To lead is to sacrifice. Sacrifice is found at every level of leadership. When will the sacrifice need to be made? How large of a sacrifice will be necessary?

Perhaps above all, are we willing to make the sacrifice?

If we go below the surface and examine Paul’s leadership, we will find a leader who made great sacrifice. His level of sacrifice is exemplified throughout his writings. He speaks of sacrifices made in the past, present, and future. Whatever it took, he was willing to do.

We could spend weeks considering all the sacrifices required of leaders today. Regardless of what may come to mind, let us arise and make the necessary sacrifices to lead. God demands it and the church depends on it.

Do we know what should be done? Why are we waiting?

Do we have the ability and resources to make it happen? Why are we waiting?

Souls are waiting. The church is waiting. Our God is waiting.

God has given us the ability and resources to make it happen.

Why are we waiting?

With so much at stake, will procrastinating be worth it?

Generally, we make application to one who delays obedience to the gospel. The same is true for leading.

We need to challenge our excuses. We cannot wait any longer. Paul’s words to the church at Corinth should be remembered. Act like men. Leadership will not wait!

If the church where you and I attend were to disappear tomorrow, would anyone in the community know? Would anyone care?

Those two questions are chilling and convicting for me. I fear the answers and it directly relates to the impact we have in the world where we live.

Have we become so inward-focused that we no longer recognize the influence the church must have in the community?

Something may just be missing in our leadership and we need to consider what can be done––what must be done––to lead God’s people in rebuilding the reputation of the church.

A number of individuals in scripture stand out as being unique. One in particular is Ehud. Little is written about him, but he was the only judge identified as left-handed.

Among numerous evidences, our fingerprints point to an all powerful, wise, and unique God. These fingerprints make us unique.

What makes our leadership unique, or is it unique? Is there a unique characteristic, ability, or approach?

In spiritual leadership, we have something unique to offer. Nothing else compares. Spiritual leaders today must think souls. Extend an offer unique and eternal. Read 1 Peter 1:4 and rethink our unique leadership.

What makes a great leader? Achievement? Financial independence? Educational degrees? Business accolades?

Consider the mindset of a servant leader.

A servant leader desires the benefit of others above self.

A servant leader focuses on the goal of the whole not a select few.

A servant leader leads with passion and compassion.

A servant leader gives more than they take.

A servant leader sacrifices willingly and lovingly.

A servant leader understands the importance of a good example.

A servant leader focuses on every person they meet.

A servant leader values every second of every minute.

A servant leader follows the greatest leader who was a servant of all!

The thought of leadership and power often creates the temptation to use that power inappropriately.

It is tragic to read or hear of men who succumb to immorality or unethical business practices. In a moment of poor judgment their power is abused and character destroyed.

Consider the awesome God we serve.

Practice His presence… ALWAYS!

Remember that any leadership position was given by God.

Develop an open door policy.

Never say or do anything we would not do in our wife’s presence.

Pray… without ceasing.

Perhaps these few suggestions will help us understand the proper use of the power entrusted to us by God.

We live in a world where we generally communicate with the use of words. Interestingly, what we hear and read is often presented with an incredible, spectacular, and unbelievable multiplicity of adjectives.

What adjective would we use to describe our leadership?

Godly! Spiritual! Righteous! Knowledgeable! Patient! Compassionate! Faithful!

Such descriptive terms have a nice ring. Today, let us strive to lead others in a manner that is described biblically.

Leadership has its challenges, from personal to professional. However, the benefits of spiritual leadership far outweigh the challenges. Consider four lessons behind the mountain top leadership associated with the life of Elijah.

1) Elijah was God’s man. As such, his message only came from God.

2) Elijah was unrelenting when it came to making a choice. Neutrality was not an option.

3) Elijah knew his God, which translated into reliance and confidence.

4) Elijah understood the need to eradicate the influence of evil.

These lessons stand as an example of the mountain top leadership needed today as we strive to honor God and change the world with the power of His word.

Where do we focus our attention? What purpose drives us as leaders? We can easily get distracted and lose focus and forget our purpose.

There are times we spend too much energy putting out “brush fires” and lose sight of the goal. We must remember, and followers need to be reminded of, our purpose.

Be driven by it.

Determine to succeed.

Establish unity in the work.

Promote it at every opportunity.

Never quit.

Impossibilities disappear when we are driven by purpose, especially when that purpose has a godly foundation.

Before we speak, before we write, before we act, think first. Two words. Simple enough to say and so difficult to follow.

We live in a reactionary world. We tend to react to our circumstances. Life deals an unfair hand and we react. Someone speaks inappropriately and we react. Others take advantage of us and we react.

Leaders must learn how to act. If we can stop the reaction through our words and actions, then maybe, just maybe, the fallout can be prevented.

The only way to learn this lesson is to “think first.”