Becoming a Next-Generation Leader

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[1 Timothy 4:12-16 KJV] ‘Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. [13] Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. [14] Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. [15] Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. [16] Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear there”.

It is important to remind you that individuals from your generation will emerge as leaders in every sphere of life; religion, governance, science and technology, arts and entertainment, education, business and commerce, and transport and communication. Somebody somewhere will surely emerge as a leader in these sectors. These people will determine what the future will be like, but at the moment, nobody knows them.

The following simple secrets will help you to shift into your own place and prepare you to occupy that position; they will help you rise as one of the men or women who will lead and shape the future;

1. Live above reproach:

Live above reproach, rather, strive to be an example to others in word, lifestyle, love, spirit, faith, and purity. Those who would lead tomorrow live above reproach today. The way you carry yourself today will determine how men will receive you tomorrow. Don’t let any man despise you just because you are young. You must carry yourself with dignity and honour. You must not give any man the chance or right to despise you. This is the first secret to rise into leadership.

Next-generation leaders focus on becoming examples in how they speak, how they live, how they love, what spirit they have, what they believe, and how they separate themselves from certain things. They are people who distinguish themselves in ethics and character. So, those who lead conduct themselves in a manner that is far above all reproach.

You will shine like a star when you make a choice to live above ordinariness. You will stay above others when you dare soar to realms they are dead scared of venturing into. You will excel and shine when you abandon mediocrity. Listen! You must live above reproach, please strive to be an example! Don’t settle for less when you are made for more. Arise and be an example to the believers!

How on earth can you be an example to believers when you are copying and learning from the world? How can you be an example to the brethren when you are led by the world? Those who are examples to other believers are led by the Spirit of God. “As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God”.

2. Be teachable or coachable;

Those who lead are coachable and teachable. No matter how good you are, you will do better when you are coachable and teachable and have a coach. Those who will lead are mentored into leading positions. We must learn to give attendance to reading, exhortation, and counselling. Make yourself coachable and teachable and you’ll surely end up achieving more. The more you learn the better prepared you become in leading.

Look around you and look at the world, every athlete or sportsman or sportswoman has a coach. No matter how higher these footballers and basketball stars rise, they still play under coaches. They never get to a point where they say I have outgrown a coach. Sometimes, they fire their coaches, but they immediately sign on another coach. No matter who you are, if you are determined to always win, then you must always remain teachable and coachable. You must be submitted to your instructors. You must spend time with the things they write, say, and show.

In a world of multiplicity of coaches and with everyone teaching something and trying to have influence, you must make the quality decision to listen to the voice of your shepherd and not to strangers. You don’t need any personal prophecy. Many are confused because of the multiplicity of voices that are trying to speak to them. You must be determined to listen to the voice of your shepherd. Don’t let any so-called prophet mislead you with personal prophecies.

3. Be committed to working on the gift that is in you:

You must not neglect your gift. God has given each of us a gift which we must nurture in order to bless our generation with it. Those who lead pay attention to their gifts. If you don’t constantly work on your gift, it will rust and collect dust. You must be constantly working on and developing your gift.

I encourage you to practice! Practice! Practice! Practice!! There is a gift in you, there is something that God has deposited in you, you have something that you must stir up and develop. Don’t neglect the gift! Stir it up! Work on it, and allow it to shine and come out to bless you and others. You need to sharpen the gift. No one else can do that for you, you must do it yourself.

So, in summary, those who lead demonstrate character, coachability, and commitment to competence.

I pray that the Lord shall lift you higher and higher and higher until you are among the men who lead. May you continue to rise and rise and rise until you have become very great, amen!

Be blessed, I love you!

Kofi Simpe

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