Gift of Leadership

If it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Romans 12:7-9

I was privileged recently to support endeavors honoring two of our nation's greatest leaders – George Washington and Ronald Reagan. The foundation my wife, Helen, and I established has supported new exhibits at President Washington's Mount Vernon home and at an educational facility in Santa Barbara, California, which will preserve President Reagan's philosophy for young people.

I consider both worthy causes because they will help Americans today and tomorrow appreciate our nation's leaders who defend and protect the blessings of liberty that we too often take for granted. In visiting the Reagan ranch in California and President Washington's home in Mount Vernon, I felt the presence of these exceptional Americans who believed deeply in the American experiment and who wisely used God's gift of leadership.

I knew Ronald Reagan as a staunch defender of American principles and freedoms and as an eternal optimist who believed the best days for America still lay ahead. I saw in the George Washington exhibits a man of extraordinary courage who fought for freedom against remarkable odds and who led with a firm hand but a common touch.

Our world has seen many leaders who have been evil or inept, who abused their power or put their needs above those of their people and country. Not all U.S. Presidents will fare well with historians, but by and large, our leaders have tried to live up to their pledge to protect our Constitution and act as they thought best for the good of the country and all citizens.

We also have been blessed with leaders who have called upon God for strength and guidance. In Romans 12, Paul lists leadership as one of God's gifts. History has shown that our presidents have tried to govern by Paul's counsel: "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you."

When I graduated from high school, one of my teachers wrote in my yearbook, "With talents for leadership in God's kingdom." I hadn't thought of myself as a leader. That inscription was both flattering and daunting. I have been blessed to use God's talents for leadership to make a positive difference in the lives of countless people. I thank God for this gift and how He has used me for His purpose to help others.

Are you a leader? Use your talents wisely as a gift from God. Might you be a leader? God has called many great leaders who thought they did not possess the talents of leadership. Do you follow a leader? If your leader earns your respect and leads for the good of a cause beyond personal gain, that leader deserves your respect. Thank God for the gift of leadership and for great leaders who serve Him and us.

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Rich DeVos is the former chairman of Gospel Communications. He is also the author of "Hope From My Heart: Ten Lessons for Life," co-founder of Amway Corp., and owner and chairman of the NBA's Orlando Magic.