In keeping with our focus on SALT, today provides another Fun Fact to consider.

“Not far from the edge of the Dead Sea stands a geological formation made up of primarily salt. It has gained the name “Lot’s wife” for its human like shape and the possibility that it overlooks the location of ancient Sodom. It is not only a reminder of the importance of heeding God’s instruction, it is also a lesson for leaders. Looking back is not wise. Honoring the past is fine, but looking and longing for past success, past programs, or past people will lead only to stagnation. Leadership is forward looking.” Wayne Roberts

The future awaits those who realize the promise of God’s power to achieve far more, abundantly beyond all we ask or think (Ep. 3:20).

A great friend and colleague recently shared a number of fun facts about salt, which directly relate to leadership. Let me share one with you.

Salt (sodium chloride) is extremely stable and does not loose its saltiness. But it can be so diluted by surrounding minerals that its saltiness is of little influence. The same is true with leadership. When diluted by worldliness, personal ambition, or negative influence, it is of little influence.” Wayne Roberts

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how will its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.” Mt. 5:13

Thank you, Wayne.

Earlier this month I became the director of SALT (Sunset Academy of Leadership Training).

Although there is a new look and I have a new position, the purpose and direction are the same. The plan is to create healthier churches through leadership development.

Current leaders may need help creating a vision, establishing and strategically planning how to achieve smart goals, or church growth.

We also prepare future leaders through character development and strengthening conviction, passion, and perseverance.

And we assess the make up of a congregation on a spirituality spectrum that aids leaders in knowing members better.

Whatever the congregation may need, we are excited to provide the tools and expertise to help.

The Arbinger Institute’s book, Leadership and Self-Deception, is amazing. There are numerous lessons, but here’s the idea.

We know the right choice to make, but do not make it. We betray ourselves and get into a box of self-deception.

When this happens, we elevate our own virtues and inflate the faults of others, casting blame on their motives, abilities, attitudes, and work ethic.

This vicious cycle keeps us in conflict. We blame others for the problem, yet ignore the real problem centered on a choice we made and our need to justify that choice.

How can we get out of this box? Read the book.

Higher morality calls us to a greater hope, but the only way is through understanding, faith, and a respect for the authority of God’s word. Without it, what purpose is there for achieving a higher morality?

After receiving the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize, Wangari Maathai said, “In the course of history, there comes a time when humanity is called to shift to a new level of consciousness, to reach a higher moral ground. A time when we have to shed our fear and give hope to each other. That time is now.”

Fifteen years have passed since this thought was expressed and it is just as relevant and needed today.

The questions asked by God and Jesus are convicting.

God asked Adam and Eve, “Where are you?” Why? He wanted them to realize where they were in relationship to Him.

Do we know where we are in relationship to God?

After Peter tells Jesus he would lay down my life for Him, Jesus asks, “Will you lay down your life for Me?”

Would we lay down our life for Jesus?
Will we live for Him?

Seems strange to think we would lay down our life for Him, yet be unwilling to live for Him, doesn’t it?

Take a moment and ask a few questions and think about the answers.

Is it possible to be intimidating and not be aware of it? Yes. We must work to ensure we do not fall into this category.

We know, however, it is common for leaders to feel they must be intimidating to achieve their goal or purpose.

This style of leadership creates a temporary and false sense of accomplishment. People do not want to follow such leaders. They follow because they feel trapped, hope is lost, and the future has no purpose.

People should not be intimidated by leaders and leaders should not be intimidating. We lead people to heaven. Give people hope!

God is light and in Him there is no darkness. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.”

Christians are also a light to the world. We walk in the light and let our light shine.

Think about the light of our leadership. The role of spiritual leaders is twofold.

We lead those who are in darkness into the light of Christ, salvation gained.

And, we help children of light walk in the light, salvation maintained.

If we can channel our focus in these two areas, our leadership reaches its greatest significance and those who follow are eternally grateful.

Jill Briscoe’s book, Jonah and the Worm, is a quick read with a powerful connection to leadership.

God’s purpose is not always understood at first. There will be times we do not understand God’s purpose until we have completed His will.

Whoever does God’s will is great in His eyes, even though they may be small. Leaders should never overlook the influence of anyone regardless of their size or contribution.

It is not the length, but the power of the message that changes lives. Jonah’s message was five words and changed an entire city. The lesson? Think before speaking.

We need to constantly learn how to improve our leadership.