Nearly everywhere we look we see signs with the disclosure “authorized personnel only.” Who are these people?

We may not know who they are, but we do know if we are one those authorized or not.

If Jesus has been given “all” authority, then only those given authority by Him may enter. Is this not what Jesus claimed? “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” Jesus has the authority to grant entrance because He was given the authority.

Our job is to lead others to Him, because He alone grants entrance into the eternal home. How are we doing at our job? THINK SOULS!

The anticipation of an event often keeps us focused as we approach the event itself.

This idea was expressed by Paul for Christians. Several times in his letters to the church, Paul used the terminology of “eagerly anticipating.” Christians eagerly anticipate dwelling in God’s presence eternally.

Our spiritual leadership is built on the foundation of helping others anticipate this same event.

Imagine how overwhelming it will be the moment we first see our God and Savior. Consider the sound of His voice. Think about how incredible it will be when we first realize we are there.

I cannot wait! Can you?

Our anticipation is part of what will make the event so special. It is worth sharing with others.

Leaders are often masterful at telling others what to do. However, we often fall short of guiding others in how to do it.

If we are going to lead others, they must learn how to do the task. That means…

We must learn the best ways to accomplish the task.

We need a better working knowledge of people and how they work best.

We must express the application in ways that encourage and excite others to act.

Is it easy? No! Will it make a difference in our leadership? Absolutely!

Leading others hinges on proper application. Good leadership is not simply telling others what to do, but helping them learn how to do it.

Plato once said, “The beginning is the most important part of the work.”

The way leaders begin the work has a far greater impact on reaching the overall goal(s) than we might care to admit.

It applies to how we begin a family.
It applies to how we begin each day.
It applies to how we begin a conversation with someone about studying the Bible.
It applies to how we begin a class, sermon or an article / post.

How important was the beginning when God created?
How important was the beginning when Christ came to this earth?
How important was the beginning of the church?

Is it possible to reach our ultimate potential? Absolutely!!! How?

Do not limit God. Never think God “cannot” do something because we “will not.”

Start thinking BIG! God has the power to do far beyond all we ask or think.

Remind others of the possibilities. A reminder of what can be done is often enough to move others into action.

Develop a plan into smaller sections. The overall plan can be overwhelming, but breaking it down into smaller pieces makes it workable.

Begin NOW! Procrastination and hesitation are killers to our potential.

Potential is too important to wait.

How do leaders motivate those who are unmotivated?

We begin by asking a few simple questions.

1) Do the unmotivated know they are supposed to act?

2) Do they know how to perform these actions as expected?

3) When was the last time they were reminded?

4) Are the reasons clear why these actions are important, necessary, and valuable?

5) Are the guidelines clear of the consequences for not acting?

People are motivated in different ways.

We need a strategy that involves teaching others how to get from point A to point B. This is the first step in motivating the unmotivated.

Respect is often a two-way street, but the challenge involves earning respect.

A few simple ideas can help leaders earn respect.

Be dedicated to the Lord: Focus on Christ and make the souls of others a priority.

Be consistent: Posner and Kouzes say, “The video needs to match the audio.”

Love people: A deeper understanding of love might help us understand why it covers a multitude of sins.

We could argue whether respect is earned or demanded. However, applying a few simple principles to our leadership will answer the questions.

Why do more not lead? One of the top reasons involves the difficultly.

We have all heard, “If it were easy everyone would do it.” Well, it is not easy. At the same time, everyone is doing it. We all influence others. The question how do we influence them?

For good or evil?
To build on the rock or sand?
To walk in the light or darkness?
To be a sheep or a goat?
To live for Christ or against Him?

It is one tough job, but it is worth the effort.

Spiritual leadership should be based on a thought expressed by Harvey S. Firestone, “It is only as we develop others that we permanently succeed.”

We must equip and train others to lead. Who will replace you and me? Are we preparing them for the work?

From a worldly perspective, leadership is inward focused. One must be self-centered in order to make one’s own way. Robert Kennedy said, “People say I am ruthless. I am not ruthless. And if I find the man who is calling me ruthless, I shall destroy him.”

Jesus developed the apostles quite diffferently. The success of their work continues today and will throughout eternity.

The success of our leadership, and the future of the church, rests on developing others.

What do we believe and why do we believe it?

Amazingly, and getting straight to the point, when we believe something, we talk about it to others. We express why our belief is so strong. When we do not believe there seems to be no purpose.

Quoting from the Old Testament, Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, “I believe therefore I speak.”

We have opportunity to influence many people everyday. It is fundamental to leadership. Are we talking about what we believe? Do we speak because of the overwhelming nature of what we believe and why we believe it?

The power of communication allows us an avenue to share a belief system based on the evidence of truth. Make it count!