Developing leaders is a generational process. As we watch the actions unfold in our world I believe it is a pivotal point to recognize the importance of the future leaders we are producing. These future leaders (our students) will soon be making the critical decisions of this world (in our lifetime).
"We make men without chests and expect of them virtue and enterprise. We laugh at honor and are shocked to find traitors in our midst. We castrate and bid the geldings be fruitful."
- C.S. Lewis,
The Abolition of Man
C.S. Lewis uses strong language in this quote and I believe that it is important that we heed his words now. This book, which was a series of lectures from 1943 occurred during a time that involved some of the world powers that we are seeing at work today (WW2).
We can't expect to improve our future if we are not willing to do what is required to raise up the next generation of leaders. As adults must teach and demonstrate honor, virtue, accountability, and humility. We can't be surprised or disappointed in the choices or failure of future leadership if we are not willing to do what it takes now to develop them.
One of the biggest areas we need to come together culturally is teaching our next generation not only lead and have a voice but also how to fall under authority.
"The first step of sin is not disobedience; it's the resentment of obedience." - Tim Keller
We have to remember that how we respond to situations through our actions, the words we use, and the positions we take establish norms for our children and the future leadership of our world. As adults we have to model how to lead and fall under authority. I truly believe that at Shiloh we are a big part of that. We have to demonstrate honor, virtue, accountability, and humility to our students. Even though Shiloh is a small school in the grand view of all schools; we have a huge mission and our community is connected globally through commerce. Therefore, I believe that our small school can have a global impact.
I love how simplistic the Bible can be at times. 1 Peter 2 does a great job outlining how we as Christians should operate and submit to authority. 1 Peter 2:17 is one of my favorite verses in the Bible because in 4 simple phrases he sums up how we as Christians should live.
"Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor." - 1 Peter 2:17 ESV
We must demonstrate honor and virtue, show love for one another, understand the immensity of who God is, understand our level of leadership and the authority we are accountable to. These things are not always easy to demonstrate but it is critical that we do these things as adults so that our children can see it.
I hope the quotes above and the verse above pull your heart strings a bit as we watch world affairs unfold. I pray for our Nation and I also pray that we as leaders watch, listen, and learn.
Lead NWA well this week!
- Dr. Keith McDaniel
