Monday, April 16, 2012

Message from Dave Huss, High School Teacher

In this election year, the leadership of our state and nation are on the forefront of our hearts and minds. Years ago, when I served in the US Army during the Vietnam era, we were trained in 7 Principles of Military Leadership which, we were told, applied particularly to combat situations when serving in a war zone. These principles were:
1. Set the example
2. Know your mission
3. Take responsibility
4. Delegate authority
5. Keep superiors informed
6. Train subordinates
7. Ensure the task is accomplished
In the intervening years after discharge from the Army, in business, in church, and particularly in family life, I have come to realize that these principles are applicable to far more than military combat situations.
1. Paul, while encouraging the leaders of the Church in Corinth said 'Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Jesus Christ' (1Cor. 11:1) Paul knew that, by the Holy Spirit, he was empowered to, and must, Set the Example to fellow believers.
2. The prophet Micah, by the Spirit, gave the all encompassing statement by which we Know our Mission ' He has shown thee, oh man. what is good. And what does the Lord require of thee? But to do justly, and love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God.' (Micah 6:8)
3.Taking Responsibility is demonstrated by scores of biblical characters. James, to pick just one, said 'Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says..' (James 1:22-25)
4. Perhaps the clearest teaching on Delegating Authority in scripture is provided by Jethro as he watched his son-in-law, Moses, act as sole judge for most of a million Jews as they wandered in the wilderness enroute to the Promised land. He said ' What is this that you are doing?.... what you are doing is not good....you will only wear yourself out...you cannot handle it alone...... select capable men from all the people.... That will make your load lighter.... you will be able to stand the strain....and the people will go home satisfied...' (Exodus 18:13-23)
5. God is the 'Superior' of every believer, and of course, we don't have to 'inform' Him of anything. He does direct us, however, to continually keep in contact about 'everything'. 'In everything, by prayer and supplication, make your requests known unto God.' Phil 4:6
6. Training Subordinates is part of leadership. Training,(as opposed to teaching) children is a large part of our mission as parents. ' Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.' (Prov. 22:6)
7. Ensure the Task is accomplished. Finish the race. Be faithful to the end, no matter what the Lord has given you to do. Paul said, probably just before he was executed '....the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day- and not only me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.' 2Tim. 4:6-8

I never learned who formulated these 7 principles of leadership, but I expect, who ever it was, knew the Word of God and certainly understood the importance of appliying the Word to our own lives.

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