It’s not about changing them, it’s about changing us.

Give this principle thought. The general mindset of leadership is about changing others. After all, spiritually speaking, we are leading, right? The purpose of our leadership is changing others, right? Are we not supposed to be changing others?

However, before we can change others we must first change ourselves. It is far too easy to ask others to do what we are either not willing to do or have not done yet.

The power of change begins with us. When we make changes in our own lives first, then we are setting an example for others to see why they should change also.

When leadership provides the example of change, then consistency is the model. Perhaps this is why God requires repentance of all.

A change of mind motivates the change of will which, in turn, changes the direction of our action.

As leaders in our homes, communities, and the church, let us first work on changing ourselves and then seek opportunity to help others change.

“Humility is the only true wisdom by which we prepare our minds for all the possible changes of life.” — George Arliss

Spiritual leadership understands the need for humility and there is much we could focus on regarding the affect of humility in leadership. However, the last part of this quote drew my attention.

Preparing our minds for all the possible changes in life is a significant thought to consider.

We are all aware how life is full of changes. Life is constantly changing.

If you and I knew the one secret to prepare ourselves for those changes, would we seek it, take it, and apply it in our lives? I know we all would. This is why I appreciate the value of this quote.

Humility is the one secret to make this preparation. We should remember, developing humility is a lifelong endeavor.

Humility grows to recognize our full need for God.

Humility works each day at putting the needs of others above our own needs.

When the changes of life come along, our humility will enable us to approach the change with the wisdom to deal with it appropriately.

How would we define a normal life? At every level the idea is extremely subjective. Normal in one culture will certainly be different in another culture. As well, normal in the mind of a child will not be normal in the mind of an adult.

Regardless of how we might think about a normal life, there is nothing normal about spiritual leadership.

It is a fairly common idea that the higher one goes in leadership the less they have the right to think about themselves, quite contrary to the mindset of the world. The result shows spiritual leaders…

…are concerned about the nature of their influence inside and outside the church.

…live consistently with what they believe.

…know the mission of God involves saving others, helping people get to heaven.

…work for a cause far greater than themselves.

…share the planning and development of the goals for spiritual maturity.

…produce results that glorify God and fulfill His will.

Look at how the first word of each thought develops a spiritual leader. Spiritual leaders are those who live consistently, knowing the work they share in produces God’s desired will.

David’s leadership exemplifies a number of great qualities. I appreciate how God recorded both the good in David and his character flaws. David will forever be remembered for his indiscretion with Bathsheba, adultery coupled with murder.

I do not want to make light of, nor ignore what is recorded about David. We should also remember he was a man after God’s own heart.

We could spend weeks with various articles, but I want to examine one area of David’s leadership: his respect for God’s will.

Even though David could have taken Saul’s life, and perhaps rightfully so, he respected God’s appointment of Saul as king of Israel.

Even though David was paying for the consequences of his sin, he understood and respected God’s answer in loss of his son.

Even though David was prepared to build a temple to honor God, he respected God’s decision for the temple to be built by Solomon.

David was a man of powerful faith and one of the Bible’s great leaders. One of the reasons his leadership was great is because he respected God’s will in every area of his life.

Being transparent involves seeing through something. The application of being transparent can be challenging when we are in leadership positions.

When we believe the discussions are always directed toward someone else, and never see the application to ourselves, we are not very transparent.

When we hide various areas of a personal nature, when it affects the whole group, we are not being transparent.

When we are working to accomplish our own agenda, regardless of the direction of other leaders, because we have an agenda we think is better, then we are not transparent.

Being transparent means we are willing to take instruction and make application to ourselves with no emphasis upon others.

Being transparent instills confidence in others that our efforts, personally and professionally, are always for the good of the entire group.

Being transparent involves an openness in our communication, laying everything on the table to be discussed, good and bad.

We need more transparency in leadership. This is exactly what we find in the example of Jesus, and it is exactly how we should approach our leadership in the church. Think Souls.

Train as a team!

Understanding the idea of teamwork and training as a team is obviously significant to the overall success of the group. However, there are some “do’s and don’ts” to consider in training as a team.

Training and working as a team does not place everyone in an equal position. There are specific roles each member has in order for the unit to function properly. Problems will arise when anyone in a leadership position begins to navigate on their own and no longer follows the proper organizational structure of authority and communication.

Training and working as a team does place everyone on the same page. When a unit works as a team, the goals are communicated and understood. Every individual contributes through their specific tasks to reach the goals. Also, each person is diligent to fulfill their responsibilities without casting blame on someone else for not carrying their weight.

Training as a team has great advantages for the development of any organization. This is especially true within the area of spiritual leadership. When we work together, each fulfilling our necessary roles, the group grows and succeeds.

“Watch me.” Malachi Ramseur

This quote comes from my, almost four year old, grandson. He is one of five and soon to be six grandchildren. I am constantly amazed at the lessons they teach me.

Recently, Malachi was visiting and he loves the bowling video game. On this occasion he was bowling and I was doing a little work on the computer. He kept turning around to make sure I was watching. I think he has eyes in the back of his head, because every time I would look down to type, he would say watch me. Like all children, he wanted praise and reassurance of doing a good job.

During several games I became aware of an interesting leadership connection. People want and need praise and reassurance they are doing a good job.

As leaders, our work is about moving people from point A to point B and the process in between is to praise and reassure them of the good job they are doing.

There is a question to consider. What if they are not doing a good job? My grandson has the answer; “help me.”

How is your leadership today?

What is it and how does it work? We understand a compass refers to an instrument pointing direction. We would also understand morals as applied to right or wrong behavior.

Therefore, a moral compass would connect to a standard that points direction for one’s behavior or conduct, good or bad. The standard of one’s moral compass determines the outcome.

Knowing the influence we have as spiritual leaders, lights shining in a dark and sinful world, it is necessary to consider our conduct in connection to our moral compass. The standard for our moral compass must be calibrated by God’s word.

Our conduct then becomes an example of the standard established and set by God.

The challenge is found in the battle front of the fight; television, movies, marketing ads, and the world (as we would know it) everywhere we turn.

Another challenge involves preventing our personal opinions from becoming the standard we bind on others as a moral compass. If God’s word provides the basis for our moral compass, then personal opinions have no place.

It is challenging, no doubt, but the result will make a difference.

The leadership of Joseph provides great spiritual lessons from Scripture.

Joseph endured adverse circumstances. He was rejected by his brothers, sold into slavery, tempted, falsely accused, wrongly thrown into prison, and forgotten.

HOWEVER, the entire account teaches us wonderful lessons about spiritual leadership.

No matter what happens, God is always with us. Throughout the account of Joseph we find a key phrase; “and God was with him.” With each event in Joseph’s life we are reminded of this truth.

Remember God is always working toward a greater purpose. Joseph trusted that God was working for good, even in what appeared to be evil. God saw the ultimate saving of Israel, not just the well-being of Joseph.

Faithfulness will exult an individual and a nation. Joseph was eventually elevated to power over all of Egypt. This act led to the saving and development of God’s people.

These are powerful lessons in application for leaders today. If we can learn God is with us, He works in our lives for a greater purpose, and faithfulness will result in exultation, then our leadership is rooted in the right foundation.

The approach of many in leadership is far too often one of monarchy. It is fairly common for leaders to fall prey to a position of authority or power. Several thoughts are descriptive of this style of leadership.

The leader is above the law. They see themselves as making decisions, creating the law, not following it.

The leader relies on force, either through emotional manipulation or physical motivation.

The leader believes they are indispensable. They are the only one who “knows” and can do the job right.

However, spiritual leadership thrives on participation. Spiritual leaders rely on the group overall and working with the group to achieve the goal(s).

Decisions and policies are made by and for the group.
Motivation is based on shared purpose and adequate communication.
Shared representation is built on “we” not “I.”

Participation in the role of leadership will involve patience, allowance of independence, an assumption of responsibility, and the need of cooperation.

We are striving to reach a common goal and need each other if we are going to make a difference. Think Souls.