Everyone needs to get away once in a while. Southwest Airlines created humor to demonstrate the times people find themselves facing challenges and they want to get away.

There will always be challenging situations when leaders want to get away.

The question we need to consider in leadership is how should these situations be handled?

1) Get a good night’s sleep. Everything looks different with rest.
2) Take a look at the situation from another angle. Solutions are hard to find looking constantly through the same eyes.
3) Seek council with a trusted advisor. There will always be much wisdom in the council of many.
4) Identify all the possible solutions. Knowing all possibilities allows for better decisions.
5) Make a decision and move ahead with implementing it. If it is the wrong decision, then admit the mistake and change the direction.

We could get away. However, it does not generally resolve the situation, but it is an option.

Most situations can be resolved with a little patience and following a few simple steps. Remember others depend on our leadership.

It does not take long for marketing agencies to pick up on the latest and greatest gadget, device, toy, etc. I am constantly amazed at the infomercials for what appears to be the strangest products.

I am amused how the price remains the same, or at least some multiple of it. If not $19.95, then it can be purchased for three easy payments of $19.95.

Yet, there is more. If we buy in the next 15 minutes, they will throw in a second one free. All we have to do is pay the extra shipping and handling. Really?

So, what does this have to do with leadership? Good question.

Spiritual leadership is not about the latest, greatest thing. Leadership is not developed in searching for the latest technique, new idea, or greatest psychological approach. There is no easy, get rich quick scheme, approach to leadership.

God’s word provides an understanding of the field of work, purpose and motivation, the guidelines to follow, and the urgency.

It takes work. Let us all realize the great task before us and lead.

“The real leader has no need to lead – he is content to point the way.” Henry Miller

Often, the idea of leadership carries the idea of fulfilling the task of leading. Please do not misunderstand, there is great responsibility and work that goes into leadership.

Today, however, think about our purpose in leading.

Are we leading to gain an advantage or benefit for ourselves?

Is our leadership filled with the burden of seeing the workload instead of the goal?

When challenges arise, do we learn from them and improve in our leadership, or find ways to excuse the problem and blame someone else?

The real purpose of our leadership is about pointing the way. As spiritual leaders, we must recognize our part in a bigger plan to reach a goal where Jesus awaits.

Pointing others to Him benefits those who follow our leadership. There is no burden to great when pointing others to our Savior, and any challenge we face is a stepping stone in God’s perfecting work in our service.

Real leaders have no need to lead, just keep pointing the way.

…is a common phrase that obviously emphasizes a lack of progress. It is impossible for someone to go two steps forward, then three steps back and move ahead.

For leaders today, the idea of moving forward is vital to the development of the overall program in reaching the goal.

How do we prevent the idea of taking two steps forward and then three steps back?

1) Know with certainty the goal to be accomplished.
2) Understand the present location, available resources, and abilities of everyone involved.
3) Plan periodical times of evaluation.
4) Keep morale at a premium level.
5) Acknowledge every minor, as well as, major accomplishment.

A few steps planned and taken methodically will help keep the overall progress of the group from taking steps in the wrong direction.

There is nothing wrong with taking a step back, but let us make sure we are taking more steps forward than we are backwards.

Who is really leading? Do you know? Does everyone know?

While this question may sound strange, it really appeals to the importance of our consideration.

Too often we think the one who is up front is leading. Is it the one who makes the decisions? Maybe we think the one with the title is leading. Perhaps it is the one who claims to be in charge. Again, do we know who is leading? Does everyone know?

While it may be obvious, the one who exercises influence is leading. It may not be the one up front, or one making decisions, or one with a title, or someone who claims to be in charge.

The individual people turn to and ask questions when there is concern, this is the one who is leading.

If we do not know who is leading, then we need to look around and observe. As one has said before, if we think we are leading and no one is following, then we are simply taking a walk.

Are you leading? Does everyone know?

On a recent flight between Minneapolis and Chicago I experienced the worst turbulence I have seen in my time of flying. Reactions were plentiful as the pilot ordered flight attendants to return to their own seats (first time I have ever heard this).

As I thought about the experience, it was interesting to hear one gentleman calling on the name of Jesus over and over again. Whether in prayer, chanting, or meditation, he somehow felt a benefit existed in calling out to Jesus.

In a manner of speaking, all of us will face turbulent times among the lives of those we lead and influence. There will be rough times in life where people will face terminal health problems, financial struggles, death of loved ones, life altering decisions, and additional areas challenging the core of life.

The impact of turbulence in life ultimately begins to challenge our spiritual focus and faith in God. Leaders need to provide a confident assurance others can look and call out to when the journey is rough.

Our task is learning how to listen and responding appropriately.

Friendship is for a lifetime. Few people can be identified as true friends. We have acquaintances. We have co-workers. We may even have those who are associates. But, the idea of true friendship goes far beyond.

We have all heard quotes about friendship and we have people in our lives we consider friends.

How does friendship impact our leadership? Are there areas of friendship we can provide to help improve our leadership?

Friendship judges by investigating to know the heart and intent behind the action.

Friendship allows for mistakes and creates an atmosphere of expression with a mindset of helping overcome the challenges.

Friendship seeks to know and pursue truth in all things, even if it means risking feelings.

Friendship understands the ultimate goal is do what is right before God.

Spiritual leaders face many challenges. Leading and friendship will often create challenges in and of itself. However, if our focus is spiritual, then the friendships we establish will be built on principles of godliness.

“In matters of style, swim with the current. In matters of principle, stand like a rock.” T. Jefferson

No post is going to address the depth of difficulty spiritual leaders face daily. There will be personality conflicts, trivial matters, life changing decisions, and numerous other areas that weigh heavy on the hearts of those who lead.

For leadership, there will be times when flexibility needs to be demonstrated. However, there are other times when one must make a bold stand for what is right. Sadly, we often see the opposite, leaders who are flexible on principle and immovable on their opinions.

Jefferson provides a good “rule-of-thumb” to live by. In spiritual language perhaps we could say it this way. “In matters of opinion, go along. In matters of doctrine, stand strong.”

The idea is connected to nearly every sporting event and level. Teams with the best records begin a chess match of skill and execution to reach the final round of the playoffs. The two top teams then compete in pursuit of a championship.

Several qualities stand out with an organization in order to be crowned as a champion.

They must be a team. As many have said, no man is an island to himself. People must work together for a common purpose in order to win.

They must be dedicated. Dedication is a quality of commitment to the task or purpose. When the goal is clear, people are committed, and plans are executed properly, victory awaits.

There must be ability. The ability of people must be matched to the needed role. Combining role and ability encourages the morale of everyone involved.

There must be leadership. Teamwork, dedication and ability alone are not enough. People need someone to provide leadership.

We are in a spiritual playoff. We are a team, dedicated, and abounding in ability. The need is for spiritual leaders to step up and provide the missing link.

I am not sure the origin of this phrase. However, it is generally connected to gambling, when a gambler pushes all of their available assets in for the bet.

The approach runs great risk and is usually an effort to 1) bluff for survival, 2) cash out and go home, or 3) win big because of the confidence to win.

Spiritual leaders are not bluffing to survive. We are not trying to cash out and go home. We need to have the confidence to win, and win big.

This is the power of our relationship with God, as the writer of Hebrews teaches.

We know the anchor is secured through Christ.

The plan for success is outlined through the working of the Holy Spirit.

Our support system surrounds us past, present, and future.

We win! Consider then, what would we do if we knew we could not fail.

Leadership is not a part-time, halftime, when I’ve got time, or it’s a convenient time responsibility. The role of spiritual leadership challenges us to step up to a greater level. We must be “all in.”