Today those of us who are from the United States celebrate our nation’s birthday. Although many dates play into the history of the birth of our nation, July 4, 1776, is the day we have officially adopted. So, today we honor the 238th birthday of the United States of America.
Many of us take less pride in our nation today than we once did. We have made some foolish and sinful decisions, and we are very divided. We do not always use our wealth well, and we have gotten our priorities out of whack.
But there are still many things to celebrate today.
The one that stands out the most to me is that, as American citizens, we have the freedom to be leaders!
No matter who you are, where you are from, or what your story looks like, you can be a leader. You have the freedom to influence others. You have the ability to start a wave. You can be a leader.
In so many other countries around the world, the masses are forced to submit. Becoming a leader from among the populace is exceedingly risky at best. At worst, it is impossible.
But that is not the case here. Here were are free to lead!
Now, what will we do with that freedom?
As you celebrate today, I encourage you to prayerfully consider how God wants you to lead. God’s answer might not be what you expect. Sometimes leadership simply involves motivating others to obedience, even if you never truly lead a great movement yourself.
Over the next couple of weeks, I intend to share some thoughts from Scripture about leadership. But today God has a plan for you. He has given you freedom to lead for a reason. What will you do with it?
Not Quite Ordinary 