“The great paradox of the 21st century is that, in this age of powerful technology, the biggest problems we face internationally are problems of the human soul.”  Ralph Peters

I do not pretend, even in the slightest, to understand the big problems of the 21st century, technologically or otherwise.

However, I find the thought above extremely fascinating. To consider the problems of the human soul is the foundation of what spiritual leadership involves.

To answer the problems related to the human soul would not be as challenging if we would just use the right source to approach these problems.

Jesus is the answer. I do not say, or take flippantly, this statement. No problem of the human soul can be addressed apart from Jesus. He provides the solution to every problem.

The challenge is to seek, find and know Him.

The problems of the human soul will never be resolved while seeking answers from worldly philosophy and the wisdom of men.

The power and wisdom of God, summed up at the cross of Jesus, will make the difference. Think Souls.

The activity of leading is often determined by or connected with what a leader does.

While the word “activity” identifies some nature of doing, the basis for doing must be connected to being, the leader within.

As leaders examine the nature of their leadership, the place where the examination should begin is with the person of the heart. Who are we as leaders on the inside?

Learning to understand who we are at the core determines what we do externally as leaders. How do we determine the leader on the inside?

1) Evaluate core values: integrity, honesty, work ethic, etc. Are we aware of what is most important to our leadership? Character or money? Character or popularity?

2) Consider the motives behind the current direction. What is the reason we are involved in this work? Is it the good of others or self advancement?

3) Make decisions based on Biblical principles. Have we considered what God established before we make our decisions?

Taking a moment to consider three approaches to examining our heart will help us determine and develop our leadership from the inside out.

The day after a presidential election tends to leave people with this question, “Where do we go from here?”

For those whose candidate was elected there is a sense of promise and hope for better days ahead.

For those whose candidate was not elected there is a sense of wonder and doubt filled with confusion.

Leadership can be interesting in an arena where leaders are elected versus being appointed.

The beauty of spiritual leadership is based in our knowing exactly where we go from here. Regardless of who sits in secular or political leadership, we must continue to press forward in leading others to Christ. Only here do we find the true reality of promise and hope for better days ahead.

When we understand the temporary nature of our physical existence, we begin to realize our time can be well spent looking toward the throne of heaven, rather than the throne of a country.

God promises to carry out His will concerning the governing authorities.

God needs leaders within His church to stand up for the cause of Christ and point others to the glorious reward awaiting the faithful.

The Bible speaks a great deal about the heart. We must love the Lord with all our heart. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. From within, out the heart, flow the various issues of life.

Heart is often associated with the seat of emotions. As well, there is a great connection of the heart and mind.

Regarding leadership, heart is vital to our approach and development.

Without heart, how can we connect to those we are influencing?
Without heart, what motive supports the structure of our leadership?
Without heart, why would we remain steadfast in the midst of trials?

What benefits are brought to leadership when heart is involved?

With heart leaders dream of the future and what can be accomplished.
With heart leaders hold true to their integrity in relationship with God and others.
With heart leaders invest in the lives of others to help them reach their potential.
With heart leaders plan with diligence and confidence.
With heart leaders will step out with trust in God’s guidance and providential working to achieve His purpose and will.

Let us lead with heart!

I recently began a course on leadership. The nature of the course involves understanding how leadership is a lifelong process. Among the books I have read a number of areas are worth considering. Let me share a few.

Leadership is developed over time. Becoming a leader is not accomplished through simply taking a course or reading a book. God works throughout our lifetime to train us and give us the experience needed to develop our leadership.

Developing a leader can involve periods of suffering (isolation). Voluntary and involuntary events occur throughout life causing us to step back and reflect on who and where we are in relationship to God and others. These times may involve isolation used to help us reflect and prepare us for greater leadership.

Proper perspective is the goal of leadership development. As challenging as periods of suffering can be, they help us with a better understanding of God and His guidance, if our perspective is one that sees God’s hand in the events of our life.

If we can learn to trust in God’s working, we will become the masterpiece He is making of us.

“The truly successful managers and leaders of the next century will be determined not by what they know but by how fast they can learn!” ~ Strategy & Business

Observation quickly teaches us how the world around us is changing at breakneck speed. Changes are occurring so fast it is impossible to keep up with all of them.

The whirlwind nature of these changes should not deter us from pursuing effective leadership.

These changes should not discourage us from stepping up to make needed decisions.

As well, these changes should never cause us to continue to live in the past, frustrated by technology and give up.

In reality, the expedited nature of the changes that occur every second should motivate us to understand the need to improve what we are learning and how quickly we can learn it.

The purpose of our pursuit should not be driven by success, but the desire to learn, because through our learning we discover greater ways to lead others to Christ. Think Souls!

People become leaders for different reasons. At times, the situation demands someone step up and lead. Crisis has moved people into leadership on numerous occasions.

Selfish ambition is a motivating factor for many to lead. The desire to personally benefit from a position of power is appealing to the majority in secular leadership.

The secular field is not the only environment where selfish ambition exists. The apostle Paul referenced those who were leading out of such motives within spiritual circles (Phil. 1:15).

However, there are those who are leading with the right motives and the result is powerful.

Spiritual leadership is about leading with the right motives. Behind every thought, every action, every decision, there should be the proper motive.

Developing this motive is a process consisting of three key factors.

One, a relationship with Christ, personally, but not separately from the collective body.

Two, an understanding of Scripture, both the milk and meat of God’s word.

Three, a compassion for the eternal condition of others, saved and lost.

Considering these three factors can help us check and develop the motive godly leaders should possess.

What creates pressure? Confrontation? Health problems? Financial difficulties? Family issues? Spiritual conflict?

What causes us to feel pressure? Is it when our belief structure is challenged? Do we feel pressure when we know something is not right, but we just do not want to deal with the possible fallout? Perhaps we feel pressure when thinking about addressing traditions we have bound, but we know such change is hard, even though needed.

Whatever it may be, we need leaders who are courageous and willing to stand up and deal with such issues.

Pressure will always be a part of leadership. Pressure is increased even further for spiritual leaders because of the eternal consequences weighed in the balances of each decision.

However, when we are unwilling to deal with issues because of the pressure we are only delaying greater pressure with graver consequences.

As the song encourages, “Rise up o men of God! Have done with lesser things. Give heart and mind and soul and strength to serve the King of kings.”

Accept that there will be pressure. Address and correct it with what is Biblically right.

Have we ever considered the “grand scheme” of things and perhaps our role as a leader in that scheme?

When we examine Scripture we find God’s grand scheme, what is often referred to as mission. God’s mission unfolds from the beginning and is providentially guided throughout the history of Israel down to the coming and crucifixion of Jesus.

The power of this mission / scheme is the unfolding of God’s continued involvement in our present day. This is where you and I come onto the scene.

If we are not careful it is easy to get distracted, wrapped up, delayed, or even drawn away by the menial and trivial areas of life and our priorities are distorted. The result causes us to forget God’s grand scheme and our role in that scheme.

We need to be praying that God will open the doors. We also need to pray we have the wisdom to see those opportunities and that we have the courage to pursue what God has placed before us to fulfill the grand scheme.

“One person with passion is better than forty people merely interested.”  E. M. Forster

Passion is one essential element for leadership. A leader with passion and little talent will always out perform a leader with talent and little passion.

However, our modern definition of passion leaves much to be desired in the true application of this thought. We often are limited to think about passion as enthusiasm or excitement.

The word originally comes from a Latin word that involves the idea of suffering. Mel Gibson’s attempt at creating the crucifixion of Jesus named the move The Passion of the Christ. His efforts were to show how much Jesus suffered.

Considering this idea, leaders must be those who have passion. They are willing to make the sacrifices necessary to lead. They suffer and their life is characterized by discipline.

Leaders need to have enthusiasm. They need to be driven to achieve their goals, but when leaders are passionate they are willing to suffer, making the sacrifices needed to do whatever it takes to achieve the goal.

Leadership will never be easy, but the results of passion will always change lives.