The Definition of Leadership is Planted in the Soil of COMMITMENT

When it comes down to the definition of leadership, there is no moving forward until the issue of commitment is addressed.

The Definition of Leadership Begins With Commitment

In case you did not already know, people don’t follow uncommitted leaders. There is often too much of a lack of commitment in our own lives, so we don’t search for leaders struggling with the same plague. As your followers, we need you to be committed to the task at hand. As our leader, you need to be committed to us and our cause. If you aren’t, we’ll find someone else to carry the torch.

Are you willing to do that for us?

We (your followers) want to know that you’re in the game for the long haul and that you’ll do anything and everything to get the job done right. Please…don’t let us down!

When the renown artist Michelangelo painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, he spent countless weeks on his back painting the dark corners in which most people could not see. When someone asked him why he did so, he replied simply, “God will see.”

And for Christians, that really is the crux of the matter. It’s why we must be committed to a job well done. The fact will always remain that whatever you do or put your hand to: “God will see.”

Do you believe this?

Where Are All The People Sold Out To Commitment?

The world has known zero great leaders who lacked commitment. Show me a person who lacks commitment and we’ll both be staring at someone walking down an endless, meandering road that leads to nowhere.

Remember, people first buy into and follow the leader, then the leader’s vision. Commitment trumps personality every single time. Character trumps passion and integrity is a stronger cord than “fresh ideas” will ever be.

It’s strange, but some people want everything to be perfect before they’re willing to commit to anything. But commitment always precedes achievement.

When the disciples followed Jesus, was the road they traveled ever really easy? Were they typically received by the masses with favor, palm branches, and high fives? No, they weren’t.

In fact, the one time in which Jesus was flooded with external praises of “Hosanna!” and palm branches thrown at His feet, it led to His crucifixion less than a week later. The same mob who thought victory was mere moments away were the ones crying “Crucify Him!” only days later.

That’s why we need a leaders who possess commitment to the task at hand. Imagine what poor and miserable wretches with no hope we’d all be if Jesus lacked commitment to the Father’s plan. Just imagine.

The Challenge of Commitment

It’s one thing to talk about commitment, but it’s all together another thing to actually do something about it. The only real measure of a person’s commitment is his or her action at the task. Do you shy away from challenges? Do you persevere when the going gets tough?

I like what Arthur Gordon is quoted as saying,

“Nothing is easier than saying words. Nothing is harder than living them day after day.”

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That’s what it means to commit. Every single day we need to wake up, look at the person staring back at us in the bathroom mirror, and announce that we’re not giving up. The job is not finished until it’s finished. Period.

Commitment, as you know very well, is the enemy of resistance, for it is the uncompromising promise to press on, to persevere, no matter how many times you are pushed around, ridiculed, or bloodied.

Effective Leaders Commit Themselves To The End

When it comes to commitment, there are really only four types of people:

1. People who see the challenge before them, get scared and ultimately never even begin.
2. People who see the challenge before them, yet do nothing more than wait.
3. People who see the challenge before them, start the process with good intentions, but quit when the going gets tough.
4. People who see the challenge before them, start the process and see it through to the very end, despite any insults, hurdles, or curve balls thrown in their direction.

Which of the above are you? No, really, which one?

• What kind of person are you when it comes to commitment?
• Have you been actively developing your character and being intentional about reaching your goals?
• Are you achieving all that you know you can, or are you settling for the status quo?
• Do the people in your inner circle (who know you best) believe in you and follow you?

If your answer to any of these questions is “no” or “I’m not quite sure,” then the  problem just may be your level of commitment.

Try to be more like Jesus, who refused to exhale His final breath and yield up His Spirit until He was able to announce to both His critics and His followers,

“It is finished!”

Maybe we can do the same? I pray we can. God bless, and see you in church!

QUESTION: With regards to the definition of leadership, what are some ways in which you can demonstrate more commitment to the things you know you ought to be doing?