Spirituality

Transformational and transgenerational leadership requires spirituality as a key attribute. Without it, a leader will function at the very basic human level that could even be considered excellent, but never entering the deeper and more impactful levels of spiritual excellence, that endure in power over generations. A leader’s true legacy is the strength of the imprint of his values and beliefs left in the hearts of the people he led. This, only a truly spiritual leader can achieve – the reason why JESUS CHRIST remains the ultimate standard of leadership for all time.

So, what then is spirituality? Essentially, spirituality is a conscious relationship with GOD, based on acceptance of HIS Lordship, engendering reverence (holy fear), and the consequent outflow of regard for fellow man. Spirituality is not the same thing as religion. You can be highly religious and not even remotely spiritual. In fact, religion is often very toxic to fellow humans.

Spirituality is necessary for leadership, because you must be able to see the unseen, the quality of being visionary. If you see only what others see, and speak only what others speak, you can not make a difference in their lives. Transformational and transgenerational leaders are able to move people forward, because they have seen that forward, encountered it spiritually (in the spirit). It has been revealed to them. They have perceived what is possible, how it can be actualised and are ready to pay the price to bring it to pass.

Because you do not know the hearts of people, you must have an active, loving and confident connection to the one who does, and depend on HIM to lead you. Then as you receive from HIM you give. You can not give what you have not received – John 3:27. You lead as you are led, not just as you were taught or you think. Leadership is given by GOD, men only just agree, whether by appointment or by  election. Leadership is not an award or a reward, it is a calling to serve, not to be served – Matthew 20:25-26. In these very own words of JESUS, the call to leadership is a call to service or servanthood. You may prefer to put it like this – servanthood is the highest form of leadership.

Mere human “sense” leadership can not bring about the kind of transformation the world needs today.

Some challenges of society like poverty, greed, selfishness and cruelty have deep spiritual dimensions. You can not tackle them with just the physical senses – intellect. This is why the world has never been able to solve its problems ever since the beginning of creation. Beyond the physical data, you need to be able to apprehend the unseen workings perpetuating the phenomena. Without this insight, you will be leading by trial and error, and always not getting anywhere, and even making the problem worse. Spirituality helps a leader perceive and understand the deep, beyond the surface, issues of man’s existence in this world. It helps him navigate the complex and often contending human interactions with wisdom and compassion. If you dream of being a transformational leader, start from nurturing your spirituality – your relationship with GOD. This is perhaps why there are so few transformational leaders in the world today.

Spirituality ranks as the number one attribute of leadership. This is the attribute on which all other attributes hang. Without spirituality the leadership task and experience will miscarry very badly, no matter how honourable the intentions may have been.

And we are here not talking essentially, about leadership in the church, this is about leadership in the community – CIVIC LEADERSHIP.

If you want to lead, first seek, enter into and grow your relationship with GOD. One that can’t be led by GOD cannot lead others. This is what builds up your inner capacity to confront the seductions of leadership – lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of life – Deuteronomy 17:14-17 Leadership is taking on the responsibility, often sacrficially, of helping others maximise their GOD given potential by serving them. It is not for elevating yourself above others and acquiring stuff. Without spirituality you cannot stay humble or contented, you will use, abuse and destroy people. Spirituality helps you put your need of GOD and other men in proper perspective, which is the cornerstone of TRANSFORMATION, TRANSGENERATIONAL LEADERSHIP.