The hand represents a significant concept throughout scripture. In the Old Testament, we find a great contrast between deliverance by the hand of the Lord and oppression by the hand of Israel’s enemies. God’s hand held both reward and consequence.

God’s hand also instills hope, because Jesus now sits at the right hand of the majesty on high.

We are instructed to humble ourselves “under the mighty hand of God.”

For leaders, the significance of the hand stems from leading out of humility and providing hope.

We have an opportunity to make a difference with the use of our hand.

While the downside may be negative, the upside is positive.

Why is it that leadership cannot always be about the upside? Is there a purpose to dealing with the negative struggles challenging our 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 found in the way leadership deals with these challenges. The downside is the fact that challenges and problems will come. The upside is they are only temporary.

Lead with the hope of knowing there is an upside.

Danger may exist on the other side of the fence. Leaders need to consider…

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 may be looking with desire at our side of the fence.

Leadership has a responsibility to stay focused on the goal ahead. However, we must help prevent followers from the distractions that may exist on the other side of the fence.

Power is often associated with leadership. The problem arises when leadership abuses power, or their power is egocentrically based.

Spiritual leadership must be built on the power of God.

When our leadership becomes narcissistic, it will fail.

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

He is the power to save. He is the power that makes all things happen. He is the power to lead.

Paul wrote “no man has the power to lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus the Christ” (1 Co. 3:11).

Let us all pray God’s power will guide the direction of our leadership.

Prayer can be an overlooked subject. The application to how we draw closer to God, grow spiritually, or endure trials is often to pray more.

What is prayer? How should we pray? Why do we pray? Does prayer really influence God?

Think about how James teaches the necessity of prayer in leadership.

1) Elders are identified as righteous men who are to pray.
2) The working prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
3) Turning sinners from their error will save them.

Leading people to salvation must be at the heart of a righteous leaders’ prayer.

When it counts is where athletes learn how good they are…or not. The same is true in leadership.

There is a difference in learning and doing.

When tough decisions must be made, leaders are established.

How mistakes are handled defines a leader.

The response when receiving criticism determines leadership.

Here is where true leadership is discovered. Let us stand strong when our leadership is tested.
There are those who see what needs to happen, those who make it happen, and those who make it happen when it counts. Be a clutch leader.

While it may not sound like much, but a simple greeting, “good morning, Mr. and Mrs. ____________, how was your night’s rest?” can be a sweet sound.

Little things are like that, they make a big difference.

Remembering someone’s name and greeting them is important.

“I’m not good with names” is a common excuse. However, we remember what is important to us. If we want to make a difference, someone’s name is important. There is power in remembering something as simple as a name.

Carry a pad and write down the person’s name.

Repeat their name in the conversation.

Afterwards, make a note about them to associate with their name.

It’s the little things that make a difference.

Satan is diligent in his efforts to discourage us. Discouragement is one of his greatest tools. He knows if he can discourage us enough, we will quit.

Quitting is an easy way out, but is it really?

Will quitting help us reach the goal? Will it accomplish the will of God?

What happens to those who follow if leadership quits?

How do we deal with discouragement?

The antonym is encouragement. As interesting as it may sound, when we focus on encouraging others our own discouragement seems to disappear.

Also, remember to push: Pray Until Something Happens!

God certainly knows how to aid His leadership in overcoming discouragement.

Amidst the religious confusion that exists, is it too much to ask for direction?

Jesus said, “I am the way.” John the Baptist knew his purpose, and he fulfilled it. He pointed people to Jesus, the way. Why do more not point to Him?

Looking into the eyes of people around the world, including our own country, reveals the same need. But, we tend to see physical needs. We provide food, clothing, transportation, housing, or training to develop work skills.

No one is opposed to helping others with physical needs. Jesus provided an example. However, there is a great imbalance in our approach to the physical versus spiritual.

We need to show people the way to spiritual and eternal life. This is the task of spiritual leadership.

Following the crowd, the latest fad or trend, or jumping on the bandwagon, are familiar phrases.

Is this what our leadership is all about? Do we simply want to fit in with what appears to be the latest and greatest?

We need leaders who stand out. We need leadership who lift up the Light of the world. Such leadership stands out in a world of darkness.

Why is it so important to stand out when it seems easier to follow the crowd?

Following the majority can have severe and eternal consequences. Jesus teaches this principle in the Sermon on the Mount.

Our path is a matter of choice. The choice we make influences others. If it helps others get to heaven, then standing out in or from the crowd is worth it.