Opportunities are circumstances providing possibility, either to be gained or lost.

It is a matter of faith. If we cannot see the possibilities, we will never take advantage of the opportunities.

We cannot fall into the trap of thinking we can sit back and wait for opportunities. If we do, chances are we will accomplish little, if anything.

Leaders have the greatest opportunity to influence the lives of others by example and instructional guidance by leading them to heaven. This is obviously a twofold application, as it includes leading the lost to Jesus and helping grow the faith of those who belong to Him.

How will this opportunity be fulfilled to its greatest potential?

1) We must open our eyes to the needs, physical and spiritual, of all people. This specifically involves those who are not like us.

2) We must also be ready to get involved, meaning there is a need to get our hands dirty.

3) We must rely completely on the power of God to open the doors and use us to His glory.

Seize the opportunities by seeing the incredible possibilities God provides.

As the psalmist identifies the source of his strength in God, he concludes by pointing out that God is also his portion forever.

The word translated “portion” is often translated as “reward.”

The power behind this thought is a key to spiritual leadership. Realizing that God is our strength gives us confidence, but knowing that He is our reward gives us hope.

Spiritual leaders must always portray the kind of confidence found in God given strength. However, one of the most powerful components to great leadership is the ability to instill hope in others.

The world is filled with so many challenges, discouragements and disappointments. Among all the needs, or perceived needs, hope tops the list.

When leadership provides others with hope; no matter how high the mountain, how low the valley, or the size of the obstacle, then we can endure and overcome.

With this in mind, let us lead with an understanding of what the future holds for those who are faithful followers.

A risk involves the possibility of danger or harm, as well as, a person or thing regarded as likely to turn out good or bad within a particular context.

There can be low risk and high risk, but risk is going to be involved in leadership.

The key to understanding the role of this word in leadership is learning how not to fear risk, but manage it instead.

A number of websites provide powerful information about risk management, especially where it applies to areas of leadership.

However, two questions came to mind in application of the risks involved for spiritual leaders:

1) What are the risk factors involved if we decide not to lead others to Christ?

2) What are the risks of waiting, or procrastinating, to lead them?

When we honestly look at how the risks weigh out in the direction of our leadership, from a spiritual perspective, we find the possibility of danger or harm involved when we procrastinate or we are unwilling to take the risk.

Most people have scars of some form or nature. These scars can be the result of surgery, an accident, or some foolish activity.

Scars are not only physical, there are emotional, mental, and spiritual scars left for the same reasons.

When we examine these scars, and the nature of them, what do they leave behind?

First, they leave us with a reminder of the cause of the scar. These constant reminders bring to mind exactly what happened to create the scar in the first place.

Second, scars remind us of pain. The pain may have been physical, but it could also be pain of an emotional and spiritual nature.

Third, scars show us the incredible wisdom and power of God. This body is “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps. 139:14).

Fourth, scars serve as a reminder to be cautious about creating future scars.

However, the greatest reminder of scars when it comes to leadership is the scars in the hands and feet of our Savior. The example that left Him with these scars should always be a reminder of what our leadership is all about.

“Always give without remembering; always receive without forgetting.” William Barclay

Initially, it seemed appropriate to let the thought for the day stand alone. The thoughts expressed by Barclay in these eight words is incredibly powerful. Two major ideas are connected to this thought.

The first idea lays a foundation for sacrifice. Leaders give of their time and ability to help others. It demands their attention and willingness to see others reach their greatest potential in relationship to God and His church. “Whatever it takes” becomes the mindset of spiritual leaders who sacrifice their own will for the will of God as it is directed in His word.

The second idea engages an approach of selflessness. The ideas are so interrelated it becomes difficult to distinguish them. However, the difference is seen in the action of one and the motivation in the other. Effective leadership will make sacrifices, but the reason they make them is the selfless heart seen in the servant of God.

Again, the thought above speaks for itself, but the ideas related to it help all of us lead with the right actions and motives.

As a catalyst, leaders incite forward and positive movement. For a leader to benefit in developing the characteristics of a catalyst, there must be a genuine interest in others.

Genuine interest is much easier said than done. As well, there are individuals we are more genuinely interested in than others.

Leaders are familiar with individuals who can be emotionally draining. The time and energy demands can be challenging.

Having a genuine interest in others requires a few key components.

Genuine interest requires the ability to listen. Far too often the tendency is to think about a response, rather than listening to the words, body language, and tone of voice.

Genuine interest requires eye contact. Especially when there is disinterest, it is hard not to look at the clock / watch, make eye contact with someone else, or even worse, struggle to stay awake.

Genuine interest requires appropriate questions. Asking appropriate questions, i.e. who, why, how, when, or what, helps identify interest in the lives of others.

A few key components makes a catalyst leader effective in their leadership.

When David made this statement he concluded it by saying; “when I call to You.”

David was pleading with God to give heed to him. He desired an audience with God and wanted Him to listen intently with an understanding that moved the Creator into action.

A key characteristic of spiritual leaders is prayer. The avenue of prayer is significant to leadership for a couple of reasons.

First, leaders understand the need to communicate with the One who is in control of all things. To have an audience with God yields the greatest power in every situation. The desire is for God to listen and act upon the requests brought to Him.

Second, understanding how communication works with God also helps leaders understand the need for effective communication with others. In leadership, others need to know their voice is being heard and that leaders are attentive to their call.

Communication is a noteworthy subject in every relationship. While it applies to leaders, it also applies to everyone.

When leaders are effective communicators issues are resolved more quickly and progress results.

Before we begin thinking about the early stages of evolutionary development, the idea behind this word also carries the impetus of something that is essential or foundational.

Nothing could more essential than spiritual leadership. Nothing could be more foundational to eternity than spiritual leadership.

How does the idea of primal apply to the surroundings of leadership?

Primal comes from a Latin word meaning “first.” The idea relates to the beginnings, first things, primary, essential, and foundational elements of all that is connected to life: intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual.

When thinking about leadership, the need is evident to understand the primary / first elements that must be in place for the success of our leading.

A few elements that are building blocks for all leaders: integrity, honesty, strong work ethic, passion, confidence in God, discipline, and balance.

There will always be additional elements to include, but these are the “primal” of leadership.

Using these as a foundation, leaders can build strength and character that provides hope for everyone who follows. Think Souls!

Something happens during the transition from being a follower to a leader. One of the myths about leadership is that when one reaches this position, they can focus on themselves. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Leaders should be cautious about what they say, how they write, and the influence they have when leading others.

When our speech (spoken or written) is filled with personal pronouns, e.g. “me,” “myself,” and “I,” then leaders need to step back and evaluate what, or perhaps more appropriately, who they are promoting.

The strength of true spiritual leadership must always be focused on the good of others, even at the expense of self.

When Jesus was teaching the apostles about being a servant (Jn. 13), He used the term love regarding the new commandment. The powerful influence of this type of leadership is that all people will know we are His disciples if we have love for one another.

How are we demonstrating love if our words and actions betray that love for the purpose of serving self?

Leadership is filled with its challenges, not the least of which is “self.”

“You can’t make someone else’s choices. You shouldn’t let someone else make yours.” Colin Powell

One of the most frustrating challenges in relationships involves both sides of today’s thought.

The challenge is even more complicated from a leadership perspective. On one hand, it would be easy to make someone else’s choices for them. After all, a leader is supposed to have the answers, right?

On the other hand, if leaders were making decisions for others, others would be positioned to make choices for them.

When leaders make choices for others there is always a possibility of resentment.

When leaders make choices for others, a certain expectation can be created.

Making choices for others can also lead to an unhealthy dependency.

Leading is about relationships and leading others involves helping them make the right choices, not making those choices for them.

Leadership has the potential of influencing others for a greater purpose. Let us always lead with the desire to help others see the choice of heaven.