Are You a Leader?

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader."—John Quincy Adams

David Treybig, Managing editor

Some people seem destined to lead. Take John Quincy Adams, for example. Born in Braintree, Massachusetts, in 1767, he grew up watching the United States fight for and achieve its independence from Britain, thereby becoming a nation. And speaking of watching, he literally saw history unfold before him when he climbed Penn's Hill above his family's farm to watch the Battle of Bunker Hill—one of the early military confrontations between British troops and colonial volunteers who had organized themselves into an army.

His parents, John and Abigail Adams, took their responsibility of helping shape the fledgling United States of America seriously. John Quincy was given an above-average education for his time. There were few public schools, so he was primarily homeschooled.

His father, serving his country in the Continental Congress and as an overseas diplomat during the Revolutionary War, was often away from the family farm during John Quincy's formative years. His mother was therefore primarily responsible for his education. But his father did closely monitor John Quincy's progress and personally tutored him when he was at home.

Under his parents' guidance, John Quincy studied hard and assimilated knowledge at an astounding rate. At age 11 he joined his father in Europe and continued his studies under his tutelage. He was so skilled and mature for his age that he was appointed by Congress as a diplomatic secretary at the age of 14. He was well on his way to a life of public service that eventually included being elected president of the United States, just as his father had been. (John was the second president; John Quincy, the sixth.)

For all of John Quincy's education, he also had a dimension that was critically important. His mother taught him Christian values and both parents shared with him their deeply held conviction that serving one's country faithfully, honorably and with integrity was one of life's most important ideals.

So what's the point? John Quincy Adams lived a long time ago and we can't all become leaders, can we? Yes! As Christians, God charges each of us to be beacons of light in a darkened world. Jesus Christ said: "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden . . . Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14, 16). When we fulfill Christ's command, we are leaders!

Being a Christian means being an ambassador for the Kingdom of God (2 Corinthians 5:20). When people see the way we act, think and serve others, they should be inspired to do the same. This issue is dedicated to helping you fulfill your destiny to become a godly leader! Read. Think. Apply. Succeed. VT