In spiritual leadership, matters of importance are usually set aside for what appears urgent. A friend of mine calls it the “tyranny of the urgent.”

These matters become a distraction, often in the form of emails, texts, phone calls, PMs, and more.

We place immediacy, a sense of urgency, prioritizing these less important matters when, in reality, they are not important.

When we examine our spiritual leadership, what is important or urgent? What requires our immediate attention and action? Do these matters distract or aid us in what is most important?

We need to take what is truly important and make it urgent! Think Souls!

This statement deals with more than just “seeing” God. What exactly is involved? Consider a little background.

We must consider where we have been. Consider the past year. What mistakes were made? What successes were enjoyed? Was God part of the equation?

We must also consider where we are right now. Are we where we need to be at this time? Will this place provide a basis for where we need to go? Is God part of the equation?

Now we can formulate plans on where to go from here. Seeing God’s part in our past and present allows us to see His hand in our future.

If God is not part of the equation, we do not have a clear vision!

Leadership is often viewed as influencing and instilling greatness in others. However, true leadership brings out the greatness already inside others?

John Buchan said, “The task of leadership is not to put greatness into people, but to elicit it, for the greatness is there already.”

Consider how we can achieve this:

Believe people have greatness within.
Arrange opportunities to be responsible and accountable.
Allow them to fail.
Provide support when they do.
Create a team atmosphere.

These are just five suggestions, but when applied, they help us truly lead.

When businesses host a “Customer Appreciation Day,” they offer special pricing to express their gratitude to customers.

Appreciation is best summed up in the depth of our gratitude. Cicero claimed; “gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” (Cicero, ‘Pro Plancio,’ 54 B.C.)

When was the last time we expressed gratitude?
What actions or qualities move us to be thankful?
How often do we express our gratitude?
Have we considered why we are thankful?

Let us express gratitude for the physical and spiritual ways God has blessed our lives. To Him be the glory.

An obligation is an act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound; a duty or commitment.

While it is impossible to force someone to do anything, we tend to use our skills of persuasion whenever we can to motivate others into action.

When we consider leadership, we need to examine our obligation to Christ and others.

We have tasted the grace of God. We enjoy the gift of salvation. Just the thought carries a moral and spiritual obligation.

Considering our obligation highlights the need to commit ourselves to lead others to heaven.

There are no free lunches. The cost of living rises daily. We get it! However, this post is not about the cost of living increases felt around the world. 

Knowing the eternal significance of our leadership should move us to give serious consideration to a greater matter. 

What price are we willing to pay? What sacrifice are we willing to make? To what length are we willing to go? What obstacles are we willing to overcome to lead others?

The reward is worth the price required.

The question is simple: Are we willing to pay it? Think Souls!

“Lead is a verb, leader is a noun, and leadership is both.” Not sure who to credit with this thought, but it speaks volumes.

Leadership involves both the person and action.
Leadership speaks to both who we are and what we do.
Leadership requires an effort to develop both the individual and method.
Leadership drives home the necessity of personality and character.

We must keep in mind the development process of making great spiritual leaders. The constant dedication to the act of molding one’s ability to lead helps us become the leadership of God.

Most everyone experiences unexpected events that keep us from fulfilling our expectations.

Disappointment generally overshadows any joy we previously possessed. What can help us prepare for these times?

Expected the unexpected.We know the unexpected happens, so expect it.
Never go it alone.When these events occur, seek help from others.
Prepare a back up plan…always.The key is to prepare. Have a plan ready!
Trust in a positive result.When we put it, and leave it, in God’s hands, good will come.

It can be a hard lesson, but when learned, rarely are we surprised.

Consider three questions:

What motivates us to lead? Leaders experience discouraged and discontent. When this happens, a fire-lighter is needed, someone or something to motivate us.

How can we motivate followers? Leaders need a vision built on possibility thinking. Morale builds when impossibilities fade.

What keeps followers motivated? Establish short-term goals that strengthen morale and focus followers on achieving long-term goals.

Leaders need to develop plans that keep the fires lit. We must know how to keep ourselves and others motivated, both now and for the future.