Satan is diligent in his efforts to discourage us. Discouragement is one of his greatest tools. He knows if he can discourage us enough, we will quit.

Quitting is an easy way out, but is it really?

Will quitting help us reach the goal? Will it accomplish the will of God?

What happens to those who follow if leadership quits?

How do we deal with discouragement?

The antonym is encouragement. As interesting as it may sound, when we focus on encouraging others our own discouragement seems to disappear.

Also, remember to push: Pray Until Something Happens!

God certainly knows how to aid His leadership in overcoming discouragement.

Amidst the religious confusion that exists, is it too much to ask for direction?

Jesus said, “I am the way.” John the Baptist knew his purpose, and he fulfilled it. He pointed people to Jesus, the way. Why do more not point to Him?

Looking into the eyes of people around the world, including our own country, reveals the same need. But, we tend to see physical needs. We provide food, clothing, transportation, housing, or training to develop work skills.

No one is opposed to helping others with physical needs. Jesus provided an example. However, there is a great imbalance in our approach to the physical versus spiritual.

We need to show people the way to spiritual and eternal life. This is the task of spiritual leadership.

Following the crowd, the latest fad or trend, or jumping on the bandwagon, are familiar phrases.

Is this what our leadership is all about? Do we simply want to fit in with what appears to be the latest and greatest?

We need leaders who stand out. We need leadership who lift up the Light of the world. Such leadership stands out in a world of darkness.

Why is it so important to stand out when it seems easier to follow the crowd?

Following the majority can have severe and eternal consequences. Jesus teaches this principle in the Sermon on the Mount.

Our path is a matter of choice. The choice we make influences others. If it helps others get to heaven, then standing out in or from the crowd is worth it.

Ethics is a moral system of right and wrong. This system determines how everyone lives life.

A correct understanding of ethics is vital to the direction of spiritual leadership. It should be obvious, but God’s word is the only foundation for our ethical standard.

The book of Judges describes a time when there was no king in Israel and everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Israel rejected God and the Law given to them as the standard of ethics. The result led Israel into idolatry and, ultimately, destruction.

Sadly, we are seeing the same mindset in the 21st century. The influence of humanism, situational, and post-modernistic ethics destroys spiritual leadership.

We must be diligent to live and lead by the standard of ethics established by our God.

What makes leadership extraordinary? The answer(s) to the question become quite subjective depending on the situation.

From a Biblical perspective, Jesus put together a group of extraordinary men and entrusted them with a message that changed the world.

It was not their educational level, charisma, social standing, economic strength, or immeasurable talent that made them extraordinary.

They were selected because they believed in Jesus as the Christ and they were willing to submit themselves to His Lordship.

We need leaders today who believe in Jesus and submit to His Lordship. We need leaders who give their lives to the cause of Jesus. We need leaders who stop at nothing to carry out the work entrusted to them (us).

The result will be extraordinary leadership.

Can we prove our leadership? The question implies a measure of evidence. To claim we are a leader does not make us a leader. Simply because people follow out of compulsion, does not identify us as a leader. Wearing a title does not make us a leader, either.

What evidence can we produce to prove our leadership? Are people willing to follow?

The proof of our leadership may best be determined by our answers to the following questions.

Do we possess a love for those who follow, seeking their highest good?

Are our goals driven by spiritual or selfish desires?

From what basis do we make our decisions?

Examining the proof of our leadership identifies both how we lead and the nature of our leadership.

Many words characterize this year’s Winter Olympics. Elegance and precision are two.

Elegance involves grace and style.

Precision is described as exact and accurate.

These two words also characterize a uniqueness within leadership.

Jesus epitomized elegance and precision. Every word was exact and accurate. Every demonstration of power was intentional and purposeful.

Leaders today must constantly work to perfect spiritual leadership. We need to think, plan, and execute with elegance and precision every aspect of leading others to and for Christ. Every word should be carefully chosen. Every action should purposed by God’s will. Doing so ensures unique leadership.

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.