An obligation is an act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound; a duty or commitment.

While it is impossible to force someone to do anything, we tend to use our skills of persuasion whenever we can to motivate others into action.

When we consider leadership, we need to examine our obligation to Christ and others.

We have tasted the grace of God. We enjoy the gift of salvation. Just the thought carries a moral and spiritual obligation.

Considering our obligation highlights the need to commit ourselves to lead others to heaven.

There are no free lunches. The cost of living rises daily. We get it! However, this post is not about the cost of living increases felt around the world. 

Knowing the eternal significance of our leadership should move us to give serious consideration to a greater matter. 

What price are we willing to pay? What sacrifice are we willing to make? To what length are we willing to go? What obstacles are we willing to overcome to lead others?

The reward is worth the price required.

The question is simple: Are we willing to pay it? Think Souls!

“Lead is a verb, leader is a noun, and leadership is both.” Not sure who to credit with this thought, but it speaks volumes.

Leadership involves both the person and action.
Leadership speaks to both who we are and what we do.
Leadership requires an effort to develop both the individual and method.
Leadership drives home the necessity of personality and character.

We must keep in mind the development process of making great spiritual leaders. The constant dedication to the act of molding one’s ability to lead helps us become the leadership of God.

Most everyone experiences unexpected events that keep us from fulfilling our expectations.

Disappointment generally overshadows any joy we previously possessed. What can help us prepare for these times?

Expected the unexpected.We know the unexpected happens, so expect it.
Never go it alone.When these events occur, seek help from others.
Prepare a back up plan…always.The key is to prepare. Have a plan ready!
Trust in a positive result.When we put it, and leave it, in God’s hands, good will come.

It can be a hard lesson, but when learned, rarely are we surprised.

Consider three questions:

What motivates us to lead? Leaders experience discouraged and discontent. When this happens, a fire-lighter is needed, someone or something to motivate us.

How can we motivate followers? Leaders need a vision built on possibility thinking. Morale builds when impossibilities fade.

What keeps followers motivated? Establish short-term goals that strengthen morale and focus followers on achieving long-term goals.

Leaders need to develop plans that keep the fires lit. We must know how to keep ourselves and others motivated, both now and for the future.

Owning a smart phone presents several challenges, especially when it comes to scheduled updates, which occur frequently. We learn several thoughts:

The speed of change.Technology is changing at immeasurable speeds.
Public demands.Anytime a new tool is released, the public puts it to the tests.
Competition.Everyone must bring their “A game” to succeed.

Spiritual leadership is called to lead people with this influence. Our culture is constantly changing, problems put our leadership to the test, and Satan competes for the souls of humanity. The task before us is not easy.

Perhaps we need a leadership update. Stay tuned for more.

If you read this blog, chances are you have an interest in the critical need for leadership development in the home, world, and church.

We now have a website designed to help in each of these areas. We invite you to visit our website and consider the resources provided, including more than 70 lessons designed for congregations to provide training in leadership.

If we can help in any way, please let us know. The website address is http://www.leadership-project.com. Thank you for caring about the present and future of leadership.

Jon Acuff learned the following lesson from his father who had taken up cycling; “It’s easier to draft than it is to lead, but when you lead, you help somebody else go faster than they ever could have on their own.”

It might be easier to draft, coasting along without much struggle. However, it does not bring the change needed for the spiritual success of others or ourselves.

Leadership provides a foundation for the future success of everyone and it empowers others to achieve greater work without them.

Leadership makes it possible for those who cannot or will not step up and change the future.

Lead!

One word, but not just any word, especially when it comes to leadership.

What is the objective?
Is the objective clearly defined?
Has the objective been communicated to everyone on the team?

Leaders carry the responsibility to clearly define the role and responsibilities of each individual involved in achieving the objective. They must understand their role and responsibility in order to make decisions connected to the objective.

Without clear communication of responsibilities and expectations, suspicion is created. Motives are called into question. The result is distrust.

It may be one word, but the objective touches the whole of the work.