Opportunity has been defined as circumstances presenting possibility. For someone to take advantage of the opportunity, one must be able to see the possibility.

Nicholas Sparks once said, “It’s the possibility that keeps me going, not the guarantee.”

Looking at our neighbors who need Christ, what possibilities come to mind?

Broadening our perspective to the city where we live, can we see evangelistic possibilities?

From the city to the state and national level, what possibilities lay the foundation of our vision?

When considering the nature of global outreach, what possibility keeps us going?

Can we see the possibilities through the ways God is working in our neighborhood, city, state, nation, and world?

Leadership will not succeed if we are only looking for guarantees. The possibilities of what God can and will do through us must keep us going.

We have seen the mighty hand of God at work throughout scripture, and we should be able to see His work in our lives every day.

When our leadership is fueled by these possibilities, then a vision is cast that will lead others to great achievement.

Interesting how a thought about serving cultivates love in our life and leadership.

Lewis Carroll claims that “one of the secrets of life is that all that is really worth the doing is what we do for others.”

What we do for others is where leadership develops and shines. The approach to life in determining what is in the best interest of someone else must drive our leadership.

Mr. Carroll summarizes this idea as one of the secrets of life, implying that success in life is the natural result for those who practice it.

Biblically, this idea becomes a common thread throughout many of the individual books written to God’s people.

Reading the book of Philippians quickly reveals the need to have the same mind in us that was in Christ. This mind, or attitude, involves a humble spirit that seeks to do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but to regard others as more important than ourselves.

This is the heart of leadership and the future of the church in this world. May we always take advantage of the moment to serve.

Development is described as a specified state of growth or advancement, a new and refined idea, an event constituting a new stage in a changing situation.

All three ideas express thoughts directly related to leadership.

Leaders should focus on growth and advancement. They are looking to grow personally and help advance the cause for which they lead. At the same time, they are striving to help others reach their greatest potential.

Leaders look for new and refined ideas that promote opportunity, innovation, and creativity. The abilities that exist among followers is amazing, and leaders need to seek ways to involve everyone in using their gifts for the greater good of God’s kingdom.

Leaders also recognize the world around them and the changes ever present. The development of God’s kingdom is not about changing the message, but the methods need to allow for ideas that reach out to an ever changing world.

God has made it possible for all three areas to exist within the church. The question we need to ask is, “How is our leadership developing?”

Everything that is learned about leadership simply indicates that there is always more to learn. It is amazing to consider the amount of information readily accessible.

There is no end to the books, articles, blog posts (sorry), and classes available on the subject of leadership.

We have also frequently discussed the need for leaders to be incessant learners, but in the abyss of information about leadership, where should leaders turn?

Obviously, followers must be able to turn to leaders, but where will leaders find the help to grow in their leadership.

First, turn to God. The best leadership book available is the Bible. The examples and instruction found provide great learning for the student of leadership.

Second, turn to other godly leaders. Most people know someone who has been a godly influence in their life. Seek their help and learn at their feet.

Third, turn inward for reflection. Many answers can be found by reflecting on how God has worked throughout the journey to bring us where we are as leaders.

These do not exhaust the possibilities, but they do provide a few steps in benefiting from each learning moment.

Pressure carries multiple meanings: 1) continuous physical force exerted on or against an object by something in contact with it, 2) the use of persuasion, influence, or intimidation to make someone do something, and 3) an attempt to persuade or coerce someone into doing something.

There is no doubt leadership comes with a strong element of pressure. The issue really becomes how to handle or deal with the pressure when it arises within leadership.

Working to equip the next generation in this area might work in the reverse. We may find ourselves learning from the next generation how to handle the pressure that leaders face today. Here are a few thoughts to consider.

The best avenue for approaching pressure is fervent prayer. God listens.

Recognize that pressure is part of leadership. It will come.

Learn to relieve pressure through activity. Exercise is a great place to start.

Create expectations that are achievable and be cautious about being unrealistic.

Break the big chunks into smaller ones and focus on one at a time.

Never forget that trials in life serve to perfect us into the people God wants and needs us to be in service to Him and others.