Spirit of Leadership

WHAT IS A TRUE LEADER? of his own race and culture. His passion for this purpose can be found in his letter to the early Christians of Rome, in which he wrote that he was “obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks,” and that he was “eager to preach” to them. He also stated, “I am not ashamed of the gospel.” C ONVICTION ABOUT YOUR LIFE PURPOSE LEADS YOU TO KEEP GOING IN THE MIDST OF OBSTACLES . First, he said that he was “obligated,” or compelled, by an inner purpose to go to the Gentile peoples. Second, he was “eager.” His purpose generated an excitement and anticipation for carrying out his work. Third, he was “not ashamed” of his task. No matter how much ridicule, per secution, or danger he faced, he always persevered in his calling. How many people have such conviction about their life’s purpose that they keep going in the midst of odds and obstacles such as those Paul faced? He couldn’t have done it without both inner purpose and passion. In his second letter to the church in the city of Corinth in ancient Greece, he wrote of his continual hard work and how he was whipped, beaten with rods, stoned, hunted by the authorities, impris oned, and constantly in danger of death. He was ship wrecked three times; one of those times, he was adrift at sea for twenty-four hours before coming to safety. He described being “constantly on the move,” facing danger from rivers, bandits, his own countrymen, and Gentiles. He also said, I have labored and toiled and have often gone with out sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.

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