Where Have all the Leaders Gone?

By John Grant
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“Then the anger of the Lord would flame out against Israel again. He declared, “Because these people have violated the treaty I made with their ancestors, I will no longer drive out the nations left unconquered by Joshua when he diedâ€? 
Judges: 2:20-22 TLB

So often in Biblical and Christian history, when a dynamic leader moves on their good work unravels. Often a new generation arises choosing to ignore the lessons and legacies from their forefathers. As Christians, we need to have connections with both our spiritual and national heritage…… lest we forget.

How often the sorry cycle of forgotten leadership goes from prosperity to bondage, as we forget the lessons and leadership of our forefathers. As we celebrate in America the signing of the Declaration of Independence, let us not forget the sacrifice of those who put their lives and fortunes on the line for the cause of liberty. They were willing to risk all that they had for a legacy of freedom and liberty.

I wonder that if the same challenge confronted this nation today, could we in all of America we could find fifty six people willing to strike their signatures to make such a sacrifice and take such a risk?

Lee Iacocca has written a new book entitled “Where Have All the Leaders Gone?�
In it, he points out how many business leaders and members of the Congress have ended up in handcuffs and asks where are those who would speak up for the national good to the exclusion of their individual goals, aspirations and downright selfishness.

The absence of leadership is not restricted exclusively to the people of the political and business world. The church is not immune. Just think of how many crusaders for the faith have recently departed this world or are  now beyond the ability to have an effective ministry. Who will replace their booming voices in the arena of public opinion?
 
How many pastors are hiding behind their pulpits, afraid of loosing their tax exempt status when they should be speaking out on the moral and social issues of the day? Why do studies show that those who identify as being born again Christians vote with less persistence than the population as a whole.

But, as English philosopher Edmund Burke said, ‘The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.�
 
The book of Judges talks about the “Anger of the Lord flaming out� against those who have forgotten their heritage and the sacrifice of their forefathers. Let us never, never forget the national and spiritual legacy of our forefathers and let us resolve to be protectors and guardians of the faith, sacrifice and roots of generations before us.
 
Remember, liberty is the only thing you cannot have unless you are willing to give it to others.
(a thought on life from John Grant)

You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/2008/07/04/jg_leaders/

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John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney. He is an active writer and frequent speaker.  He can be reached by e-mail at John.Grant@johngrant.net