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.

“As a leader, you’re probably not doing a good job unless your employees can do a good impression of you when you’re not around.” Patrick Lencioni

I find this an interesting quote for several reasons, but I ask you to read it again before reading ahead.

The tendency in leadership is to think the job will not get done unless we are there to oversee it. Another common thought is found in the idea “if you want to get the job done right, you have to do it yourself.”

Is this true leadership? What happens when we are no longer around to get the job done right? What will the future hold?

As leaders, we need to make sure our leadership is being reproduced by the continuation of the work when we are no longer around.

A leader’s legacy should be the goal. I am not sure where I found this thought, but I love how it fits. Legacy comes when we put leaders in positions to do great things without us. Think about it.

The character of an individual is foundational to the success of leadership. We know this is true, but what is the fiber of that character?

Psalm 15:2 contributes three key elements: a way of life, work ethic, and manner of speech. Character is really defined by these three phrases.

We must walk with integrity. Our integrity is demonstrated through honest, moral uprightness seen through incorruptible ethical practices.

We must work righteousness. The idea stated by the Psalmist involves working what is right in the eyes of God.

Speak truth in your heart. If truth does not originate in the heart, it will not be seen in the consistency of word and speech.

When the whole of life and leadership is developed on the foundation of these three areas, our character is being defined as God would define it.

If we were to sum it up in a few simple words, it would follow the claim of Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner in The Leadership Challenge “the video needs to match the audio.”

Let us arise and lead with character.

When we boil it all down, what really matters?

We can sure make life complicated, and I am guilty as charged. I can quickly get caught up in some of the most trivial pursuits and lose focus of what really matters.

Please do not misunderstand. I know there is a place for work to provide for our families. I know we need time for rest and recreation. I also know there are family responsibilities.

I am not attempting to pull us away from the major areas of our life. I am simply asking what really matters with respect for these major areas?

If we believe that spiritual and eternal matters are to be the priority, then why would we spend our lives focused on areas that seem so temporary in nature?

If we can agree (and I believe we do) on the priority of the spiritual matters, then my prayer is we will see how this priority then influences our work, rest and family responsibilities.

Let us all lead with our priorities firmly established and influence the major areas of life in ways to make heaven that much sweeter.

Our world is filled with all kinds of shapes. Some shapes are round, some are square. Shapes can take the form of an octagon or triangle. There are shapes that are long and short, deep and wide.

We could safely say there is just about a shape for anything and everything that might exist.

What shape does our leadership take? We will not be able to provide an exhaustive list. However, it could take the shape of…

…dictatorship, where the leadership is conducted by force of arms and no work is done except by force.

…representation, where the leadership speaks as representing others, the basis of democracy.

…the status quo, where the leadership does little or nothing to get out of the comfort zone.

…paternalism, where the leadership is more fatherly and groups tend to worship the leader.

…sacrifice, where the leadership seeks the greatest good for all.

Each of these areas could play a part in what shapes us as a leader. However, if our leadership is shaped by sacrifice, the spiritual health and wellbeing of others improves.

Leadership then shapes eternity.

Where is your place? Do you have a place?

Everyone has a place where they find refuge, comfort, and perhaps experience peace.

We need a place where we belong, a place where thoughts of home come to mind.

Does leadership have a place? When we evaluate all the people and activities that fill the places in our lives, where does leadership fit, or does it?

We all should understand the place of leadership in our lives and the influence we have in the lives of others.

Considering our influence, there are questions we need to ask regarding spiritual leadership.

Should immoral activities have a place in our life?
Do we allow inappropriate language to have a place?
Will we welcome questionable conduct into its own place?
Is there a place for hypocrisy in our lives?

The list could go on, but I think you understand the point. There is no place for worldly behavior in the life of God’s spiritual leaders. Every word and action of life influences others, one way or another. We need to exemplify the place of spiritual leadership.

Think Souls!