N.T. Wright’s book, subtitled Why Christian Character Matters, discusses the development of Christian virtue. His approach is for virtue to become “second nature.” The idea is for virtue to be the natural / automatic response of leaders.

The book develops three major thoughts. The first examines the virtuous purpose of Christian character. The Christian life is not one lived simply by rules, but the development of virtue to act naturally.

The second major thought discusses the need for character transformation. This transformation involves a renewal of mind. Character transformation must occur within, thus creating a change of actions demonstrated in virtuous behavior or conduct.

The third major thought considers the virtues of faith, hope and love. These virtues are connected to the development of the fruit of the Spirit within the context of community.

The premise for leadership emphasizes the need for practice and community. We must implement these virtues, but we need each other to do so. We cannot develop as spiritual leaders in isolation.

It is a good thought for leaders to consider today. Our leadership must be about character and helping others reach heaven.

“One of the tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency.” Arnold Glasow

Recognizing problems in advance is a challenge for all leaders. There are benefits to preventing problems from becoming emergencies. The question is what can be done to recognize these problems in advance?

Accept that problems will happen. Living in denial, ignoring, or hoping a problem will go away is an invitation for an emergency. Problems are a part of life and accepting this fact will help in preventing emergencies.

Practice good communication. Good communication is a two way street. However, the key is learning to listen more than speaking. Many problems could be detected sooner if leaders listened carefully.

Ask appropriate questions. At the first sign of a problem, learn to ask questions related to what might be occurring.

Learn from the past. Chances are, this is not the first problem. Use the lessons learned from previous experience and use it as a foundation for the future.

There are no exact lists to resolve every problem in advance. However, a few simply ideas will help make some major differences.

The idea of life is threaded throughout the very thought of Jesus and his existence. In him was life and the life was the light of men. Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly.

However, the most common thought about life is connected to both the quantity and quality of what Jesus offers, eternal life.

This offer is available for all, but not all will receive it. The gospel of John emphasizes these truths.

Our spiritual leadership is directly related to this life we have been discussing. We are giving others a chance to live.

Not everyone will accept it. Some will need our patience to learn more about it. The thrill of ministry is witnessing those who understand and enjoy God’s gracious gift in Christ by their obedient response.

While there are many areas associated with leadership and all of them have value, when we really narrow it all down to the most significant need, we are focused on an offer of life. The quantity and quality of this gift makes life worth living and leadership worth following.

No matter where you are right now, chances are there are signs or billboards around you with a slogan.

One of my favorites is by Kay Jewelers, “Every kiss begins with Kay.”

Nike’s slogan has been used as an example by many, “Just do it.”

How about the Army’s slogan, “Be all that you can be.”

Do you remember the slogan for Wheaties cereal? The “Breakfast of ____________________.”

Perhaps you know the slogan for Maxwell House coffee, “Good to the last drop.”

This is not even a drop in the proverbial bucket of the slogans that dominate the advertising world.

We often find ourselves as spiritual leaders trying to connect the catchiest phrase or slickest slogan to our efforts to attract the most amount of people to follow.

While slogans can be good, we need to understand our leadership should not be defined by them. Our leadership is about leading others to Christ. It is not about a slogan. It is about eternity. Let us make our leadership count for something lasting. Think Souls.

In case you are still trying to figure out the last of the Wheaties slogan, it is “champions.”

When I think about our word of the week, a number of thoughts come to mind.

The word can be used in a setting of conflict with a desire to reach a solution, not always of the fruitful kind. “I challenge you to a dual.”

This word can indicate the magnitude, and perhaps difficulty, of achieving a specific goal. “The challenge before us is to reach five thousands souls in the next five years.”

We also find this word used as an objection. “Our purpose of assembling today is being challenged by another organization.”

At times the idea also expresses a motivational tactic to create action. “I challenge you to reach out and talk to others about Jesus.”

Our leadership will face many challenges, many of which may fall into one or more of the categories listed.

Leadership exists in the face of challenge at every level. Martin Luther King, Jr. indicated the true measure of our character will be determined by where we stand in the times of that challenge.

The subtitle of this book by Philip Kenneson indicates the main direction of the writing. It is a rich study of Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit in Christian Community.

Kenneson examines each part of Paul’s list and considers how it was seen in the Old and New Testaments. He further discusses an application of how the fruit should be cultivated in the lives of Christians today.

One primary thought hit home regarding the nature of this book in connection to leadership. Kenneson speaks often about the “other-directed” nature of Christianity.

From a leadership point of view, this book involves helping us see the need to consider all of the fruit of the Spirit in a way that is directed toward others.

Initially, it seems logical to think about how we are to develop the fruit of the Spirit in our own lives in contrast to following after the deeds of the flesh, a more inward direction.

However, take a look at each one and think about them in connection to how they are to be cultivated toward others. It is a book I recommend for each leader.

“The older I get the less I listen to what people say and the more I look at what they do.” Andrew Carnegie

There has been a running joke around my house when someone makes a big claim of what they will do, or what they have heard someone talk about doing. I usually respond with, “I’m from Missouri.”

I used this with our children growing up. The idea was basically, I need to see it. Missouri is the “show-me” state, thus the background for my response.

It is one thing to say it and quite another to prove it in action. It is easy to talk about what we want to do, or even discuss what we are going to do. However, the challenge comes in putting our words into action.

When it comes to our leadership, what are we doing?

Leadership is about action. We make a difference when we are practicing what we preach. On a personal basis, if I am going to follow someone it will happen because I see their life in deed, not in word only.

Learn to listen, but lead by action.

A number of thoughts come to mind when we consider the idea of our word for the week: average.

When we put all the numbers or items together and then divide we find an average.

We often examine an individual’s performance academically or athletically and determine if they are average.

We need to give a little more thought before describing someone as average. What exactly do we mean by this thought?

I find nothing wrong with determining an average or in being average.

However, when it comes to spiritual leadership, we need to strive for more than average.

Paul urged the church to “excel still more.” Peter expressed the need for Christians to “keep their behavior excellent.”

If excellence is the desired outcome of our Christianity, how much more should our leadership be characterized by the same?

We need to pray fervently, work hard, stay longer, and endure more. No, we are not trying to earn anything. Our efforts are to follow the example of Christ and provide an example for others to follow.

Such leadership points others to our Savior.

Electronic communication has taken the front seat on nearly every level. Coupled with “going green” to save trees and all other ecologically connected minutia, the very idea of sending or receiving something in hard copy is almost obsolete.

There is no chance of slowing down the changes or technological process of the twenty-first century, and I do not even want to try.

From a leadership perspective, there are advantages and disadvantages to the electronic connections we seem so bound to in the present. While I do not intend to explore the depths of both, there is something that stands out regarding the spiritual relationships eternally connected to leadership.

We need each other! The human race was created in relationship, a relationship involving God and each other. Jesus grew in favor with God and man.

We can stay connected in relationships through an electronic medium. However, if we are going to lead, the need for relationship must go beyond the words on a screen.

The power of a smile, a hug, or the sound of words spoken in kindness can make all the difference. Let us lead in “hard copy.”

Each Monday we want to highlight a book for your consideration. As the subtitle suggests, The Ascent of a Leader is a book addressing how ordinary relationships are involved in developing character and influence as leaders. The authors are Thrall, McNicol and McElrath.

We will not make the post a book review, nor is it the intent. We do want consider a brief snippet for reading these books.

The book addresses two ladders regarding leadership. The first is the capacity ladder. The idea is one where leaders are striving to get ahead regardless of the cost. Relationships are only viewed with a perspective of how the relationship will benefit the leader in ascending to a greater position.

The second is the character ladder. The idea is one where an environment of grace exists. It is a ladder where character is developed and emphasized in leadership. Relationships grow stronger because there is an atmosphere where people feel safe to express their views, or even when mistakes are made.

The book has a number of powerful suggestions to assist in leadership development and is worth the time to read.