No, this phrase is not unique to the book of Psalms, far from it. However, nearing the end of this collection of poetic brilliance is one Psalm that highlights several areas about the Lord declaring why He is worthy to be praised. He is…

Creator of heaven and earth.

Executor of justice for the disadvantaged.

Provider of sustenance for those in need.

Healer of the afflicted.

Exalter of the downtrodden.

Compassionate to the upright.

Protector of strangers.

Supporter of the orphan and widow.

Frustrater of wicked ways.

Ruler of all.

These ten words are laced throughout the Bible and intensely describe the nature of God.

These words also provide strength for the weak, comfort for the discouraged and protection for the vulnerable.

All that should be added is for leaders to lead with an understanding of who God is, what He has done and what He can do.

The characteristic of joy exceeds simple pleasure. Kenneson points out that joy is a byproduct of the desire for something more outward.

The “other-directedness” or outward movement of joy may very well be why it is so closely connected to love. If love is related to God’s grace, His gift exemplifies the significance between two Greek words with the same root: charis (grace) and chara (joy).

As amazing as it sounds, scripture connects suffering with joy; “living joyfully despite persecution and affliction does not require one to deny the reality of suffering or pain” (63).

The world presents the greatest obstacles concerning joy. English poet Lord Byron said, “There’s not a joy the world can give like that it takes away.” The craving for more and cultural dispositions of anxiety and fear are fed by an advertising industry promoting both.

Cultivating joy occurs when we are able to rejoice in the opportunity to worship God, nurture contentment, and learn to enjoy children.

There is more and I encourage you to get Kenneson’s book and read the depths to this fruit of the Spirit.

Grip, determination, and persistence are a few of the words associated with tenacity. On the heels of Monday’s post about never giving up, it seemed appropriate to consider the idea of tenacity in leadership.

Being able to grip something, or hold on to it firmly, is crucial for long term success in leadership.

The quality of determination presents an attitude of strength to endure the distractions.

Without persistence leaders find themselves easily ready to give up and move on.

Tenacity, as defined in these three areas, demonstrates the ability of leaders to take a group of individuals who might not otherwise continue and motivate them to heights unknown.

The tenacity of leaders like Joshua and Caleb in the Old Testament, or men like the apostle Paul, encourages everyone who learns from the tenacious spirit they exemplified.

When leaders possess tenacity in approaching the establishment of goals and the development of plans to achieve those goals, confidence results for those who follow.

Leaders must hold on with the determination that no matter what happens they will be persistent.

Life is filled with challenges. There are events that often create such a negative affect we begin thinking it would be easier to quit, move on, and do something else.

However, will moving on eliminate the challenges of life?

When leaders face the difficulties that often plague the course of life, what can be done to strengthen resolve and motivate perseverance?

The most obvious answer is to never give up. Regardless of the difficulty, do not allow quitting to be an option.

Seek the appropriate help. There are avenues available to provide assistance in areas needed to overcome and achieve success.

Work harder than before. The structure of time management may need to be adjusted and the work ethic refocused, but the results are invaluable.

Remember, others have endured as well. Biblical and current examples abound. We are not alone and if others have endured, so can we.

Life will present many twists and turns, some pleasant and others not so pleasant, but as Winston Churchill is credited with saying, “Never, never, never give up.”

“One of the secrets of life is that all that is really worth the doing is what we do for others.” Lewis Carroll

Interesting how the thought today follows on the post earlier this week about cultivating love in our life and leadership.

What we do for others is where leadership develops and shines. The approach to life in determining what is in the best interest of someone else must drive our leadership.

Mr. Carroll summarizes this idea as one of the secrets of life, implying that success in life is the natural result for those who practice it.

Biblically, this idea is a common thread throughout many of the individual books written to God’s people.

Reading the book of Philippians quickly reveals the need to have the same mind in us that was in Christ. This mind, or attitude, involves a humble spirit that seeks to do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but to regard others as more important than self.

This is the heart of leadership and the future of the church in this world.

Psalm 38 is an interesting expression of David. He is aware of who he is, what he has done, and the affect on his relationship with God.

He readily acknowledges his failings and the resulting division with friends, family and enemies.

What is astonishing is how David, in the midst of his penitent suffering, describes the nature of his enemies; “They oppose me, because I follow what is good.”

We could spend time examining several areas in this Psalm, but David’s leadership exemplifies a man of God who had a strong self awareness and knew his dependence upon God.

We find a leader who knew how to follow; a needed trait. Even knowing that what he followed created a separation between him and others, he still followed because it was good.

Many challenges face godly leaders, one of which is the lure to follow worldly practices to increase numbers within the church.

Leaders fear people leaving, speaking against them, and creating opposition. Remember to follow what is good, even when facing the most difficult of challenges.

As David concludes, God will not be far away. He is salvation and deliverance.

Cultivating love in an unbelievable environment of marketing is one of the great challenges to the Christian’s life and leadership.

Considering the loose way love is used is borderline blasphemous. Kenneson makes a pointed remark; “…some may justifiably doubt whether a word that can be applied with ease to both God and pizza can illuminate the character of the Christian life” (37). This statement challenges our thinking.

The character of love, as defined by God, is a love that is unmerited, steadfast, suffering, and knows no bounds. It should move us to consider there is nothing we can do to make God love us more, and nothing we can do to make Him love us less. His essence is love.

We cannot examine the love of God without recognizing the “other-directedness” nature. Love is always divinely defined by what is done for others, in this case, you and me.

In a marketing environment that is based on self-interest and one that puts a price on everything (and everyone), cultivating love will require a devotion of our time in building good relationships.

This builds leadership.

A specified state of growth or advancement, a new and refined idea, an event constituting a new stage in a changing situation, are three ways the word develop and/or development are defined.

All three ideas express thoughts directly related to leadership.

Leaders should focus on growth and advancement. They are looking to grow personally and help advance the cause for which they lead. At the same time, they are striving to help others reach their greatest potential.

Leaders look for new and refined ideas that promote opportunity, innovation, and creativity. The abilities that exist among followers is amazing, and leaders need to seek ways to involve everyone in using their gifts for the greater good of God’s kingdom.

Leaders also recognize the world around them and the changes ever present. The development of God’s kingdom is not about changing the message, but the methods need to allow for ideas that reach out to an ever changing world.

God made it possible for all three areas to exist within the church. The question we need to ask is: how is our leadership developing?

Everything that is learned about leadership simply indicates the more there is to learn. It is amazing to consider the amount of information readily accessible.

There is no end to the books, articles, blog posts (sorry), and classes available on the subject of leadership.

We have also frequently discussed the need for leaders to be incessant learners, but in the abyss of information about leadership, where should leaders turn?

Obviously, followers must be able to turn to leaders, but where will leaders find help to grow in their leadership.

First, turn to God. The best leadership book available is the Bible. The examples and instruction provide great learning for the student of leadership.

Second, turn to godly leaders. Most people know someone who has been a godly influence in their life. Seek their help and learn at their feet.

Third, turn inward for reflection. Many answers can be found by reflecting on how God has been working throughout the journey to bring us where we are as leaders.

These do not exhaust the possibilities, but they do provide a few steps in benefiting from each learning moment.

“Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet. Make all your friends feel there is something special in them. Look at the sunny side of everything. Think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best. Be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give everyone a smile. Spend so much time improving yourself that you have no time left to criticize others. Be too big for worry and too noble for anger.” Christian Larsen

This quote is full of ideas that emphasize multiple areas in leadership. We cannot address each one. However, there is one thought that threads the entire quote; being strong enough to be the best we can in leading others with a positive focus toward the future.

Leadership will always have its challenges and negative influences. When leaders follow the ideas presented by Larsen; the life, focus, and influence on others is powerful.