The idea of boundaries is welcoming to some and frightening to others. A boundary is a line marking the limits of an area or activity.

On one hand, limitations can inhibit the creativity of those who need to develop their abilities and opportunities to explore beyond the norm.

On the other hand, limitations provide safety and security in ways that prevent drifting into areas that present risk, danger, and defeat.

Leaders need to know how to use boundaries properly. Followers need opportunity to spread the wings of creativity and explore beyond the status quo. At the same time, there must be strategic lines that minimize the risk of loss.

The beauty of our relationship with God is the fact He provides both. Regarding the message that guides us to the eternal home, boundaries are given to protect and provide safety.

He also allows us creativity in the ways by which we go with the message. The methods from one location or  person to another will vary and we need to explore ways to go beyond the norm without altering the limits of the powerful message that delivers.

Making our way up the mountain takes another challenging step: “blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

A number of thoughts are key to this step. The thought is expressed from a past tense perspective. Jesus talks about those who have been persecuted. This is an enduring step exemplified by the fact a leader has come through the fires of the trial successfully and remained true to their purpose.

Additionally, an interesting thought is connected to understanding the purpose for which one is persecuted: the sake of righteousness.

If we remember the idea expressed a few weeks back about those who “hunger and thirst for righteousness,” this idea presents an interesting thought.

Those who have been persecuted for the sake of justice, i.e. the desire to care enough to stand up against the injustices of the world is a powerful thought in a culture that seeks its own selfish desires.

May we as leaders represent those who continue to endure hardship for the sake of what is right and just in the sight of God.

“Be of service. Whether you make yourself available to a friend or co-worker, or you make time every month to do volunteer work, there is nothing that harvests more of a feeling of empowerment than being of service to someone in need.” Gillian Anderson

An awareness of servant leadership is more prevalent now than in years past. Articles, books, blog posts and more address the empowerment of such leadership.

Among the numerous qualities of servant leadership, a few qualities are worth noting because they make a difference for all leaders.

1) Empathy: the ability to understand and sympathize with others produces active listeners and exemplifies the heart of leadership.

2) Build community: true spiritual development begins and ends in community, a community God designed in the church.

3) Commitment to people: few areas demonstrate quality leadership more than a commitment to assist in the betterment of others.

4) Stewards: good stewardship involves more than money; it includes a stewardship of time and ability, as well as, resources.

Leaders who serve, follow the example of Christ and set an example that changes the world.

People believe in some pretty bizarre things. Do we believe “Bigfoot” exists? Do we believe Elvis is still alive in hiding somewhere? Do we believe in UFO’s and aliens from other planets? Do we believe in the theory of evolution?

This post, or any other, is not designed to discuss these matters. However, it causes me to wonder what we do believe and why we believe it.

Amazingly, and getting straight to the point, when we believe something, we talk about it to others. We express why our belief is strong. When we do not believe something there seems to be no purpose.

While quoting from the Old Testament, Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, “I believe therefore I speak.”

We have opportunity to influence many people everyday. It is fundamental to leadership. Are we talking about what we believe? Do we speak because of the overwhelming nature of what we believe and why we believe it?

The power of communication allows us an avenue to share a belief system based on the evidence of truth. Make it count!

Several years back I was introduced to the weather rock. Somehow, I believe it was connected to the hillbilly forecaster mentality. It worked quite simply.

If the rock is wet, it is raining.

If the rock is white, it is snowing.

If the rock casts a shadow, it is sunny.

You get the point.

While the idea was useless in the realm of forecasting the future, it was great for the obvious.

It reminded me of how Jesus pointed out to the Pharisees and Sadducees how they were able to state the obvious regarding the signs of the weather, but were blind to the signs from heaven.

Well, our leadership needs to be about both. We need an eye for the obvious. We need to be tuned in to the environment and present circumstances all around us.

However, we also need a vision for the future. We need to see where we are going and what it will take to get there.

No creatively crafty approach will produce the kind of spiritual leaders God needs today. We need leaders who know the way and can point people to it!

Technically, a compass is an instrument containing a magnetized pointer that shows the direction of magnetic north and bearings from it.

A number of ideas are associated with a compass: a moral compass, intellectual compass, spiritual compass, and the list goes on.

Consider a leadership compass that provides direction for others. We need to recognize there are elements of the moral, intellectual, and spiritual compass that factor into our leadership.

Before compromising our activities or integrity, we need to engage our moral compass.

Before we go on a hunt to attack someone else, we need to engage our intellectual compass.

Before we condemn the decisions of others, we need to engage our spiritual compass.

Before we post, speak, take action, think the worst, or hit send, let us consider the influence of our decisions: both in word and deed.

Attacking someone else’s character only damages our own, and sadly we are often unaware of it.

Speaking against others does not build our own esteem, but demeans it.

Showing the direction to heaven – pointing to Christ – is never accomplished by destroying others, but rather approaching others in biblical love.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.” Climbing this mountain is not easy, but the benefits involved with each step far outweigh the challenges.

Two major views are considered with today’s step: Physical: a peacemaker is one who resolves conflict between two parties, uniting one’s relationship with another, and Spiritual: a peacemaker is one who shares the message of Christ / peace, uniting one’s relationship with God.

Regardless of the view we take on this step, leaders have a responsibility in both areas to fulfill a uniting purpose. Achieving this step involves three significant thoughts.

1) Recognizing the physical and spiritual needs of others.

2) Desire to place the needs of others above our own (definition of biblical love).

3) Courage to get involved at the risk of our own pain or sacrifice.

Additional areas could be added such as the need for trust, commitment, and care. When we are trustworthy, committed to the cause, and care about the souls of others, we will change the world.

Let us lead as sons who desire to do the work of our Father.

“As leaders, the ability to make the right decision during a stressful situation is made easier by having the right character because all the unethical choices are automatically removed.” Rob Turner

Leaders can count on the fact that stressful situations will come. The obvious concern is wrapped up in how we deal with those situations and the results that follow.

We also know the validity of how our character influences our decisions. Therefore, we must strive to maintain the kind of character that moves us to make the right decisions.

The beauty, however, of today’s thought is described in the last phrase “because all the unethical choices are automatically removed.”

Think about the depth of this thought. When leaders possess and maintain the right character, when stress occurs, the choices are much clearer because any choice that borders on unethical intent is not an option.

The natural design of leadership development needs to begin with character formation if we hope to eliminate future unethical choices. This is true at all levels of leadership growth and maturation.

Will the idea of a leadership crisis characterize our generation? At every level and venue, leaders are in high demand. From the political to the spiritual arena, we need leaders.

In time of crisis what should we do? There are several possibilities.

1) Do nothing.
2) Deny there is a crisis and continue on the same course as though no crisis exists.
3) Ignore the crisis hoping it will take care of itself.
4) Procrastinate the need to address the crisis and allow the wrong leadership to take control.
5) Address the crisis with a plan of action to change the direction of the future.

The obvious solution is to address the crisis with a plan of action. Developing a plan of action will require us to account for the following:

1) Acknowledge the problem(s).
2) Examine the severity of the situation.
3) Remove the element(s) poisoning the organization.
4) Develop a support system for current leadership.
5) Begin an immediate course of preparing leaders for the future.

We can change the future, but we must act and we need to act now!

Nehemiah is one of the great leaders in the Old Testament. Several qualities rise to the surface about Nehemiah and his ability to lead. He was a man of prayer, passionate for God and his people, courageous in the face of opposition, and the list goes on.

One area that surfaces concerning Nehemiah’s character is found in being discouraged, but not distracted. From needing to rebuild the wall, threats from external enemies and ridicule, to plots of ambush, it would be easy to get discouraged. Nehemiah, however, was not distracted. The task before him was great, his faith was strong, and he would allow nothing to keep him from finishing the course.

Leadership brings many challenges, some greater than others. In times when it is overwhelming, it is easy to get discouraged.

Satan wants spiritual leaders to be discouraged. He knows if he can create enough discouragement, the chances are greater of quitting. This is his goal.

We need to be determined, strong in faith, prayerful, passionate about our God and His people, courageous, and unfailing to finish the course.

Do not give the devil opportunity!