“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” We are familiar with the words of this song, and December signifies its intent. We also know the words of our Lord, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Certainly, it is a time of year when our minds think about giving and receiving gifts.

What gift would be best suited for an individual on our list?

As we consider the nature of this time of year, in spiritual leadership there is a need for us 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 world, it is challenging to find those who desire more to give than receive. However, as spiritual leaders, our focus must be on giving of ourselves so others might be saved.

Our prayer as leaders should be focused on looking for ways to give of ourselves to help direct people to heaven.

Set the example.

The idea of setting an example for others is nothing new to the Leadership Fund. Nestled in the idea of this principle is an understanding of influence. We are going to influence people everyday. Some we influence for what is right and others for wrong. The difference is bound up in the example we set.

Setting an example is also associated with an understanding of consistency. Mahatma Ghandi is noted as saying, “We must become the change we want to see.” To think we can demand of others what we are unwilling to do is to fall into a Pharisaical approach to leadership.

Setting an example is also associated with an understanding of servanthood leadership. The only time Jesus claimed to give an example to be followed was wrapped up in being a servant. He told the apostles on several occasions that the greatest among them would be the servant of all.

If we desire to be the leaders God needs today, then we need to understand the significance identified with setting the example.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all? We have heard the fairy tale and perhaps joked of the absurdity of a mirror responding to our requests.

The idea of “reflection” can refer to the consideration of events surrounding one’s life, but it is mostly associated with the image seen in the mirror.

However, have we looked in the mirror lately? The idea of looking into a mirror dates back to Biblical times.

Mirrors reflect the image standing before it. The concept can be literal or symbolic, physical or spiritual. James writes about the need to look into the mirror of God’s word and see if His word is reflected in our lives.

Sadly, mirrors often become a tool of vanity. Mirrors, however, also provide a benefit to those who take advantage of their purpose.

Spiritual leaders need to desperately look into the mirror of their leadership. The image reflected helps determine the core of our existence and what we desire to accomplish.

Look intently. Examine beyond the surface. Make the changes needed. Lead with a purpose based upon our true reflection.

Reading through the prayers of the Bible provides incredible insight into the relationship between these individuals and God.

On more than one occasion Hezekiah expressed his petitions at the throne of the Almighty God.

The purpose of our post, however, is not his prayer, but a phrase used in connection to his approach. Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord, and 2 Kings 19:14 tells us that he “spread it out before the Lord.”

Facing the destruction of Jerusalem by the king of Assyria, Hezekiah knew he needed to take the situation before God. Not only did he bring it before the Lord, he spread it out before Him. Nothing concerning the threat of destruction was left unaddressed.

Even though God was aware of the situation, Hezekiah still spread it all out before the One in control of all things.

A great lesson in leadership exists here. When we face difficult circumstances, instead of trying to resolve the matter on our own – often to no avail – imagine the difference made by trusting in the One who has complete control. Spread it all out before Him.

“Humility is the only true wisdom by which we prepare our minds for all the possible changes of life.” George Arliss

Spiritual leadership understands the need for humility and there is much we could focus on regarding the affect of humility in leadership. However, the last part of this quote deserves attention.

Preparing our minds for all the possible changes in life is a significant thought to consider.

We are all aware how life is full of changes. Life is constantly changing.

If we knew one secret to prepare ourselves for those changes, would we seek it, take it, and apply it in our lives? Of course, we all would. This is why the value of this quote should be appreciated.

Humility is the one secret to make this preparation.

Developing humility is a lifelong endeavor to achieve.

Humility recognizes our need for God.

Humility works each day at putting the needs of others above our own needs.

When the changes of life come along, our humility will enable us to approach the change with the wisdom to deal with it appropriately.

Before we speak, write, or act, think first. Two words simple enough to say, yet so difficult to follow.

We live in a reactionary world. We tend to react to circumstances. Life is unfair, so we react. Someone speaks inappropriately and we react. Others take advantage of us and we react.

Leaders must learn how to act. The only way to learn this lesson is to “think first.”

Before we put a word out through social media, think first. How will others perceive what we write?

Before we speak regarding family, personal, or professional matters, think first. Once words are spoken we cannot take them back. We can apologize, wish we could take them, or try to explain, but the bottom line is it’s to late. Think first.

The same is true with our actions. Before we decide to act on any given situation, think first. Remember others are watching. How will they perceive our actions? Will others know the intention of our heart based on what they see?

It is only two words, but two powerful words that need application. Think first!

Make sound and timely decisions.

We have talked about being decisive in the past. The principle is timeless. However, there are two key elements to this principle we need to develop.

The first is the idea of “sound” decisions. The soundness of a decision is subjective based on the moral compass of the individual. From a spiritual leadership perspective, the soundness of one’s decisions will be based on a Biblical compass. The word of God provides spiritual leaders with the foundation upon which all decisions are made.

The second involves the word “timely.” We have all heard, and perhaps experienced, the idea of “timing is everything.” With much prayer, spiritual leaders will seek to make decisions in keeping with God’s timing. Our impatient, or even impetuous, approach to decisions can create more difficulty in our leadership. Learning to wait for God’s timing to develop will help us greatly in making decisions.

When we make decisions that are both sound and timely, our leadership develops greater credibility. We should also remember that the ability to make sound and timely decisions more consistently comes with the gaining of wisdom.

Some parts of the world are easier to find direction in than others. In Denver, the mountains are always in the west. Therefore, if the mountains are on the left, we are facing or traveling north. If they are on the right, then we know we are facing or heading south.

Other places, however, seem absolutely impossible to get a sense of direction. Without some sort of geographical marker, identifying north from south, or east from west is nearly impossible. It does not take long to recognize why it is so important to have direction.

Pilots fly by what is known as IFR (Instrument Flying Rules). IFR involves relying on a plane’s instruments instead of one’s own senses. Certain conditions can create a false sense of direction causing pilot error.

Leaders are involved in the task of providing direction for others. If we are to provide the right kind of direction, therefore preventing error, we must use the true God given instrument.

God’s word is the only instrument needed if we are to provide true spiritual direction.

Would we be surprised to learn that the majority of people who claim Christianity do not understand prayer? Too often, prayer is used like a spare tire; we pull it out of the trunk when something goes wrong and we need a little help until everything is patched up.

Prayer is also used as a “hail Mary pass.” The idea represents a last ditch effort when everything else we try fails.

Biblically, however, prayer is a key part of a relationship with God. We pray not because tragedy strikes, although we can pray in those times. Prayer is not a last ditch effort to see if God will do something since we could not do it on our own.

Prayer is a beautiful expression of a heart that beats in rhythm with God. Leaders understand the need to walk in relationship with God. Thus, leaders find themselves in constant communication with the One who wants to lead us all.

Consider men from the Bible like Enoch (Gen. 5), Noah (Gen. 6), Abraham (Gen. 12), the prophets, and apostles, who all led as examples of a life in harmony with God.

Today is one of my favorite days of the year, my wife’s birthday. For all of you who know her, you know the incredible woman she is and all she means to so many. As I think back over the years God has blessed us with, I fail miserably at expressing what she means to me and the image of her true character. Somehow, words are inadequate to describe my true love and friend.

Beyond her physical beauty, she possesses an inner beauty that exceeds all. Her selfless character continues to teach me every day what love means. Her love for me, her children and grandchildren, is unmatched. The servant’s heart that beats within her demonstrates the most Christlike spirit I see in the world today. If there are angels on this earth, I am pretty sure I live with one, and I am thankful she claims me.

I pray God helps me to emulate the example I see in her.

Happy birthday to the greatest woman I know!

I love you TTBOTM.