These three words play a vital role in the development of leadership, especially with regards to spiritual leadership.
Lou Holtz expressed it this way: “Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”
The thought raises several questions: (1) What are we capable of doing? (2) What are we doing? (3) How well are we doing it?
Scripture indicates we all have abilities. God intends the church to utilize our abilities to function as He designed the church (Eph. 4:11-16).
Before motivation, think about our attitude. It’s like the “chicken or the egg” scenario. Does attitude determine motivation, or does motivation determine attitude? Either way, the choice of attitude is critical. We choose our attitude and if misguided, motivation suffers.
What really motivates us when we examine the leadership situation in the church today? Are we comfortable leaving it up to anyone who will lead?
It is time to step up. If we don’t, the future of church may rest in the hands of those who are incapable, misguided, and unmotivated. Where will that leave the church?