“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve;  not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
-1 Peter 5:2-3

America, and any other country, but especially America should be about leadership, not about monarchy. And the difference between being a leader and being a monarch is this: a monarch sits in a tower, in a bed, wearing silk, eating prime rib, drinking champagne, and paying people to do what he/she wants.

But a leader is the one who works and also has influence, has people following him or her as he or she goes out to do something great. There’s a big difference. Leaders take the first step, and leaders work the hardest. There is something powerful about that. The work you do as a leader, if you have a strong “why,” if you have a strong purpose for what you do, if you have a reason you wake up in the morning, well, that work is life giving. And though you may work hard, it gives you a tremendous sense of meaning and pride in life, and you can have that.

Whether or not you’re a leader, make that your dream. Don’t dream about living in some castle doing nothing all day. That won’t give you life. Dream about being a leader and making a difference in the world. Dream about being an old man or an old woman with influence that’s still working hard, that’s still leading the way for young people behind you. Amen?

Prayer: Dear Lord, I want to be a leader, making a difference in the world. Show me the way you would have me go. Amen.

Reflection: How would you describe your leadership style?