Negotiation is an effort to reach an agreement or solution through compromise. Most often, there is give and take, thus, compromise.

Spiritual leaders need to exercise caution when it comes to negotiating. Far too often, God’s word is compromised in an attempt to appease a larger majority of people.

Attempts to negotiate, compromise, or change the word of God are futile.

Our leadership should not move people away from God and His word. Rather, our leadership should move people to God and His word.

Communication is challenging. We usually think others understand clearly. Often times, we even expect them to read our minds, the old reading between the lines.

However, others do not always understand. Thus, we need to communicate more effectively. Every leader must constantly work to improve their communication skills.

Learn to listen. Stop reading between the lines or thinking of what to say next.

Repeat back what was heard. This step ensures understanding.

Ask questions. This helps clarify areas we might have misunderstood.

Think before responding. Take time to consider a proper response.

I memorized scripture as a child sitting on his lap. I read the Bible to him every morning before school.

I listened to him sing praises to God. I heard countless sermons throughout my life.

He read the entire New Testament every month and the Old Testament twice a year. He was the best evangelist I have ever known. He led more souls to Christ than I can count.

I did not understand or appreciate his leadership growing up. I took for granted the hours of prayer on my behalf and the times he would ask “have you read your Bible today?”

However, there are no words to express how thankful I am for all he did to shape me into the person I am. He would have turned 83 today.

I continue to be blessed by his influence, and I pray God will help me lead my children and grandchildren as he led me.

The hand represents a significant concept throughout scripture. In the Old Testament, we find a great contrast between deliverance by the hand of the Lord and oppression by the hand of Israel’s enemies. God’s hand held both reward and consequence.

God’s hand also instills hope, because Jesus now sits at the right hand of the majesty on high.

We are instructed to humble ourselves “under the mighty hand of God.”

For leaders, the significance of the hand stems from leading out of humility and providing hope.

We have an opportunity to make a difference with the use of our hand.

While the downside may be negative, the upside is positive.

Why is it that leadership cannot always be about the upside? Is there a purpose to dealing with the negative struggles challenging our leadership?

Spiritual leaders know the downside helps in developing an appreciation for the upside.

God’s perfecting power in our lives results from enduring the downside.

The downside is designed to equip us with an ability to help others who are suffering.

The difference is found in the way leadership deals with these challenges. The downside is the fact that challenges and problems will come. The upside is they are only temporary.

Lead with the hope of knowing there is an upside.

Danger may exist on the other side of the fence. Leaders need to consider…

1) If something appears to good to be true, it generally is.

2) Most often, the other side is not always what it first appears.

3) An inappropriate desire for the other side leads to sin.

4) Focusing on the other side distracts us from the present work.

5) Remember, someone may be looking with desire at our side of the fence.

Leadership has a responsibility to stay focused on the goal ahead. However, we must help prevent followers from the distractions that may exist on the other side of the fence.

Power is often associated with leadership. The problem arises when leadership abuses power, or their power is egocentrically based.

Spiritual leadership must be built on the power of God.

When our leadership becomes narcissistic, it will fail.

Leadership is about power, but the power comes from our God through His gracious and indescribable gift, Jesus.

He is the power to save. He is the power that makes all things happen. He is the power to lead.

Paul wrote “no man has the power to lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus the Christ” (1 Co. 3:11).

Let us all pray God’s power will guide the direction of our leadership.

Prayer can be an overlooked subject. The application to how we draw closer to God, grow spiritually, or endure trials is often to pray more.

What is prayer? How should we pray? Why do we pray? Does prayer really influence God?

Think about how James teaches the necessity of prayer in leadership.

1) Elders are identified as righteous men who are to pray.
2) The working prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
3) Turning sinners from their error will save them.

Leading people to salvation must be at the heart of a righteous leaders’ prayer.

When it counts is where athletes learn how good they are…or not. The same is true in leadership.

There is a difference in learning and doing.

When tough decisions must be made, leaders are established.

How mistakes are handled defines a leader.

The response when receiving criticism determines leadership.

Here is where true leadership is discovered. Let us stand strong when our leadership is tested.
There are those who see what needs to happen, those who make it happen, and those who make it happen when it counts. Be a clutch leader.

While it may not sound like much, but a simple greeting, “good morning, Mr. and Mrs. ____________, how was your night’s rest?” can be a sweet sound.

Little things are like that, they make a big difference.

Remembering someone’s name and greeting them is important.

“I’m not good with names” is a common excuse. However, we remember what is important to us. If we want to make a difference, someone’s name is important. There is power in remembering something as simple as a name.

Carry a pad and write down the person’s name.

Repeat their name in the conversation.

Afterwards, make a note about them to associate with their name.

It’s the little things that make a difference.