Are our goals self-serving, or do we strive for what is best eternally for the souls of others?

Do our decisions provide an advantage to our career and future, or better equip someone else?

Are we driven by an agenda, or a simplistic and pure love for the betterment of God’s kingdom?

When we study, do we strive to learn the truth or find a way to justify our position?

I wish it was easier, but it isn’t. Personally, I do not like answering these questions, but it must be done.

As spiritual leaders, we must examine ourselves honestly, admit mistakes, act Christ-like, and pray for God’s strength to do what is right. This is why it’s called the bottom line!

What would we change if we had a chance to do it over? How would we fill in the blank?

Would we change our words? Attitude? Actions?

There are two truths about our past: We cannot live in it and we cannot change it.

The way we approach this thought plays a significant role in our leadership.

As spiritual leaders, we must learn from the past and make the changes we need to make in the present. Upon making these changes we can move forward.

Never excuse or justify mistakes. Instead, acknowledge a change needs to be made and make it.

It is not the past we need to change, but the future. Whatever change comes to mind, now is the time to fill it in and change our course.

About the age of 4, children start asking one of the toughest questions to answer: Why? Anyone around small children knows they ask it over and over. And every time we answer, the response is, “Why?”

As parents, a quick and easy answer is, “Because I said so.” However, this does not usually satisfy enquiring minds.

As leaders, there are two questions we must answer before making decisions.

Why make this decision?
Why now?

The gavel symbolizes a legalistic leader, decisive and dogmatic.
The eagle symbolizes a presidential leader, representative and political.
The swastika symbolizes a dictatorial leader, aggressive and autocratic in power.
The crown symbolizes a kingly leader, superior and majestic.
The lamb symbolizes a gentle leader, patient under suffering.
The cross symbolizes a sacrificial leader, purposeful and loving.

While there are others, what symbol best represents our spiritual leadership?

Our leadership is worth the effort to make certain it is represented accurately and Biblically.

The rut is easy, comfortable, and expected.

We never seem to find the time to talk to a neighbor about Christ, because are busy with various family and work activities. Starting a Bible study would fill up another night. When we get home at night we are tired and we just want to sit down and relax.

However, our neighbors, the grocery clerk, bank teller, those in sales, and the waitress, all still need Christ.

We have to get out of the rut, get uncomfortable, and start thinking souls. We are spiritual leaders and our task on earth is to lead others to Christ.

We tend to view leadership from a corporate perspective. As a result, leadership in the home and church receives little, if any, attention.

Yet, how we lead in the home has an incredible impact, especially when we know that how we lead in the home has lasting effects on the future homes of our children. How are we modeling this role?

The present day church suffers from the lack of preparing leadership in the past. How we proceed will determine the strength of the church for our children. When and how will we prepare the next generation?

Instead of an inward focus (the business model of leadership), perhaps we need to think more about the future of the home and church. If we do, the other takes care of itself.

Our lives fall into three major categories: home, world, and church. Amazingly, when we are out of balance in one, the other two are affected.

Leaders have a tremendous responsibility to cautiously approach the work consumption syndrome and not lose sight of the focus needed in the church and home. When we are imbalanced, everything suffers, even our work.

Ultimately, when the spiritual element of our life is not prioritized, nothing else works.

Our task begins with establishing the right priorities and lead from that position.

Spiritual leaders do not serve themselves but others.
Spiritual leaders care about souls and eternity.
Spiritual leaders know the value of the gospel and the change it brings.
Spiritual leaders understand the necessity of the work.

The head of a spiritual leader is understanding and willing.
The heart of a spiritual leader is humble and compassionate.
The hands of a spiritual leader are strong and serving.
The feet of a spiritual leader are active.

No, there is nothing easy about it. However, spiritual leadership makes a difference. Will we lead as spiritual leaders today?

In our fast paced world, how often do we overlook the simplicity and necessity of this statement?

We want answers now. We want problems resolved quickly.

Leadership can fall into the same trap if we are not careful. It is easy to think the work should move along faster, goals accomplished sooner, and people respond more quickly.

Personal experience has proven that when a particular work starts quickly, it struggles and often does not last. At the same time, when thought and patience are given to the same work––strategically developing each part of the plan––success is generally forthcoming.

A good rule of thumb is to take it one step at a time.

For Christians, hope speaks of a desire that includes expectation. When considering the promises of God, Christians know there is fulfillment.

Spiritual leadership is about hope. Our leadership must be characterized by a strong desire with expectation.

Listening, confident, learning, and conscientious leaders provide hope.

The very idea of “spiritual” leadership should exemplify the hope Christ came to provide all who would follow.