A contrast of counsel is found throughout the Psalms and Proverbs. We are urged not to walk in the counsel of the wicked in Psalm 1. Later in the Psalms David expresses the need to wait for the counsel of the Lord, because His counsel will endure forever.

Solomon claims a wise man is one who listens to wise counsel, and one who possess understanding will acquire wise counsel.

One of the best Proverbs about counsel is found in Proverbs 27:9 where we read, “A man’s counsel is sweet to his friend.”

Leadership should always provide a source of counsel that is based on the word of God, designed to provide guidance to spiritual success and an eternal reward.

When leaders provide godly counsel, several beautiful things occur: 1) Above all, God is glorified, 2) His people are built up in the faith, 3) Leadership is strengthened in righteousness, and 4) The future is secured.

The consequences of not seeking wise counsel can be seen in the life of Joshua (Jos. 9).

Let leaders learn today from his example, then pursue and provide godly counsel.

Observation of the events and people who participate in our lives on a daily basis is one of the most powerful exercises for leaders.

Leadership is about people, and unless we are observing how God works in our lives to provide opportunity to lead, we will miss the possibility of God using us to help others.

An ancient Chinese proverb emphasizes the way to a lifetime of happiness: “If you want happiness for an hour — take a nap. If you want happiness for a day — go fishing. If you want happiness for a year — inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime — help someone else.”

Helping others can only occur when leaders observe the people God places in their lives each day.

Leaders must seek to discover what goes on in the lives of these individuals, why it takes place, and how they might show the light of Jesus through their help.

Take a few moments each day to simply observe the working of God through the opportunities provided in the lives of the special people placed on our daily path.

Speaking from experience, few people like the idea of any form of test. Students preparing for their field of work would prefer to skip any and all tests.

However, tests are certainly biblical and spiritual leaders will always face various levels of tests throughout their leadership.

Abraham is one great example from the Old Testament that was specifically identified with the testing of his faith. “God tested Abraham” is how the text begins with the command from God to offer his only son, Isaac, as a burnt offering.

The New Testament also speaks of the testing of one’s faith. James reveals the purpose of this testing is to produce endurance which ultimately results in completeness.

How should we respond to tests within leadership?

Prayer is the best place to begin. Seek God’s guidance and wisdom throughout.

Hold fast to the word of God. Read about Abraham and remember the purpose of tests from James.

Seek the counsel of spiritual and godly leaders who passed tests in their leadership.

Remember to trust God is working to make us into the leaders He wants us to be.

Yesterday serves as a powerful day of remembrance in the history of our nation. The closer people are to the individuals who lost their lives that day, the stronger the remembrance. Regardless of where we were we remember the tragic events of 9-11.

One of the most powerful memories of that day involve the incredible benevolent, servant, and sacrificial acts of leadership connected to those events. Our country continues to remember and honor those heroic acts.

Even though it may be a lesser comparison, we must consider how our leadership will be remembered. Will it be the benevolent acts of service demonstrated toward those in need? Will the sacrifices of our time, energy, and talent as leaders be remembered?

We need to note that it is not always about heroic levels of leadership that are remembered in the highlight reels of life. Perhaps the greatest mark left on the world is the simple and selfless acts done on a daily basis that touch the lives of those in need. Please read Matthew 25:34-40.

Never let an opportunity slip by to touch someone God places on our path in life.

The idea of mission assumes many forms and definitions. A mission often relates to accomplishing specific tasks within a designated time frame. These tasks connect to military tactics, political advancements, corporate positioning, and religious direction.

The most important mission refers to the work of our God and His directives for those who follow Him. We often refer to this as the Great Co-mission. However, God’s mission goes back much further than the Gospel accounts.

God’s mission was established before the foundation of the world (Ep. 1:4), promised to Abraham (Gen. 12:1-4), prophesied concerning a descendant of David (2 Sam. 7:12), fulfilled in the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (Mt. – Jn.), and directed through the apostles for the church (Mt. 28:19-20; Ep. 4:11-16).

Leaders play a significant role in the mission of God. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, God instructed leadership. Specific individuals were directed by God to lead His people to a better place.

If our mission today does not align with His mission, then we need to refocus our purpose.

Preparation is essential in every area of life. The lack of preparation most often results in consequences that damage our influence and leadership.

Sadly, there are those who prepare to lead for the purpose of gaining an advantage over others, or to simply achieve their own agenda. These efforts may create situations where a leader gains a position of power or strengthens their popularity.

But, beware of the long term consequences. God never intended our leadership to be self-serving. Rather, He designed leadership to be self-sacrificing, one of self-denial where others are more important than self.

Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi is a quick read, but one filled with depth about the type of influence leaders were intended to have through an “others-centric” style of leading.

The right mind (humility), the right example (Christ), the right design (interest of others), and the right motive (abounding love and grace).

With this combination, leaders prepare themselves to lead with significance. The result makes an eternal difference.