News highlights recently seem to be focused on negotiations. Whether the NFL or political / union talks, the practice of negotiating is becoming more common.

Negotiating is an effort to reach an agreement or compromise by discussion with others. Most often, there is “give and take,” thus, compromise.

Spiritual leaders need to exercise caution when it comes to negotiating. Far too often the religious world negotiates God’s word in an attempt to appease a larger majority of people. Recently, in Colorado, several religious organizations have compromised God’s word in an attempt to promote “civil unions,” accepting and advocating homosexual marriages.

Attempts to negotiate the word of God are futile. Efforts to change God’s word will not change what is written in His word.

Spiritual leaders should not move themselves, or others, away from God and His word. Rather, leadership should be an effort toward God and His word.

Perhaps this explains Paul’s words to Timothy, “pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you,” 1 Tim. 4:16.

Last Friday was usual by most standards. Neal Pollard and I set out for a run on the Bear Creek Trail, as we do every other day. However, within a few minutes, Neal noticed an unusual object. As we approached, close enough for a full view, Neal noticed a skunk with its tail raised and ready for defense. As you might imagine, we gave the right away to our furry friend and chose a short detour.

This was not the first time we have encountered obstacles on the trail, but it had our attention. I began thinking how the path of leadership encounters many obstacles.

Obstacles become challenges that often redirect our course.

Obstacles come in all shapes and sizes. Some are more threatening than others. However, there is no doubt obstacles will come.

Neal and I took a short detour to get out of range (if you know what I mean), but we were quickly back on the trail and finished our run.

Obstacles in leadership may cause a short detour, but we must not allow them to prevent us from regaining our focus and reaching our goals.

Communication can be challenging. Primarily, the difficulty involves understanding. We tend to think, if we speak the same language, others understand what we are trying to say. Communicating is even more difficult if we believe others can or should read our minds. Let’s call it, reading between the lines.

Words are powerful. However, the true effectiveness of words involves understanding.

We know exactly what we mean with every word.
We understand the intent behind every word.

However, others do not know and understand, unless we communicate more effectively. Every leader must constantly work to improve communication.

The ability to communicate our vision and goals, or resolve conflict is necessary to the success of leadership.

A few basic communication tips may help.

1) Learn to listen. Never try to read between the lines or be thinking of what to say next.
2) Repeat back what was heard. This allows the individual speaking to know if they were understood correctly.
3) Ask questions. Asking questions helps clarify areas we may not have heard correctly.
4) Think before responding. Take a moment to consider a proper response to make certain we are understood.

He had me memorize scripture from the time I could speak. He had me read scripture to him each morning before school.

I have listened to him sing praises to His God. I have watched him read from the Bible and pray everyday. I have heard countless sermons he has preached throughout my life.

He is the best evangelist I know. He has led more souls to Christ than I can count. I learned a work ethic from him that has carried into my ministry today. I am constantly learning the lessons he taught and continues to teach.

I did not understand or appreciate his leadership growing up. I took for granted the hours of prayer on my behalf and the times he would ask “have you read your Bible today?”

However, there are no words to express how thankful I am for all he has done to mould me into who I am.

Today, he celebrates 76 years of life. Happy Birthday to a loyal, loving, faithful, and godly leader: my dad, Harold Turner. I have been blessed and I pray I can provide my children with the godly leadership I have seen in him.

The use of the word hand represents a significant concept throughout scripture. In the Old Testament we read of the contrast between Israel’s deliverance by the hand of the Lord and oppression by the hand of Israel’s enemies.

The idea of God’s hand is key in several books throughout the Old Testament.

God’s hand holds both consequence and reward. It creates fear and hope. The writer of the book of Hebrews expresses it is a “terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” The writer also expresses how Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God. The right hand of God is a place of prominence and power.

Peter reminds us to humble ourselves “under the mighty hand of God.”

What does this have to do with leadership?

The hand of leadership must not create fear, but provide hope.
The hand of leadership needs to lead with humility.

There is prominence and power by the hand with which we lead. We have an opportunity to make a difference with the use of our hand. Let us use our hands to serve our God and others.

Wisconsin politicians and unions, government shutdown, protests in Egypt, Libya, and potentially Saudi Arabia, NFL negotiations and talks of a lockout all raise numerous questions.

Wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, upheaval of nations, and the idea of climate change (a.k.a. “global warming”) all leave people wondering if we are living in the end times.

What on earth is happening?

Short of causing a minor coup with my own personal opinions, we have responsibilities as spiritual leaders.

Our responsibility can be summed up with two words. Think souls! We may never have the answers to the political, social, financial and religious turmoil facing the world today. However, we can fill a need born in the past, faced in present, and continuing into the future. Think souls!

Regardless of the nation: Regardless of the political leadership: Regardless of gender: We all have a soul and there should be a sense of urgency. Our family, neighbors, friends, and co-workers all struggle in life and have the same need. So, regardless of what on earth happens, think souls.

An upside means there is also a downside. The downside represents the negative. The upside is positive. No one likes to think about the downside. We like the upside.

In a recent trip to Oklahoma City, my flight home was delayed. Regardless of the amount of time, being delayed in getting home is never a positive event. The delay was certainly the downside. However, the upside is the plane arrived and we were able to finally reach home.

Why is it life and leadership cannot all be the upside? Is there a purpose to dealing with the negative struggles challenging life and leadership?

Spiritual leaders know the downside helps in developing an appreciation for the upside.
God’s perfecting power in our lives results from enduring the downside.
The downside is designed to equip us with an ability to help others who are suffering.

The difference is determined in the way leadership approaches these challenges. The downside is the fact challenges and problems are going to come. The upside is they are only temporary.

Lead with the hope of knowing there is an upside.

What is it about the other side of the fence? At some point we all have a tendency to admire and desire something we see on the other side of the fence. After all, the grass is always greener on the other side, right?

The other side might take the form of material objects, our job, living in a new location, or a relationship.

Consider a few ideas about the “greener” side.

1) If something appears to good to be true, it generally is.
2) Most often, the other side is not always what it first appears.
3) An inappropriate desire for the other side leads to sin.
4) Focusing on the other side distracts us from the present work.
5) Remember, someone else is looking with desire to our side of the fence.

Leadership has a responsibility to stay focused on the goal ahead. We must also help followers avoid being distracted by what appears to be greener grass on the other side of the fence.

Children can be challenging. Raising them properly requires patience. It can often be hard to understand young children trying to communicate.

Our grandchildren talk, but I generally need an interpreter, because I have no idea what they are saying. At times, I just nod or say, “is that right?” But I would not trade a minute for every word. At times I wonder if they understand all I try to say to them.

I know their parents are leading them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. I want my life to be an example as well. In order to do so, it will take patience. It could be these precious children need to be patient with their parents and grandparents. But we all know it is parents and grandparents who must be patient.

Leading is not easy, especially in areas of communication. We must be patient. Spiritual leadership requires patience.

We should know misunderstandings exist.
We should look to ourselves first when there is a problem.
We should remember most issues are resolved with better communication.
And we must realize it takes time. Be patient.

Power is often associated with leadership. The problem arises when leadership abuses power, or bases their power on an inward self-centeredness.

One of the key words in the New Testament is the word power. Paul’s use of this word is primarily focused on the gospel and Christ. Romans, Ephesians, and Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth all place an emphasis on this word.

It should be noted, this word is not always translated as “power.” In 1 Corinthians 3:11, Paul literally writes “no man has the power to lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus the Christ.” Another passage worth reading is Ephesians 3:20, “now to Him who has the power to make it happen…according to the power that works within us.”

Spiritual leadership must be built on the power of God.

When our leadership turns inward and self-centered, it will fail.

Leadership is about power, but the power comes from our God through His gracious gift, Jesus.

He is the power to save. He is the power to make it happen. He is the power to lead.