Month: June 2020

Pathways to Leadership…

Followers cannot become tomorrow’s leaders in isolation. They require strengthen and development from others.

James Houston says, “Ecologists remind us that a tree planted in a clearing of an old forest will grow more successfully than when it is planted in isolation in an open field. The roots of the new planting will follow more easily and more deeply the hidden pathways of old root systems. Likewise, human beings thrive best in following the paths of life already taken by others before them. None of us needs to reinvent the wheel or live as if no one has preceded us in the pathways of the wise.” 

Wise leaders benefit others by the root system they establish. May our leadership do the same.

A Righteous Leader…

Righteous leaders flourish like a palm tree. Notice their characteristics.

Grow like a cedar in Lebanon, a dynamic characteristic.

Planted in the house of the Lord, a strong root system.

Flourish in the courts of our God, a healthy development.

Yield fruit in old age, the beauty of godly leadership.

Full of sap and green, reflecting youthful strength and vigor.

Declare that the Lord is upright, which draws out purpose.

A righteous leader experiences these benefits and they bring others into the greatness of God. Let us lead with the righteous spirit of godliness.

A Spiritual Guide…

Where do followers go when they meet with difficult challenges?

Where would leaders have them go when needs outweigh the balances of monetary ability?

Spiritual leaders will always face questions from those who follow. 

Jesus once asked the apostles if they were going to walk away, to which Peter responded, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (Jn. 6:68).

When followers turn to leaders, will they receive words of eternal life? Will they learn how to get through life and gain eternity?

Where else can they go if not to spiritual leaders who desire to guide them to know God and a home in heaven?

The Love to Lead…

Love has multiple meanings. Mostly, love is associated with feelings. When couples first marry, the feelings experienced are associated with their idea of love. Sadly, when those feelings change they begin to think they no longer love the other person.

Biblically, love is intentional, seeking the highest good for the other person. When leaders are self-directed, it is generally because of selfish motives. Again, this is not love.

Love gives without expecting to receive something in return.
Love seeks opportunity to serve in all situations.
Love desires the best for others, even at the cost of personal comfort.

Let us always lead out of love and know the power it brings to leadership.

saltCast029 Leadership Influences in the Home

Each minister understands the value of mentors and influences in their life. This week, Joe Wells co-founder of KAIO Publications talks about his background and work with KAIO. He talks about the influences that led him into ministry. He also shares valuable information about leadership in the home.

Play

The Joy of Leading…

Some lead for the power. They simply want authority to direct and guide the movement of others.

Some lead out of crisis. When crisis strikes, people are often forced into a position of leadership.

Others lead because no one else will. Sadly, when godly leaders do not rise up, someone will, but not always in the right direction.

Still, there are others who know the joy of leading. They recognize the need, strive to develop Christlike character, and desire to save souls.

When the combination of these three elements exist, great blessings will follow.

A Learning Leader…

The subjects of leadership and learning are interrelated. John F. Kennedy said, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”

A mindset that exists, often referred to as a leadership myth, is the idea that once someone becomes a leader they having nothing left to learn. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Arrogance is a dangerous attitude to possess. It leads to a lack of gratitude, separation, and a delusional personality. Ultimately, it destroys any possibility of leading from a godly position.

Leaders must constantly learn. They must be, as Wayne Roberts has said, “A student of the Word and of the world.”

Both require one to be a learner.

Leading with All my Heart…

Throughout Psalms we find the phrase “with all my heart.” 

The Psalmist identifies several key thoughts connected to this phrase.

The most common thought is that of giving thanks. Imagine the power of leadership involved in giving thanks with all their heart. 

The second thought is about seeking the Lord. Spiritual leaders cannot be effective without a drive to seek a relationship with the Lord.

The third thought involves observing God’s law or word. Again, the very foundation of leadership must be based on God’s word.

With all my heart is a study worth applying.

Changing the Future of Leadership…

Leaders will always face attacks from an enemy in front of them. However, they should not have to deal with attacks from followers behind them.

Herein lies the challenge. These situations cause godly leaders to step down and they often prevent others from stepping up. What can we do to change the direction?

Pray with and for these leaders.
Always speak well of leadership.
Build them up publicly.
When problems arise, speak to them privately.
Encourage others to lead.
Prepare future leaders among the young…now!

Good leadership does not happen by accident. We must work today to change the future.

Observant Leaders…

Consider the power of observation.

Alert: When leaders are alert they quickly notice anything unusual or potentially dangerous. The spiritual battle requires alert leaders.

Watchful: Followers need leaders who are carefully watch over the lives entrusted to their care. Observant leaders are watchful. 

Aware: Leaders demonstrate awareness when they possess knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.

Attentive: Leaders must observe every detail.

Other ideas could be used, but the basis for success is found in being observant. Observant leadership is not easy. It requires diligence, time, patience, and great love.