All leaders face problems. Arnold Glasow said, “One of the true tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency.”

What helps us accomplish this advice?

Address problems when they arise.Waiting for problems to resolve themselves, or ignoring them, is a denial of our role as leaders.

Rely on wise counsel.Resolving problems based on our own wisdom and experience can be effective, but Solomon teaches the value of wise counsel.

Learn to delegate.Get others involved in problem resolution. Assigning tasks to others will help create confidence in their abilities to resolve problems.

Our task is to seek a resolution based on God’s word, where real solutions are found.

Are we consumed with work because we find value in the job, or are we passionate about the difference it makes in the lives of others?

Our value comes from God. We were created in His image and covered by the blood of His Son.

Value based in work becomes an insatiable task.

Spiritually, if we are passionate about leading others to a greater relationship with God, the perspective changes.

When we have an intense desire and enthusiasm for the work of the Lord, there is a sense of love and joy in fulfilling the true purpose of life.

Spiritual leadership is worth being passionate about and loving.

No one likes flight delays. When waiting for a storm to pass, what are the options?

Taking off in a storm risks the lives of all on board.
Returning to the gate risks unhappy customers.

Religiously, our world seems to offer many options. If we are unhappy with present decisions, we tend to go somewhere else.

The options are limited. We either follow the leadership of Christ or not.

As leaders, we are either for Him or against Him. We either lead others to build on the rock or sand.

The idea of multiple options in following Christ does not exist Biblically.

Direction takes many different forms. Leaders must give and receive direction.

We receive direction from the One true spiritual leader, Christ.

In turn, our vision must be used to provide direction for others.

Spiritual leaders provide spiritual direction. We help others get on course and encourage them to stay on course.

Parents lead in the home.

Congregational leaders lead congregations.

All of us as Christians must lead the lost.

When we provide direction we assist others in reaching the destination our leadership strives to reach…heaven.

Children know no limitations and, generally, no fear. Nothing seems too difficult or impossible.

Walt Disney once said, “If you can think it, you can do it.”

We should dream, believe, and plan what we want to accomplish.

Jesus tells us nothing is impossible with God.

Paul reminds us that God has the power to do far beyond all we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.

Where might our leadership take us if we start on the foundation of these two thoughts?

Let us not limit God because we are convinced we cannot do it?

Think Big. Think Souls!

Following on the heels of yesterday’s post, a thought presented by Jessica Lange seems significant to consider. 

“Be present. I would encourage you with all my heart just to be present. Be present and open to the moment that is unfolding before you. Because, ultimately, your life is made up of moments. So, don’t miss them by being lost in the past or anticipating the future.”

How often do we miss the importance of the moment we are in because we cannot overcome our past or we live in anxiety over the future?

As leaders, nothing can be more relevant than being present in our leadership.

Far too many believe they cannot overcome their past. The mistakes and, at times, successes experienced tend to consume the whole of one’s focus.

When this happens, we are blinded to a better way of moving forward, because we cannot think about anything but the past. We remain stuck and stagnant to greater growth possibilities.

Remember, past successes or failures do not define us and the future is determined by how we direct today. Consider this:

Today, I am all in.
Today, I will live holy.
Today, I will change the future.

Growing up in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, basketball practices were filled with efforts by players who coveted a starting position on the team.

We learned leadership based on teamwork. Those days laid a foundation for understanding spiritual leadership where the same is true. It is leadership based on teamwork.

Leadership is often viewed as a lonely position. This is not true for spiritual leaders.

We are a team. We must work together as a team. If we are going to change the world, we need Christ and we need each other!

We should all strive to get involved on this team.

What would it be like to trade places with someone else? After all, others seem to have it so much better than we do.

The Psalmist questioned a similar thought when considering the prosperity of the wicked.

If our view of leadership is limited to what we can accumulate or accomplish in this life, we have misunderstood the true nature of God’s promise.

If our view of leadership is confined to what others think or say about us, we have lost sight of the value of this God given role.

It is time to lay aside the temptations of the world and recognize the urgency of the spiritual need of all. Think Souls!

Integrity is more than honesty. It involves strong moral principles, a moral uprightness.

There is an incorruptible nature to a spiritual leader who demonstrates integrity. They take responsibility for who they are and what they do.

Integrity displays an undivided and unshakeable character of Biblical soundness. This character exudes humility and follows a path of consistency.

Integrity is best taught to children at a young age. Leadership must exemplify it.

Integrity stands for, speaks, and lives truth and will not change, even if it stands alone.

Christians are what we are “in the dark.” Think about it!