Leaders are those who continually work to examine their life and implement changes to improve who and where they are. Max DePree made the statement, “In the end, it is important to remember that we cannot become what we need to be, by remaining what we are.”

Reflecting on the consequences of remaining in our present situation should cause us to be active in overcoming the stagnate condition that ultimately ends in death.

As spiritual leaders, in order to become what we need to be we need to remember three key thoughts.

1) God is the primary mover who shapes and develops our influence as leaders.

2) His word is the tool by which we understand the components involved in the process.

3) Our open and submissive heart benefits us as God fills us and His Word guides us.

Our daily prayer needs to include a request that God help us have the vision to see what He wants us to be, to make us what we need to be, and to never be content with remaining what we are.

Several years ago a friend of mind asked me the one thing I had learned in all my study of the Bible. He followed up by saying, “Always remember, you can’t make it on your own.”

The lesson I learned that day left a lasting impact on my life and ministry.

I am reminded of the thought expressed by Solomon; “Two are better than one.” Notice the reasons listed by Solomon: 1) Good return for their labor, 2) Lift up the other if one falls, 3) Keep each other warm when lying down together, and 4) If someone tries to overpower one who is alone, two can resist him. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

His argues, “A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.”

The idea helps us understand there is strength in numbers. Satan, our adversary, wants us alone because he knows we are more vulnerable.

Leadership is no exception. Leaders need to work together to encourage one another, grow to maturity, and defeat the enemy.

The strength leaders gain from being together will lay a foundation for future leaders.

Friendship is a beautiful relationship of mutual trust and support.

I have witnessed the powerful effects of true friendship. The relationship between two people who share such mutual trust and support is unmatched.

Leadership is not always seen from the perspective of friendship. Leadership is often accompanied by loneliness and seen as a lonely position. We often hear the idea expressed, “It’s lonely at the top.”

While this may be true in many corporate or political settings, it does not have to be true in every situation.

Spiritual leadership is about pointing people to heaven, helping others see the light of Jesus. If we are going to fulfill this responsibility we must be involved in the lives of others, developing friendships.

Jesus was called “a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Mt. 11:19). Maybe we can see just how much we need to understand friendship and the connection of friendship when pointing others to Jesus.

When leaders develop relationships of mutual trust and support, the friendships that blossom provide a source of strength and encouragement for addressing all challenges.

Most importantly, we will help others get to heaven.

When someone is fearless, we tend to think about an attitude or mindset of no fear, or the absence of fear.

We need to consider another possibility as it relates to leadership.

Reverse the order of the word and examine the idea of having less fear.

It is doubtful that a leader reaches a point where they have no fear or even eliminate fear. Various events in life and leadership will always create times of fear. During those times we can demonstrate less fear, but what makes it possible to do so? Read Hebrews 11:1 – 12:4.

Enduring life’s challenges is an ability strengthened by victorious faith. Understand that others have also overcome; see the great cloud of witnesses.

Trust that God will keep His promise. He will see us through every trial; run with endurance the race that is set before us.

No matter how great the obstacle, at its best it is still temporary; keep your eyes fixed on Jesus who for the joy before Him endured the cross and despised the shame.

Here is where less fear begins.

Change does not occur quickly or easily. Once we are comfortable with our comfort zone, getting out of that rut in order to think or try something different is not usually on the agenda.

Neale Donald Walsch says, ”Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. So if you’re feeling uncomfortable right now, know that the change taking place in your life is a beginning, not an ending.”

The success of leadership depends on the ability, or maybe the flexibility, to recognize the limits of our comfort zone and how life might begin at that point.

Remember the definition of insanity: doing the same things in the same way, yet expecting different results.

The main issue with “insanity” is known as the comfort zone. We do this because it is where we operate most comfortably.

Imagine the change on the part of the Jewish nation after 1,500+ years of the same approach, and then the Gospel introduced something far different that made them quite uncomfortable.

Leadership operates the same. We are not talking unscriptural, but when ideas and plans are introduced that make us uncomfortable, maybe life is just beginning.

I remember hearing someone say, “if it was easy, everyone would do it.” Regardless of the specific application, the thought addresses a powerful truth about leadership.

When we consider the challenges incurred in leadership, we know it is not easy. Anytime people are involved, there will be opinions, objectives, and opportunities.

Opinions vary from one person to the next and everybody has one. Leaders face the task of harnessing these various opinions and channeling them in the same direction to achieve the goal.

Objectives also introduce numerous challenges. Not everyone shares the same objective. Additionally, the influences connected to a person’s educational, social, familial, and political contexts play a huge factor in their personal objectives.

Opportunities abound when leading people who possess various opinions and objectives. It is not always easy to see, however. Leaders must recognize the opportunity to learn from the opinions and objectives of others and direct the energies behind them into an effort that brings unity to the whole.

No, it is not an easy task, but then again, if it was everyone would do it. For those who do, the longterm rewards are eternal.