Profiles in Leadership: Abraham – A Leader Who Put Others’ Needs First & Finished His Tasks

Is not the whole land before you? … If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left. Genesis 13:9 When the Jews in the New Testament days spoke of their heritage and spiritual legacy, they claimed Abraham as their father. They gave him the title “father”, a term of respect synonymous with leadership, because he put others’ needs first and he finished his appointed mission. Abraham always seemed to follow through on his commitments. When God called him to depart to an unknown land, he went the distance. When enemies abducted Lot (his nephew) and all his worldly goods, Abraham pursued the kidnappers and subdued them. When commanded to circumcise the males in his household, Abraham did it ‘that very same day’. And when God asked Abraham to take his beloved son, Isaac, to Mount Moriah and sacrifice him there, Abraham was willing to follow through to the very last detail. In addition, Abraham put the needs of others first. When the land could no longer sustain both of their herds, he allowed Lot to have the first choice of which piece of land he wanted. Abraham was willing to take whatever real estate Lot didn’t. He served generously and sacrificially, giving up what could have been his for the sake of someone else. Abraham was willing to do this because: (1) He valued his relationships more than his possessions, and (2) He knew that God was in control and would do him justice in the end. This is a great example of a leader taking the high road. Those who do this believe that life is too short to keep score. These “high road” leaders realize that God is better at providing for them than they are for themselves. Lot’s decision took him to Sodom, a place where he and his family experienced a bitter life. Abraham followed the Lord and received a bountiful promise. No wonder that God, the ultimate leader, called Abraham “My friend”. Please comment below or email me directly at curtis.songer@gmail.com