This word brings several thoughts to mind, the most common of which involves putting one foot in front of the other.

Take a moment in a crowded place and watch people walk. Some walk slower / faster than others and most carry something.

Where are they walking? What do they think about as they walk through this moment in time?

The Bible also uses this word, but with a different meaning. Paul uses it in reference to a way of life, or conduct of life.

Paul instructs Christians to conduct their lives with certain qualities or attributes. He is not talking about a one time action, but rather a lifestyle, a way of living.

This word characterizes the whole of our leadership. Leadership is not about a one time event or activity. It must be a way of life demonstrated in the conduct of our life, lived before others in a way that influences the direction of others, eternally.

When someone tells us to go for a walk, perhaps we need to consider changing our conduct of life to lead as God wants us to lead.

Recently, the material involving outreach to those considered “less fortunate” emphasizes a great need in our world. Prayers are often expressed for those “less fortunate than ourselves.” It would help if we define this term.

A recent article discussed a church involved in a transformation in its membership, and the result was due to the prayer of the leadership.

The prayer was one of a simple nature. “Lord, bring us all those that nobody else wants.” Imagine the response when one by one several, that might be classified as “undesirable,” showed up.

If we believe the gospel is for all, then do we work to see that all have opportunity, not just to hear the gospel, but see it in our actions?

The path is not an easy one to walk. However, we are not called to lead only those who are lovable, but those considered unlovable also.

Take a moment to read through the gospels and notice the number of references to the outreach of Jesus. Who are these people? Why did He reach out to them? What was the result?

Are we listening?

“What I like most about change is that it’s a synonym for ‘hope.’ If you are taking a risk, what you are really saying is, ‘I believe in tomorrow and I will be part of it.'” Linda Ellerbee

An aversion to change is fairly common. For most, there is a fear associated with change. Perhaps it is because of uncertainty, or what it requires us to do.

Fear of change, however, is also associated with a fear of loss. With change comes loss, generally the loss of something held dear by those who avoid or reject change.

This may involve a loss of freedom, comfort, position, ego, and a thousand other areas, but the reality of this fear is powerful.

Imagine how different our approach to change could be if we saw it through the eyes of today’s post. What if change represented hope concerning our faith in tomorrow? Change is inevitable. Not all change is good; but not all change is bad either.

As leaders, a key driver in our leadership should be to instill hope in others and that will involve some level of change.

Answering questions can be challenging. Some questions can make us very uncomfortable, at least they do from a personal perspective.

How will we provide the answer in our leadership? To whom will we answer in our leadership?

The truth remains! We are going to lead, the question is where will we lead?

Are we leading others to a better life in this present world, or in relationship to God?

Do our words and actions provide a leadership of hope eternally?

Will keeping ourselves reclusive from the world lead souls to Christ?

Does a condescending message lead to the building up of the body?

Is it possible for our arrogance to lead others to humble obedience?

Will others view our leadership as serving others or serving ourselves?

Why are we leading?

This last question could be the most important question we answer.

Leadership is not intended to be disheartening or discouraging. We are challenged to lead in the greatest arena, with the greatest motive, for the greatest cause.

Where will we lead?

In this series on Paul’s leadership, we looked at the areas of Paul’s life that made him a great Bible leader.

There are three more areas that created powerful leadership.

Confident: Paul’s confidence was not based on who he was, but Jesus and what Christ had done for Him. It is significant to note Paul’s expressed confidence in others, like the Corinthians and Philemon.

Disciplined: Perhaps the most well known use of discipline is found in 1 Corinthians 9. Paul’s purpose in speaking about discipline was to ensure the message of the gospel aligned perfectly with the example of his life, a testimony of consistency.

Faithful: Christ considered Paul faithful. Even though his past was an example of blasphemy, persecution, and violence toward the church, the Lord could see something greater.

Paul exemplifies many qualities needed for leadership. Our confidence should also be in Christ, not ourselves. We should discipline our physical lives to be consistent with our spiritual message. Leaders should always be faithful to our charge in the gospel.

If we do so, God will use us in powerful ways to make a difference. Think Souls!

Ambition involves a desire to achieve something, usually requiring determination and hard work.

Defining ambition is not difficult. The difficulties arise when we consider where our ambition lies.

Are we ambitious to achieve financial security?

Is our ambition driven by receiving power and authority?

Would our ambition be characterized by selfish and physical priorities?

Or, can we say our ambition has a spiritual focus?

Paul identified an ambition that was spiritually and eternally developed, because our ambition is to please our Lord.

When our leadership is about pleasing the Lord it changes our approach to every area of life.

Relationships within our families will be shaped by Biblical principles.

Our conduct on the job is influenced by a God-fearing attitude.

Our approach to people who are outside of Christ is filled with a greater level of patience and compassion.

Beyond everything else, we worship with a greater understanding of the sovereignty of God.

When our leadership is driven by this kind of ambition the church will grow in the grace and knowledge of our Savior.

As we complete this series, a key area when following a blueprint is the need for a good team working together to reach the desired end.

A leader is one who leads a team in one form or another.

The benefits to leading and working together as a team cannot be listed in one post, but here are a few to consider.

1) The amount of work achieved is done more quickly when working together as a team.

2) Each person on the team can focus on using their abilities for the good of the team.

3) Everyone can use their abilities more efficiently in a team.

4) Ideas are more abundant when several work together.

5) Opportunities for encouragement are greater when working as a team.

In construction, the people who specialize in foundations, plumbing, framing, sheet rock, painting, trimming, and interior design are all needed to make the project just right.

We find the same within the church. It takes those who specialize in cooking, cleaning, teaching, preaching, singing, praying, serving, shepherding, and the list goes on.

When everyone is involved, working together, the result is growth!

If you can’t cast a vision of what could be, you are not qualified to lead. Lindell Mitchell

The implications of today’s thought are powerful. Without a vision of what could be, where will leaders lead?

Solomon claimed that “when there is no vision the people are unrestrained” (Prov. 29:18).

Leaders with vision are able to see the unseen. Perhaps more specifically, they are able to see Him who is unseen. They lead with faith.

They possess the kind of conviction that knows what is worth dying for when it comes to leading the Lord’s people. Caleb possessed conviction (Josh. 14:12).

When vision exists, a strength is demonstrated that knows the value of “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13).

And above all, vision leads to victory. “Lift up your eyes and look” are the words spoken by God to Abraham (Gen. 13:14) and by Jesus (Jn. 4:35).

Unless we develop the kind of vision needed in leadership, we will miss possessing what God has promised.

Maybe this explains the significance of today’s thought. Are we qualified to lead?

As the old saying goes, “Everyone brings happiness, some when they come and some when they leave.” Think about what this statement implies for our leadership.

There are times leaders are asked to leave, and times when they choose to leave. How a leader walks away determines the nature of how they will be remembered.

Shattered farewells leave everyone hurting when leadership walks away from responsibility.

Divisive farewells leave followers turned against one another.

Venomous farewells leave a feeling of animosity, anger, distrust, and a lack of direction.

Gracious farewells leave followers united with a greater dedication to achieve the established vision, goals, and will of God, strengthening the overall good of everyone.

At some point, we say goodbye and when the time comes, we all have to decide the level of integrity and Christlike character we will demonstrate. Here are few tips.

Remember the greater good of followers.

Always accept responsibility for actions.

Be kind, never harsh or abrasive no matter how unfairly treated.

Consider our Savior.

We are leaders and how we lead when we leave makes a difference. Think Souls!

The apostle Paul presents so many great qualities of leadership it is hard to know what stands out most. I am sure each person has their favorite qualities relating most to their leadership.

Let me share a few more this week.

Humble: We find Paul making several statements throughout his letters indicating the level of humility in his heart. He considered himself the least of the apostles, not fit to be called an apostle, and the chief of sinners. He certainly understood and exemplified humility.

Dedicated: Paul’s level of dedication would be hard to measure. However, we see his dedication to the Lord, the church, and the lost. He was determined to know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Co. 2:2-5). He was dedicated to do whatever necessary to preach this message.

Compassionate: Paul’s love for his own people who were lost and his intense concern over the church when led into sin, is an example of true leadership. He wanted nothing more than for people to be saved.

There is more to come, but what a great example to follow in our leadership.