While the root of these two words is the same, they have a major difference. The first involves the feelings of the recipient and the second involves the intention of the contributor.

It is this second thought I want us to consider.

I realize it is possible to be intimidating and not be aware of it. This is not the intention or motivation. This person simply carries his or herself in such a way it exudes an intimidating presence.

If this is the case, we should learn to make necessary adjustments to overcome this persona.

However, it is not uncommon for leaders to feel they need to be intimidating to accomplish or achieve their goal or purpose.

This style of leadership will only create a temporary and false sense of accomplishment. In the end, people do not want to follow such leaders. If they do, it is only because they feel trapped, hopelessly lost with no purpose for the future.

People should not be intimidated by leaders and leaders should not be intimidating.

We are leading people to heaven. Therefore, we must give them hope! Think Souls.

Throughout the Bible we find an emphasis upon light, from the beginning (when it was created) to the illumination provided by Christ in the eternal dwelling of heaven.

God is said to be light and there is no darkness in Him. Jesus is called the Light of the world.

Israel was to be a light to the nations. Christians are to be a light to the world.

We are to walk in the light and let our light shine.

While there is more, think for a moment about the light of our leadership.

The role of spiritual leaders has a twofold purpose.

One, we are to lead those who are in darkness into the light of Christ. Here salvation is gained and hope is enjoyed.

Two, we are to help those who are children of light continue walking in the light. Here salvation is maintained and hope for the future is given.

If we can channel our focus in these two areas, our leadership will reach its greatest significance and others who follow will truly be eternally grateful.

Jill Briscoe’s book, Jonah and the Worm, is one for all ages. While it is a quick read, the message will not soon be forgotten, especially in connection to the lessons on leadership.

God’s purpose is not always understood at first. Little Worm (as he is referred to) did not understand why God was sending him to Nineveh until after he ate the vine. There will be times we do not understand God’s purpose until we have completed His will.

Whoever does God’s will is great in His eyes, even though they may be small. We often overlook the significance of Gods’ smallest creatures. Yet, God will use those who are obedient to His will. Leaders should never overlook the role of anyone regardless of their size or contribution.

It is not the length, but the power of the message that changes lives. Jonah’s message was only five words and it changed an entire city. Our leadership must learn the significance of this lesson when leading others. Think before speaking.

I recommend this book. We need to constantly learn how to improve our leadership. The lessons here will help.

“Never confuse pushing with leading. In other words; one will have more success pushing a rope than a church.” Paul Myers

Paul Myers is a very good friend who serves the Lord’s church in Salmon, Idaho. I have grown to love and appreciate his work in many ways. He shares a passion for leadership and I appreciate the thoughts he sends my way.

His quote was too good to pass up. The lesson is truly powerful and one we should learn in order to succeed in our role as spiritual leaders.

We often find ourselves struggling with moving a congregation in the direction the Lord desires. It may be the result of years of tradition, conflict, personalities, spiritual immaturity, or a hundred other ideas.

The challenge is to learn the difference between pushing and leading. People are resistant to being pushed. It tends to raise the hair on the back of the neck.

However, when we are patiently leading by gently pulling in the right direction, in time people feel more comfortable.

Be careful about frustration. Be patient and allow God to work to achieve his will.

As a grandparent I have grown to love Face Time. If you are unfamiliar with this technological advancement, it is simply a means of seeing people face to face electronically when you are talking to them. Perhaps you can see the benefit now.

The use of Face Time has some relevance and significance to leadership.

You must have a connection to use it. The internet connection is necessary to access Face Time. Are we connected to others who are following? Can we really see them and their needs?

The stronger the connection, the greater the ability to communicate. This one generally escapes leaders. The value of a strong connection to others enhances our ability to lead powerfully.

The connection is most effective when we can see others. I am not opposed to an electronic form of communication…obviously. I also understand the value of a phone call. However, I have experienced the best results when being able to see someone face to face.

There is something special about being able to lead face to face. Try a little Face Time and see if it makes a difference.

If we knew we only had one day to live, what would we do differently?

I realize the challenge of answering a hypothetical question, especially when considering the mindset of our culture. We tend to think we have years and years. The result causes us to procrastinate what is  important…and urgent.

For the sake of the next few seconds, how would we answer the question?

Would we spend all our time on Facebook, surfing the internet, watching movies, worrying about what we are going to wear?

Would we be consumed with the appearance of our house?

Would we put off talking to a neighbor, coworker, friend, or relative about Jesus?

I am sure a number of thought provoking and convicting questions could be asked.

We do not know how many days we have left. While we may not “believe” it, intellectually we know the imminence of death.

As spiritual leaders we must regularly ask what we would do if we only had one day. If we know the answer to the question, then I pray we will prioritize our lives to act accordingly.

I am constantly amazed how much I get accomplished when I have a checklist. When I take time to write down all I must do for the day, I not only get it done more quickly, but more efficiently, and I feel I have accomplished something at the end of the day.

Spiritual leaders need to form a checklist of far more than daily activities.

The list needs to involve the who and what for those who are led.

Who we are leading is crucial to understanding how we are going to lead.

What needs to be accomplished will address areas concerning the needs, abilities, opportunities, responsibilities, and dreams of others.

Considering the who and what leads to another crucial question, and that is why?

Why we lead helps us see more clearly the direction we need to take, and design a plan to help reach the destination.

There will always be more to examine. However, when we take a few simple ideas and ask ourselves the right questions, the checklist will lead to greater efficiency and accomplishment for the Lord.

Have you ever considered the power behind two simple words, for life?

What does it mean when we accept a responsibility for life? Do we understand the value and intent behind a commitment for life?

I recently had opportunity to perform a wedding ceremony for two friends. It is exciting to see all the work that goes into making 25-30 minutes the most special half hour in the lives of two people.

As the vows were exchanged, the thought of the words for life took on a new significance.

There will be challenging days ahead, but they will be faced together because of these two words.

Family problems will arise, both within and without, but they will be met when for life is understood.

Difficulties with health will occur, but they will be overcome when faced for life.

Leadership is the same. Assuming we understand our influence on someone each day, we are going to lead. It must be for life.

It is an opportunity, not a chore. It is a privilege, not drudgery.

We can make a difference when we know it is for life.

“Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy.” Norman Schwarzkopf

This thought stands on its own. There is no doubt when it comes to the necessity of character. As well, leadership must also involve strategy. However, over the last few years I have grown to appreciate Schwarzkopf’s statement.

We have examined several areas about character in the past and I do not think it can be overstated. Character is the very substance of leadership.

The determination of character is the head of character.
The development of character is the heart of character.
The demonstration of character is the hands of character.

Where there is character, there is leadership! We need strategy, but strategy takes a distant second place to the necessity of character as leaders.

I find it quite easy to be negative. Whether it is age, circumstances of life, witnessing various elements / changes within the church, or any number of areas, I have too often allowed myself to become cynical.

This is WRONG!

How can I, or anyone else, in leadership allow the external situations surrounding us influence our efforts in making a positive change? The answer is simply, we cannot! We must not!

When we consider how God has empowered us with the ability to choose, and that he has provided redemption and freedom from the consequences of sin, how can we not live in Biblical joy.

We not only have a reason to live, but a reason to have joy in this life as we anticipate the coming of an eternal one.

Considering the information we have been given, our efforts as leaders must be to make a positive change. The external circumstances will always exist and challenge the core of leadership. However, we must arise above it and lead to make a positive change, beginning with me / us!