Next month is the time of year when we generally think about giving and receiving gifts.

We know it is more blessed to give than to receive, but we also enjoy the feeling of knowing someone else thought about us.

The idea of generosity is characterized by this thought: The greatest Giver (God), with the greatest motive (love), gave the greatest gift (His only Son), for the greatest need (our sin).

Leaders should exemplify generosity. We understand the value of generosity because of the example of our God.

Leadership is built on giving…

…our time
…our energy
…our money
…our emotions
…our ability

When leadership demonstrates generosity, others learn the value of the gift. However, our generosity must be checked.

Intention: What is the motive behind our gift?
Object: What is the object of our generosity? Work? Family? Church? Lord?
Planned dedication: Is there a planned purpose?
Action: Are we ready to start giving?
Self-examination: What are we losing by holding on to it?

What suits our giving? Do we give what is left over, easy, and convenient, or is our generosity suited by the best?

New dimensions of knowing God exist when considering three key words used in the original language of the Bible.

The first word involves a fact-based type of knowledge. The idea highlights knowing facts or information about God, who He is, what He did, etc.

The second word advances a level of understanding. Not only is there factual information, but this information carries an understanding of the meaning and application.

The third word shares the most significant meaning of the three. This word involves knowing by experience, sharing in the same events or activities in order to gain full comprehension.

Paul used this term regarding his relationship with God (Phil. 3:7-10). He wanted to know more than facts about God. He wanted more than an understanding of what those facts meant and how they applied. He wanted to know Christ on the basis of experience.

The privilege of knowing what Jesus went through, “the power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,” meant more than factual knowledge.

Here is where Paul would know God. Imagine a leadership based on this knowledge.

“Challenge yourself everyday to do better and be better. Remember, growth starts with a decision to move beyond your present circumstances.” Robert Tew

Leaders understand the necessity of growing, improving who they are and all they do. They understand that leading others assumes a responsibility that demands growth.

Tew’s thought serves to address two significant ideas. The first is the daily challenge to do better. While certain choices are made one time for all time, e.g. becoming a Christian; other choices require a daily commitment to achieve. For leaders to become better in who they are and what they do, deciding daily to improve goes far in achieving results.

The second idea emphasizes the decision itself. The reference is not about just any decision, but a decision to move beyond the present circumstances. This requires an ability to examine the present circumstances, conduct an honest evaluation, and take the step towards achieving the goal.

To remain neutral only supports stagnation and ultimately failure. Leaders know the dangers and seek to avoid such an outcome. The one true way to do so is the thought of the day.

Have we ever made plans we were excited about? Have we worked hard preparing for that very moment of the day? Do we eagerly anticipate those plans?

Did something unexpected happening, only to prevent us from fulfilling our expectations?

Disappointment generally overshadows any joy we previously possessed. A few simple suggestions will help us be prepared when these events occur.

Expected the unexpected. We need to know there will be times when the unexpected comes along. If we are not prepared, it can knock us off our feet.

Never go it alone. When events of a severe nature occur, seek help from those who have traveled the path before.

Prepare a back up plan for use…always. Great potential does not always leave us prepared with an alternative course of action. The key is “prepare.” Have a plan ready!

Trust in a positive result. We may not see the good in every situation, at least, not presently. When we put it, and leave it, in God’s hands, the desired intent will result.

It can be a hard lesson, but when it is learned, rarely will we be “surprised.”

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.