Security highlights several important factors that have a significant role in leadership.

When leadership provides direction that is fixed so as not to give way, followers feel secure.

When there is no threat because leaders keep followers safe and unharmed, they feel secure.

When followers are protected against the attacks of the enemy, the environment is secure.

When leaders are stable, eliminate anxiety, and are free from fear, security exists.

Go back through the four statements above and consider them within a spiritual context. There is a great need for leaders who do not give way to a liberal direction, who provide spiritual protection from the forces of Satan/evil. Spiritual leaders must provide stability that eliminates the fear and anxiety associated with the temporal world.

For leaders to accomplish this type of security a few simple steps will help.

1) Be strong in faith.

2) Grow in knowledge of the word.

3) Trust in God.

4) Remember there is strength in numbers.

5) Lead with confidence.

Who are the fire-lighters in our lives? We all have them and we need those who are able to say or do that one thing that excites the passion within us to act and achieve. Albert Schweitzer once said, “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”

We need to consider another idea. For example, leaders need to be involved in lighting the fires of others.

Whose fire are we lighting by our leadership?

The time given to the words and actions necessary to create that motivation in the lives of others is what changes the world.

Who knows, but in that moment when we stop to extend a helping hand, speak an encouraging word, or give the most valuable gift––our time, we are making an eternal difference.

We need to pray daily that God will grant us the wisdom to see the opportunity, the wisdom to know what to say, and the courage to speak.

I appreciate a statement made by Lemony Snicket, ”If we wait until we’re ready, we’ll be waiting for the rest of our lives.”

We know the dangers of procrastination and how destructive this quality is in the life of leaders.

Too often we convince ourselves that we are not quite ready, and so we wait…and wait.

If we decide to wait until we are ready, what exactly will it take for us to get ready? More money? More education? Greater opportunity? Time?

How will we know if we are ready? Are we waiting on a feeling? Are we waiting on someone to tell us we are ready?

There are always more questions than answers, but at some point we have to consider how we will answer the questions.

There are times when patience is truly a virtue, times when waiting another hour, day, or week is beneficial. However, if we wait until we are ready, chances are we may never be ready.

We may also have to consider if we even want to be ready. The decision is ours to make. Let’s not wait.

Those who desire to follow someone seek leadership that is genuine, or authentic. Several hindrances challenge the genuine nature of a leaders’ character: self, personal agenda, money, power, position, etc.

These areas do not mean an individual cannot be genuine. However, they do hinder the development of genuineness.

Consider a few ideas that increase the development of genuine leadership.

1) Think about the influence of our words and actions before we speak or act.

2) Use knowledge, commitment, and ability to lay the foundation for decisions and actions.

3) Deliver honest criticism in a spirit of love and concern for the well being of others.

4) Fairness and impartiality are essential when working with people.

5) Always begin and end with something nice and complementary.

6) Address the issues in our personal lives before trying to help others.

7) Ask for assistance and follow the suggestions provided.

The purpose behind these seven ideas is not simply to develop leadership character, but to demonstrate a genuineness that builds confidence in those we influence every day.

Biblically, an incredible emphasis is given to the concepts of working together as God’s people in order to function as the body of Christ. Although the word team is not used, we find similarities between the biblical emphasis and our understanding of teamwork and the success related to its practice.

Queen Elizabeth II said, “I know of no single formula for success. But over the years I have observed that some attributes of leadership are universal and are often about finding ways of encouraging people to combine their efforts, their talents, their insights, their enthusiasm and their inspiration to work together.”

When leaders understand the value of people using their abilities in a united effort to the glory of God, we have an opportunity to influence the most powerful movement on earth.

God designed the church to be one and for His people to work together as one. If the team mindset exists and we move forward in unison, great things happen.

Let us strive in leadership to encourage others to use their efforts, talents, insights, enthusiasm, and inspiration to achieve success as one…team.

David wrote, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.”

God hears our prayers of gratitude regarding the life given us today. We give thanks for opportunities a new day provides.

What exactly does a new day provide for our leadership? We have an opportunity to:

…reflect on yesterday and decide how to make changes for the day ahead.

…focus on the priorities of today realizing this may be the only day we are given.

…prepare ourselves for the day the Lord returns or we are called to Him.

…walk through doors to share the gospel with others who may never have another opportunity.

…share the depth of our love with those we often take for granted.

The opportunity to live a new day is a gift from God. We need to recognize this gift and seek ways to fulfill those areas in life we too often put off.

Today is the day. Do not wait any longer. Be wise with the precious nature of the time God has placed before us.

Amazement is characterized by “overwhelming surprise or shock.” Interestingly, after Jesus healed the man possessed with a legion of demons, He told him to go to his own people and tell them what great things God had done for him and how God had shown mercy. When the man did so, the text stresses how people were amazed.

This account presents a fascinating thought regarding our own influence in the lives of others. When people do a mental comparison of the person we were before with who we are now, are they amazed?

If not, maybe our words and actions need to stress more the great things God has done for us and how He has shown mercy upon us.

When Christ is involved there is always something different. Our leadership in the home, community, and church are different when He is part of the equation.

We need to reflect for a few moments on exactly what God has done for us and compare who we are now with who we were before.

Let us all amaze others with the difference God has made.