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.

How much money is regularly spent on a chance to win millions of dollars.

Regardless of the odds, most people believe they have a shot to win. For those who do win, the responsibility that accompanies these winnings is overwhelming.

Turn the page and consider the odds of hearing the Gospel. What are the odds, out of all the people on earth who have never even heard the name of Jesus, you and I were fortunate enough to hear it?

Why were we blessed to hear the Gospel when so many in the world hear an altered version if they hear it at all?

Maybe this is the first time we have considered these questions, but we need to recognize the responsibility that comes with this opportunity.

Should we keep it to ourselves? Can we really go through each day without considering the numbers of those who walk through life unaware of what awaits in eternity?

As Christians, we are blessed among all people. This blessing is meant to be shared, leading others to a hope of something beyond what even winning millions of dollars offers.

In the harshness of our twenty-first century world, the power behind a word spoken in kindness represents the nature of leadership greatness that God desires.

The value of speaking with kindness benefits every level of a leaders influence. When a word is spoken with kindness, notice what occurs.

The desire to provide benefit to another person becomes a priority.

The value or worth of the individual is raised to a higher level of importance.

The biblical thought behind the fruit of the Spirit testifies to the development of Christlike qualities.

The goal of unity among brethren is exemplified through our efforts to serve one another.

The example of Christ’s sacrifice is characterized by the actions of His disciples.

The outreach to a world of nonChristians builds on a foundation of love that reflects the nature of God.

More could be said about the power of such words spoken. Kindness requires us to get our personal agendas, preconceived ideas, desires, and motivations out of the way so we can display our Christian light and glorify God.

Most of us are familiar with this phrase. To strike while the iron is hot is to take advantage of an opportunity quickly.

As we have expressed before, an opportunity involves circumstances presenting possibility, either to be gained or lost. We cannot take advantage of opportunities if we are unable to see the possibilities.

Leadership involves the ability to see the possibilities and take advantage of the opportunities the moment they arise.

Few people turn down the opportunity to double an investment in a short period of time. When the presentation is skillfully done and the stakes are guaranteed we know the advantage of striking while the iron is hot. This may be the only opportunity.

The same is true spiritually, however, we have to consider two significant questions: 1) Do we really see the possibilities of reaching out to the souls around us? 2) Do we want to take advantage of the opportunities God presents?

Unless we see the possibilities and want to take advantage of the opportunities the urgency of sharing the message of Jesus fades to indifference.

Seek, Ask, and Knock. Think Souls!

Eliminating the word “can’t” from our vocabulary is vital to the development of strong leadership. We have all heard, “It can’t be done.”

Bo Bennett said, “Having a positive mental attitude is asking how something can be done rather than saying it can’t be done.”

The limitations built around the word “can’t” paralyze the growth and development of God’s people: individually and collectively.

How many avoid the opportunity to teach a class, preach a sermon, lead a prayer, take a mission trip, help someone in need, or improve their education by using the word…“can’t.”

Instead of shackling ourselves with these limitations, consider the difference made by realizing what can be done. With God, all things are possible.

The way we see our families, the church, the world, and even ourselves takes on a new perspective when we realize we can do it.

We must not approach our development as Moses, “Who am I that I should go and deliver this people?”

Instead, we need more with the Isaiah syndrome, “Here am I, send me.”

Remember, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”