Bob Turner

Being Spent

Spiritual leaders need to consider the words of Paul, “I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls.”

Paul was willing to give of himself in every way for the benefit of others. Specifically, he desired their salvation.

In a self-serving and self-driven world, it is challenging to find those who have a greater desire to give than receive. However, as spiritual leaders, our focus must be on giving ourselves to others so that they might be saved.

I pray our spiritual leadership is of such nature that we look for ways to give of ourselves to help direct people to heaven.

Pursuing Excellence (part 2)

People often want to not only have the best, they want to be the best. We hear thoughts like, “Be the best you can be,” or “Do the best you can do.”

The challenge comes in how we define “best.”

Pursuing excellence is a different mindset, yet one worth pursuing.

The pursuit of excellence provides consistency to leadership.

Pursuing excellence acknowledges the present situation and need. It demands that we strive to learn and improve. And pursuing excellence strives to constantly make proper application.

We should give thought to the direction of our leadership.

Making a difference in our life and in others is an excellent pursuit.

Pursuing Excellence (part 1)

Everyone wants the best. We want the best technology. We want the best car. We want the best clothes and food. We want the best service. We want the BEST!

The problem comes in defining “the best.”

The bottom line? The definition is subjective. The best for one person may not be the best for another.

Additionally, what is the basis for the definition? Will the best be defined by work effort? Cost? Achievement? Time spent?

When considering leadership, one might think the pursuit of the best is the right direction. However, it depends on the definition and the foundation of the definition.

Instead, let’s try pursuing excellence.

Influential Reminders

Several years ago, I received a card from an elderly lady who lived in Washington State. I met her and her husband more than 25 years ago. I used to visit each week, as her husband’s health was failing.

After his death, we continued to visit and developed a wonderful friendship.

A few years later, her daughters moved her to Washington to be closer. Until her passing, I received several cards with notes, reminders of how much our friendship meant.

In leadership, it is noteworthy to maintain contact with those who have influenced our life.

It can be as simple as a card, a reminder of their impact.

Survey Says

Family Feud, a popular game show, hosts the famous line, “Survey Says…”

Contestants provide answers to questions nearest the most popular answers given by people who were surveyed.

When we consider our influence within our homes, what would the survey say is the priority of our life?

When we examine our character on the job, what would the survey say about our work ethic?

When we take into account our outreach to others, what would the survey say about the “type” of people we seek to influence?

There is value in surveying every area of life and measuring it by the example provided in Jesus.

Finish Well

There is something about the grand opening, the starting gun, the first day, or the kick off that strikes at the heart of people to get them on board.

Being short-sighted and seeking immediate satisfaction often prevents long range goals from reaching fruition.

Weariness, stress, slow movement, and discouragement set in and cause us to forget or lose sight of the original goals.

The idea of finishing well––or strong––is becoming more prevalent. We need leaders who know how to start and finish well.

Satan does not mind our starting if he knows he can prevent us from finishing.

Let us stay the course and finish well.

Opportunity

An opportunity involves circumstances presenting possibility, either to be gained or lost. We cannot take advantage of opportunities if we are unable to see the possibilities.

In part, leadership is about seeing the possibilities and taking advantage of the opportunities the moment they arise.

Few people would turn down the opportunity to double an investment in a short period of time. When the stakes are guaranteed we know the need to act quickly.

The same is true spiritually. Consider: 1) Do we really see the possibilities of reaching out to souls around us? 2) Do we take advantage of the opportunities God presents?

Enduring Trust

Enduring life’s challenges is an ability strengthened by victorious faith. Understand that others have also overcome. See the great cloud of witnesses, biblically, historically, and personally.

Trust that God will keep His promises. He will see you through every trial. The adage claims, “If He brings you to it, He will see you through it.” Run with endurance the race that is set before you.

No matter how great the obstacle, at its worst it is still temporary. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus who for the joy before Him endured the cross, despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God.

Fear-Less

All of us, at one point or another, face fear. While we would love to be fearless, to possess an attitude or mindset of having no fear, or the absence of fear, the challenge is daunting.

We need to consider, however, a possibility as it relates to leadership.

Reverse the order. Think about having less fear.

There is an element of doubt when thinking that a leader will have no fear or even eliminate fear. Life and leadership will always present times of fear. During those times we can demonstrate less fear, but what makes it possible to do so? Read Hebrews 11:1 – 12:4.

A Kind Word

In the harshness of our present world, the power behind a kind word strengths the nature of leadership.

Speaking with kindness benefits every level of a leader’s influence. When a word is spoken with kindness several results occur.

The desire to achieve kindness benefits others.
The value or worth of the individual is raised to a level of importance.
The fruit of the Spirit develops into a more Christlike quality.
The goal of unity among brethren is exemplified.
The example of Christ’s sacrifice is characterized by our sacrifice.
The outreach to a world of non-Christians is built upon a foundation of love.

Ultimately, God is glorified.