The older we get the more we tend to realize how temporary life is on earth. As a result, it becomes increasingly important to consider the idea of passing the torch.

No one likes to think about death. We do not want to dwell on the fact others must carry on without us. The intent is not to depress us, but the truth is, we will all keep this appointment.

Since life is temporary, we need to consider our replacement. We need to pass the torch, but to whom?

Paul referred to Timothy as his “true child in the faith.” Paul was passing the torch to him. Paul also knew the value of Timothy doing the same and instructed him to do so.

We understand the value of having our children carry on the family name or traditions.

There is also a necessity of preparing men to shepherd the Lord’s church, fill pulpits with sound doctrine, and train teachers to lay the foundation for the future of our children.

It is all about passing the torch. Who will replace us? To whom will we pass the torch?

Temperance involves a characteristic that avoids excesses, especially areas that detract or distract us from a godly life.

A few translations of the Bible use the word “temperance” in relationship to Christian virtues identified by Peter (2 Pet. 1:6). We also find this week’s word in a list of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).

What made the idea of temperance important to the Christian life, both in virtue and character of godly living?

Answers range from one person to the next, but the fact remains that Paul and Peter, writing by inspiration, identify the need for Christians to grow in temperance.

Consider how the definition of temperance factors into leadership. A lack of temperance indicates the potential of participating to excess in areas that destroy the godly influence leaders need.

Growing in temperance indicates a life of balance. Leaders with temperance understand limits, specifically limits established by God to protect us physically and spiritually.

The world is filled with opportunities for excess, and the outcome almost always detracts or distracts us from the goal. Let us start now to focus on growing in temperance.

Perhaps this question seems out of place, but present world cultures indicate a negative response and the result should move us to consider the ramifications.

Biblically, numerous passages address the necessity of knowing God.

Hosea presents a powerful indictment from God in Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” God’s people were guilty of rejecting a knowledge of God, His law, statutes, and commandments. The result brought rejection from God and every time this occurred they were punished.

Jesus specifically claimed that eternal life was based on knowing God and knowing the One sent by Him, Jn. 17:3. Peter reminds Christians of the necessity to “grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ,” 2 Pet. 3:18. One of the most significant references about knowing God was written by Paul to the church at Philippi, Phil. 3:7-11.

Spiritual leadership must be built on the foundation of knowing God. While this post, or an entire series of posts, cannot fully address every area related to the subject at hand, but we will examine a few key ideas to assist the process.

“Self respect, self worth and self love, all start with self. Stop looking outside of yourself for your value.” Rob Liano

The world today seems to find meaning, value, and purpose within the sphere of what we do (success, acts of kindness or generosity, etc.), what others think or say about us, and what we have (health, good family, material possessions, etc.).

Considering today’s thought, something is amiss when our value is based on those areas outside of self. The challenge is recognizing the balance with thinking too highly or too lowly of oneself. Biblically, we see a responsibility to maintain the proper perspective.

Our value comes from God because we are created in His image. We are His beloved. When we understand the truth of this statement, we will stop looking for our value from any other source.

Leadership requires an ability to find the right perspective on self-value, but also to help others gain the needed perspective to their self-value.

Fulfilling this role as leaders opens a door of opportunity to reach greater potential in our service to the Lord.

When we boil it all down, what really matters?

We can sure make life complicated, and most of us are guilty. We can quickly get caught up in some of the most trivial pursuits and lose focus of what really matters.

Please do not misunderstand. We know there is a place for work to provide for our families. We know we need time for rest and recreation. We also know there are family responsibilities.

This is not an attempt to pull us away from the major areas of our life. The purpose is to simply ask what really matters with respect to these major areas?

If we believe that spiritual and eternal matters are the priority, then why would we spend our lives focused on areas that seem so temporary in nature?

If we can agree on the priority of the spiritual matters, then our prayer must be to see how this priority then influences our work, rest, and family responsibilities.

Let us all lead with our priorities firmly established and influence the major areas of life in ways to make heaven that much sweeter.

Everything that is learned about leadership simply indicates there is more to learn. It is amazing to consider the amount of information readily accessible.

There is no end to the books, articles, blog posts (sorry), and classes available on the subject of leadership.

We frequently discuss the need for leaders to be incessant learners, but in the abyss of information about leadership, where should leaders turn?

Obviously, followers must be able to turn to leaders, but where will leaders find help to grow in their leadership.

First, turn to God. The best leadership book available is the Bible. The examples and instruction found provide great learning for the student of leadership.

Second, turn to other godly leaders. Most people know someone who has been a godly influence in their life in leading. Seek their help and learn at their feet.

Third, turn inward for reflection. Many answers can be found by reflecting on how God continues to work throughout the journey and bring us where we are as leaders.

These do not exhaust the possibilities, but they do provide a few steps in benefiting from each learning moment.

In the arena of communication, when writing a speech, sermon, article, or other medium, one of the critical keys is transitions.

Transitions are those sentences (written or spoken) that build the bridge between the various sections of our communication. These bridges make it easier for people to follow what we attempt to express.

More could be discussed regarding transitions, but we need to consider the connection with spiritual leadership.

Our role as leaders is about transitions. We build bridges in three areas.

One, we build a bridge in relationships. Unless we can establish and maintain quality relationships, our transition into spiritual matters will not exist.

Two, we build a bridge for future leaders. As long as we exist on this earth, there is a need for leadership. We must make this transition smooth.

Three, we build a bridge to eternity. Ultimately, the task before us is to help make the transition from the physical realm to the spiritual.

Are we building bridges with the right purpose and in the right direction? If not, now is the time to rethink the transitions of our leadership.

“Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances.” Thomas Jefferson

We live in a world that tends to react before thinking how to act appropriately. Social media sites fill spaces of information with the reactions of one person to the comments of another.

Sadly, most reaction is based on anger, a lack of adequate details, false information, misguided perspective, and multiple other emotions that tend to eliminate reason and good judgment.

Before we react, consider the difference made when we take a moment to think first and then act appropriately.

As Jefferson stated, the great advantage to be gained is always the path of remaining cool and unruffled under all circumstances.

In these moments, our minds possess a greater ability to think clearly and make decisions that affect how we act. We prevent heated arguments, snap decisions, incorrect accusations, wrong conclusions, and the regret of saying or doing something we cannot retract.

Of all people, leaders need to demonstrate this character as an example for others to follow. Such action will emulate our Savior.

In the Greek language, a first class conditional sentence literally translates the if as since. Even though the English often uses if, a first class conditional sentence structure demands greater certainty.

Transferring this idea into areas of leadership carries an interesting thought.

Imagine the structure of our leadership from the standpoint of certainty. No longer would we speak of if concerning the various activities we want to accomplish, but rather the certainty of saying since these conditions exist we know the outcome.

Since we influence a minimum of four people a day, let us study extensive levels of leadership and the opportunity to make a greater difference.

Since we strive to lead others to heaven, let us prepare ourselves with a deeper understanding of God’s word.

Since we also work to keep the saved, saved, let us exercise tolerance in matters of personal opinion and work together to achieve unity.

A number of areas could be considered, but the idea is the same. Let us lead with the certainty needed to make the future of the church stronger. Think Souls.