“I want to live life in such a way that if a photograph were taken at random, it would be a cool photograph.” David Nicholls

We have no way of knowing the specific intent behind this thought, but the implication can be powerful to the way others see our leadership.

We are given an opportunity to live on the stage of life each day. Others are witnessing every move and word . Images are being imbedded in their minds, just like a photograph.

As they recall the days gone by, they remember these images and the impact left by them.

We do the same with others we see every day.

The question we need to ask ourselves is: what would the photograph others take of us look like?

Like most good photographs, there are times the perfect shot can only be taken in a moment of time. We may only have a moment for others to take that perfect picture that changes their lives forever.

Christians leaders must always let their light shine in such a way others can see their good works and glorify God.

What could be accomplished if we knew today was the only day we had left to live?

Doing a little Google search revealed interesting results. Answers ranged from immoral activities to resolving conflict and communicating ones feelings for someone else.

Would we spend time with family telling them how much we love them and how we want them to remember us?

Would we give away our possessions to those who are less fortunate?

Would we find a way to settle a disagreement with an estranged friend?

Would we extend ourselves to help someone reach their potential?

From a nonChristian perspective, I am sure the answers would align accordingly.

From a Christian perspective, however, the value of having one day left makes our leadership much more vital.

Nothing would be more important than making sure others knew about Jesus and the avenue He provides to insure an eternity in heaven.

The reality is we do not have a guarantee of tomorrow; today may be the last day we are given. Let us make today valuable and seek a way to lead someone to Christ.

Scripture makes some interesting declaratives in application to living the Christian life. One of those statements is found in Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus.

Slaves are to render obedience to their masters with sincerity, as though they were serving Christ, not by way of eye service, simply to please an earthly master.

We live in a society that thrives on image; there is a great concern for the appearance of things, how others see us.

Sadly, many people render service only to an earthly master. The concern is limited to doing the least amount of work, yet appear to be working hard when others are watching.

The beauty of godly leaders is demonstrated when they constantly strive to please the Lord. In writing to the church at Corinth, Paul expressed that pleasing the Lord should be our ambition.

People are watching: our children and spouse, people at work and our neighborhood, as well as fellow Christians. When we consider our conduct before others, is it because we want to please those who are watching or is our motive to please God?

Only God and you know the answer.

A person who is qualified refers to someone who is recognized as trained to perform a specific job or task. A level of competency is also associated with this recognition.

The Bible provides a list of qualifications for men who serve in the position of an elder or deacon within the church.

These qualifications are in place to guide the future of the church with leaders who are qualified to provide the necessary shepherding to keep the church pure and doctrinally sound.

While all Christians should strive to achieve these qualities (at least the ones applicable) we do not have to possess all these qualities in order to be qualified to lead others.

Remember, leadership is about influence. We are striving to influence others for the cause of Christ. As a Christian, our qualification for leading others is built on the blood of our Savior.

The stronger our faith becomes, the more our confidence grows, and the greater the opportunity to influence others. Qualified leaders are needed in the Lord’s church to shepherd God’s people, and qualified leaders are needed to influence others for the kingdom.

Information about mentoring is unlimited. Several approaches to mentoring indicate a number of options available for consideration.

For the next few weeks, we want to explore several areas related to the concept of mentoring and how Christians can use mentoring to achieve the second half of the Great Commission; “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”

Mentoring involves an experienced and trusted advisor who trains and counsels someone else. The mentoring relationship may extend any where from a few days to a few years depending on the nature and purpose of the relationship.

As a spiritual influence in the lives of others, we all want to pursue ways we can mentor someone in developing maturity in their faith.

The approach to mentoring we will examine in the weeks ahead will be based on ways Jesus mentored the disciples.

As we explore these areas, please examine ways to get involved in mentoring others, but also seek out someone who can be a mentor.

Before we begin to dig deeper next week, pray about someone who can be a mentor and pray for someone to mentor.

“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.” Nido Qubein

Where have we been? Where are we now? Where do we want to go?

Evaluating the answers to these questions is invaluable in determining the thought of the day.

Our present circumstances will have a bearing on where we go, but only if we look at them as a place to start.

Our choices from yesterday determine what we live with today. The choices we make today determine the consequences we must live with tomorrow.

As we consider our present circumstances, we must make a choice, but make the choice with an understanding of the impact on tomorrow. This is the starting point for what could make all the difference in how we move into the future and prepare for a greater life, physically and spiritually.

This decision will also influence our leading others to do the same, as they must make the same choice.

Time is the most valuable commodity any person is given. The interesting fact about time is that we all have exactly the same amount of time each day. How we use the time we have is what makes the difference in leadership.

When Paul wrote a letter to the church at Ephesus, he pointed out the need for these Christians to walk wisely making the most of their time (Ep. 5:15-16).

How can we approach the wise use of our time in daily practice?

Sit down and list the amount of time spent on every activity for one week. Contrast the activities that are spent with a self-centered focus, others-directed focus, and spiritual focus.

Take a moment to ask an important question: why? Why do we spend time in areas more self-centered and not others-directed? Why do we miss opportunities to spend time spiritually focused?

Check the balance of time spent in work with family. Is there a proper balance?

A few simple questions, a little evaluation, and refocusing our direction helps in using our time wisely.

“Do as I say, not as I do.” Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their hypocrisy of saying things and not doing them.

Hypocrisy in the home exists when parents tell their children to live a certain way, yet not living by the same standard themselves.

This is not to say that parents need to be perfect, regardless of the standard under consideration. However, there needs to be consistency.

Children already push the limits as close to the line as possible and measure every action by the consistency of parental guidance.

As challenging as parenting is for anyone, the best place to lead our children in establishing a standard to guide their lives throughout life is found in the home. Here is where the foundation must be laid.

We must develop a consistency in approaching how the standard is lived in the home.

When we fail to live up to the standard: admit it, apologize, and make restitution. Do not excuse it, ever!

Seek ways to help our children understand the purpose behind the standard.

This kind of example strengthens the development of our leadership in the home.

Playoff season is upon us. Fans from both teams headed to the Super Bowl are eagerly anticipating the big event this Sunday.

Since the season began, every NFL team in the nation has been training, studying highlights of previous games, scouting other teams, and focusing on reaching this point. The largest game of the year occurs this Sunday evening and one team will be crowned “champion.”

The amount of effort given and money spent to begin and finish a champion at the Super Bowl is beyond the understanding of most of us. The influence of true champions, however, will not be seen Sunday evening, or in the victory achieved with a touchdown.

True champions are formed through the acts of kindness, grace, and love demonstrated in providing for those in need. A bed, a home-cooked meal, a drink of water, a smile, a word of encouragement, a helping hand, are all key components to being a champion.

It is true that our influence as leaders provides an opportunity to be a champion in the eyes of others. What kind of champion describes how we want to be remembered?

One of the greatest challenges to every leader involves making decisions. When leaders are indecisive followers call leadership into question.

Leaders need to know the causes of indecisiveness to overcome the challenges it brings.

Fear: fear of making the wrong decision, fear of the unknown and fear of failure are leading causes of indecisiveness.

Trust: leaders who lack trust in their own abilities and the abilities of others are often uncertain or debilitated in making decisions.

Procrastination: the mindset of “why do today, what you can put off until tomorrow” leads to indecisiveness because there is no apparent urgency in making a decision.

Remember, decisions must be made, and our fear, lack of trust, or the tendency to procrastinate will not change the necessity of making a decision.

What can be done to help leaders overcome the challenges of indecisiveness?

Take time to do some research and gather all the facts to make an informed decision.

Make a list of pros and cons for each decision and pray about it.

Trust the instincts.

Establish a backup plan as a precaution.

Make the decision.