Vision…The Vital Component of Leadership – Part 3
Visionary leaders are people who see farther, more and before others. The quality that makes a visionary leader worthy of following is character.
As a freshman in college I heard Dr. Jerry Falwell say, “Character is what you are in the dark.” I have pondered that statement many times when faced with the urge to live a life of duplicity.
This is my third and final post on the subject of vision. I addressed the Upward Component, Outward Component and now conclude by examining the Inward Component, character.
By combining Numbers 13, 14 and Joshua 14, 15 we get a glimpse into the life of the visionary leader Caleb. His dependency on God translated into a strong character making him a leader worthy of following. I have highlighted just three aspects of this Visionary Leader of Character.
- He was a Distinctive Leader: Numbers 14:24 compares him to others and says he had “another spirit.” He just stood out.
The voice, vision and values of God serve to stabilize your soul and galvanize your character. MC
- He was a Persistent Leader: Joshua 14:10-12 demonstrates that Caleb had “sustained vision” for over forty-five years.
The strength of a man’s virtue should not be measured by his special exertions, but by his habitual acts. Blaise Pascal
- He was an Influential Leader: Joshua 15:13-18 reveals a visionary man whose life is “still motivating” others.
The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind in others the conviction and will to carry on.Walter Lippman
Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened. Billy Graham
Visionary leaders who influence the world are people of character. They have a higher purpose than fame, a bigger vision than today and a deeper calling than self.
Do you know any visionary leaders of character?
