As we discussed, we sing the song but often fail to recognize the implications of the message we sing.

Examining the life of Jesus and the necessity of following His example, how shall we walk in His steps?

Our first consideration is the nature of people with whom Jesus spent His time. Jesus was not one to focus on reaching out to or spending time with the rich, popular, political or religious leaders of the day.

Jesus claimed that He came to “seek and save the lost.” He came for the “sick.” Jesus spent time with the outcast, unwanted, and unlikely to succeed of society.

He did not participate in or condone the activities of sin. He worked to influence and show a better way. He gave people hope.

If we seek to be like Him, we must consider those we are striving to reach. This does not mean we shun or avoid the wealthy. All have sinned.

History and experience clearly indicate, however, the challenges of reaching the affluent. Such a walk will not be comfortable, but who are we really trying to be like?

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” Albert Schweitzer

Who are the fire-lighters in our lives? We all have them and we need those who are able to say or do that one thing that excites the passion within us to act and achieve.

We need to consider another side to this thought; for example, leaders need to be involved in lighting the fires of others.

Whose fire are we lighting by our leadership?

The time given to the words and actions necessary to create that motivation in the lives of others is what changes the world.

Who knows, but in that moment when we stop to extend a helping hand, speak an encouraging word, or share the most valuable gift, that we are making an eternal difference.

We need to pray daily that God will grant us the wisdom to see the opportunity, the wisdom to know what to say, and the courage to speak.

In our culture we too often fail to give thought to the consequences of our actions. Sadly, not only do we fail to think about the immediate results, but also the long-range consequences.

At any specific moment, a word expressed or action taken can change a situation in ways that leave a lasting impression.

People are always watching and listening. They measure the strength of our character by the consistency demonstrated between our words and actions.

Before we choose to speak a word in anger, think about the consequences of those words. Once the words are spoken we cannot take them back. Yes, we may wish we had not spoken rashly and we may apologize, but once spoken the words can become haunting scars with lasting consequences.

Our actions have a similar impact. Interestingly enough, we may participate in an activity that does not characterize who we really are or want to be, yet when others see us, the consequences can become difficult, if not impossible, to correct.

Our influence in the lives of others is too valuable to give little thought to the consequences of our choices.

What binds us together? The uniting agent that makes us one is something deserving far more attention than usually given.

Our common purpose, wrapped up in this unifying agent, is summed up in Jesus. The blood that flowed from His body and covers our sins makes us one and points us in the same direction.

Understanding the depth and magnitude of such may be impossible from our physical and temporal worldview. We should, however, consider several implications connected to the sacrifice made on our behalf in relationship with others.

First, work harder and more patiently in helping others develop their skills and abilities instead of being so quick to condemn and reject.

Second, always speak well of people publicly and address the major concerns with them in private.

Third, remember this is not about us and what is going to make us better, but about helping others reach their potential.

Fourth, our pride is not worth the result of division when it comes to God’s people.

Much more could be said if space allowed. We have a common purpose and the value of maintaining unity is worth the effort.

Most people are familiar with the old K.I.S.S. acrostic when it comes to public speaking. One of the letters in the acrostic represents the idea of simplicity.

Simplicity can be explained by the following: 1) understanding, 2) clarity, 3) definable, 4) plain, and 5) natural.

The opposite of simplicity – complex – tends to leave people in a fog. When leadership is complex, people wrestle with confusion or convolution.

The challenge is learning how to bring simplicity to leadership?

Identify the main thing (priority) and keep it the main thing. Find the area or task that is done well and do it really well.

Narrow the focus to one primary task. One of the challenges to leadership is getting involved in too many areas at one time creating “a mile wide and an inch deep” approach to leading.

Simplify terminology. Work to use terms and phrases that do not cause someone to run to the dictionary to understand what is said.

A few simple ideas will be beneficial to strengthen our leadership in ways that will simplify what we are striving to achieve to the glory of God.

We often sing a song by this same title, but do we understand the depth of what this means for Christianity and our leadership?

Scripture speaks of the need to be an imitator of Christ. Peter clearly identifies that Jesus left an example that we should walk in His steps.

What exactly does this mean? What is the context for Peter’s statement to Christians? How can we make the proper application when we demonstrate conviction by singing, Oh To Be Like Thee?

Over the next few weeks we will examine several areas from the life of Jesus connected to the thoughts behind this statement. The areas under consideration will make us uncomfortable. Hopefully, they will drive us to a deeper conviction of how we apply the principles of walking in His steps.

By exposing these areas each week, our prayer is that we draw closer to our God, understand more fully the example left for us to follow, and then live our life as a reflection of His example.

Where will it take us? We will dig in next week.

“If we wait until we’re ready, we’ll be waiting for the rest of our lives.” Lemony Snicket

We recently focused on the idea of procrastination and how destructive this quality is in the life of leaders. The thought today expresses an interesting concept.

Too often we convince ourselves that we are not quite ready, and so we wait, and wait.

If we decide to wait until we are ready, we must consider what exactly will get us ready? More money? More education? Greater opportunity? Time?

How will we know if we are ready? Are we waiting on a feeling? Are we waiting on someone to tell us we are ready?

There are always more questions than answers, but at some point we have to consider how we are going to answer these questions.

There are times when patience is truly a virtue, times when waiting another hour, day, or week is beneficial. If we are waiting until we are ready, chances are we may never be ready.

We may also have to consider if we want to be ready. The decision is ours to make. Let’s not wait.

The idea of being genuine, or authentic, is a concept that is highly sought by those who desire to follow. Several hindrances challenge the genuine nature of a leader’s character: self, personal agenda, money, power, position.

These areas do not mean an individual is always disingenuous, however, they do hinder the development of genuine leadership.

Considering a few ideas will increase the growth of genuine leadership character.

1) Think about the influence our words and actions have before we speak or act.

2) Use knowledge, commitment and ability to lay the foundation for decisions and actions.

3) Deliver honest criticism in a spirit of love and concern for the well being of others.

4) Fairness and impartiality are essential when working with people.

5) Always begin and end with something nice and complementary.

6) Address the issues in our personal lives before trying to help others.

7) Ask for assistance and follow the suggestions provided.

The background in these seven ideas is not simply for the purpose of working to develop leadership character, but to demonstrate a genuineness that builds confidence in those we influence every day.

David wrote “this is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.”

Prayers of gratitude are heard at Bear Valley regarding the life God has given us today. We are thankful for the new day we are blessed to live.

What exactly does a new day provide for our leadership of others? We have an opportunity to:

…reflect on yesterday and decide to make changes for the day ahead.

…focus on the priorities of today realizing this may be the only day we are given.

…prepare ourselves for the day the Lord returns or we are called to Him.

…walk through doors to share the gospel with others who may never have another opportunity.

…share the depth of our love with those we often taken for granted.

The opportunity to live a new day is a gift from God and one we need to recognize and seek ways to fulfill those areas in life we have been putting off.

Today is the day. Do not wait any longer. Be wise with the precious nature of the time God has placed before us.

“Overwhelming surprise or shock” characterizes this week’s word. Interestingly, after Jesus healed the man possessed with a legion of demons, He told him to go to his own people and tell them what great things God had done for him and how God had shown mercy. When the man did so, the text stresses how people were amazed.

This account always leaves a fascinating thought regarding our own influence in the lives of others: when people do a mental comparison of the person we were before with who we are now, are they amazed?

If not, maybe we need to stress more, by our words and actions, the great things God has done for us and how He has shown mercy upon us.

When Christ is involved, there is always something different. Our leadership in the home, community, and in the church is different when He is part of the equation.

We need to reflect for a few moments on exactly what God has done for us and compare who we are now with who we were before.

Let us all amaze others with the difference God has made.