd

LEADERS ARE PURPOSEFUL

Every Christian leader can identify with those words of Paul. First, they
all sense that they have not nearly “obtained”, or “attained,” the level of
performance that they would like to achieve in the area of their calling.
Secondly, as a result of this awareness, all leaders have an attitude of
“pressing on” to new heights of achievement and attainment. There is a
“divine discontent” that characterizes their lives. Their theme is expressed
in two of the stanza of the old hymn Higher Ground:

1. “I’m pressing on the upward way;
   New heights I’m gaining every day;
   Still praying as I’m onward bound,
   ‘Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.’”


2. My heart has no desire to stay,
   Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
   Tho’ some may dwell where these abound,
   My prayer, my aim is higher ground.
   (Chorus)
   Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
   By faith, on heaven’s table-land,
   A higher plane that I have found;
   Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

“Th ere are no big dreams with small price tags.”^30

(Paul Powell)

Leaders are always interested in going higher – scaling new heights of
achievement. However, Biblical leaders know and acknowledge that it is
God who “...makes their feet like the feet of a deer.” It is the Holy
Spirit that “...enables him to go on the heights” (Hab. 3:19).

“...When God calls, He equips

with gifts and opportunities...”^31

(Fred Smith)

Biblical leaders have an acute sense that the Lord Jesus is sovereign in
this high and holy calling that has gripped their lives. Every wise leader