The Health of a Leader
Our world is in need of effective and functional leaders, but to be a this kind of leader you must be a healthy leader.
If you have ever been sick, you understand how difficult it is to be at your best. I became too familiar with this after my Achilles repair. There were many times I had the strength mentally, but physically my body would not allow me to perform various tasks.
Have you ever been in this situation?
In the study I will share with you this week, we will discuss the health of a leader. To help with this discussion, we will look at the life of Daniel in the Bible.
Daniel was an effective and functional leader because he was healthy. Let me share with you what made Daniel a healthy leader and how you can become just as successful as Daniel. Daniel practiced three strategies causing him to be a successful leader. If you would only try these three strategies, you too will enhance your effectiveness as a leader.
1. Refuse to be distracted. In Daniel 1:8, Daniel “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor the wine he dank.” As leaders, we are not immune from being distracted. Matter of fact, it can easier for us as leaders to be distracted with the many responsibilities on our plate. At times, we can get so caught up in everything around us. We lead others and sometimes we forget to lead ourselves, which includes our health. Daniel committed and determined in his heart that he was going to take care of himself. We cannot help others, if we don’t first help ourselves.
2. Realize your strength. Most of the time, we know what we need to do and how we need to do it. Don’t get caught up in taking short-cuts with any part of your leadership. Daniel refused the food of the king because he knew what his body needed to effectively lead. Daniel say in verse 12 of chapter one, “…let them give us vegetables, grains, and water to drink.” A valuable point we can all take away from this passage is how Daniel did not want what everyone else was eating and drinking. Daniel saw how others start to look after partaking in the king’s meat and drinks. This applies to our health, but also applies to our work ethic. Know where you strength lies. Eat right, work hard, and trust in God.
3. Maximize your potential. Once you take care of the first two points, you will be in a great position to maximize your strength. Daniel was blessed because of his loyalty and devotion to God. In verse 17 of chapter one it says, “God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom.” Not only was Daniel blessed, but also his friends were blessed as well. They had such a great reputation that “the king inquired about them” and needed their help. We do things the right way; we will be blessed beyond our wildest imaginations.
Wherever you are in life, it is never too late to improve your health. It’s what you eat, drink, read, and watch on TV. It’s how much sleep you get. It’s who you hang around. It is our responsibility to manage our own health. Your health as a leader today will determine your success as a leader tomorrow.
Question: What can you do to improve you health as a leader? Leave your comments below.
Peace and Prosperity, Bryant Hall MTN Universal, LLC
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