Throughout the year we are all involved in traveling to different places at various times. A common thought is often expressed in the joy of seeing friends and sharing in the sweet fellowship of Christians.

True and genuine friendship is rare and should be treasured. There is never a bad time for a friend. They always seem to know the right time to show up and the right things to say, or not say.

Leaders will often experience times when there is the need for a good friend, someone who is able to fill the gap, sharing the mountain tops and valleys.

A good friend is someone who knows when to listen without condemning or being critical. They are respectful even though they may disagree. Friends understand the situation and show up to be supportive no matter the cost.

If we understand the need to have friends during these times, how much more so do leaders need to provide this kind of friendship for others?

We are in the relationship business and the closer we develop those relationships the stronger our leadership becomes.

Corporately speaking, leadership can be a lonely place. The same idea often has the same relevance in the spiritual realm, except we are not alone.

The great truth about spiritual leadership is that no matter who walks away, we always have God. Paul reminds us that no one can bring a charge against God’s elect, no one can condemn or separate us from the love of Christ. We are not in this alone!

These truths make it possible to lead with confidence, grow stronger in faith, overcome the obstacles encountered, and instill hope through a vision of eternal greatness.

Each of these components make a significant difference concerning our leadership of God’s people.

People look to eliminate doubt, so lead with confidence.
People want a stronger faith, so help them grow.
People face challenges, so guide them to overcome.
People desire something better, so give them hope.

When we understand that we are not alone as leaders, perhaps we will learn how to meet the needs of others who also need to know they are not alone.

Vigilance involves a much needed effort to be watchful, specifically a careful watch regarding areas presenting danger or difficulty.

Few areas rival the need for leaders to be vigilant concerning their responsibilities, but this need extends to the leadership of others.

Leadership vigilance is about a careful watch…

…to the spiritual growth and development of each Christian entrusted to their care.
…to the physical concerns inside and outside of the church.
…to the influence of the church within the community where they live.
…to the missional outreach of the gospel to the lost of the world.

The list could address more but the direction is obvious. This watchfulness is critical to changing how others recognize our leadership.

The responsibility is great and when leaders are vigilant to the task before them they can take advantage of opportunities that are beautifully choreographed God.

The results establish four important building blocks: 1) it glorifies God, 2) edifies other Christians, 3) exemplifies a Christlike character, and 4) strengthens our faith.

A few steps and the practice of vigilance impacts the whole of our leadership.

We are all involved in sending messages by our words and actions. The question becomes: are we sending the right message? The key word here is “right.”

Leadership is about insuring the right message is received, but how can we be sure?

Use the right source for the message. When the world seeks for any message outside of what is related to God’s word, the right source for the message is beyond reach.

Build character on the foundation of that source. One of the most important areas, if not the most important, regarding our influence is character. It walks away from the grave after all else is gone.

Practice living according to that foundation. Everyone is watching and measuring our conduct of life by the profession of our faith. Make sure they align well.

Gauge each word by thinking of its impact in relation to the source. Learn to think before speaking and consider how our words can make a difference to those who hear them.

God’s word is the source and always the right message. God needs leaders willing to take that message and send it forth.

“Never be afraid to act. You never know how far away you are from your goal — sometimes just reaching out and putting in a little bit of effort can be enough. And, even if it’s not — you tried, and that’s far better than just sitting and waiting for a chance to present itself. If you want to achieve something you have to act, you have to take risks and you have to believe in yourself.” Author Unknown

Several other thoughts were pushed aside after reading this one. The last sentence is powerful and necessary for reaching the lost in the cause of Jesus.

Act: The Bible is filled with passages that emphasizes “doing” or “acting.” We cannot simply be hearers, but doers.

Take risks: If we are unwilling to take the risk and get outside our comfort zone, we may never develop the courage needed to change someone’s life eternally.

Believe in yourself: In a way, this is the hardest. We struggle with our own esteem and it hinders us from acting and taking risks.

God’s power must not be limited by our lack of confidence.

If history serves correct, one of the famous lines used during the establishment of this country in breaking way from British rule was “taxation without representation.”

We understand the importance of having proper representation. This is true in the realm of law (taxation) and the same is true in standing before our God.

We do not want to stand before God alone. We need proper representation, and that representative is Jesus. For this, we give thanks.

Leaders are also representatives. Followers need those they can turn to who will help them, guide them, protect them, advocate for them, and provide the representation that insures the right decisions are made.

The opportunity to represent others indicates the activity of speaking on behalf of someone else, literally a wider group of others. The application to leadership is rather fitting.

Thinking about the representation we have in Christ, we must also consider what kind of representative followers desire to have in our leadership.

Modeling the characteristics found in Christ is a great starting point for fulfilling  our responsibility in leading others.

The further one goes in leadership and the stronger the influence, an escalation of possibilities occurs where everything seems to mirror a nuclear explosion.

There are times when the events that escalate around us are distractions or hindrances to the development of our leadership.

Is it possible, however, that God is opening doors of opportunity for us to grow and develop our leadership ability?

How we set up for these times makes the difference in our perception of God and our leadership.

Are we living as though we fully understand the unlimited nature of God’s power?

Do we believe God is able to do far more abundantly beyond all we ask or think?

Will we use the power that works with in us to fulfill God’s plans for our lives and His kingdom?

Can we get excited about and plan for the ways God will bless us if we will let Him?

We have tried to do things on our own for too long. It is time to trust in God’s power and prepare ourselves to do the work God has prepared us to do.

The idea of being deliberate has powerful implications. Words such as calculated, planned, studied, and purposeful are associated with this week’s word.

There is, however, another word associated with deliberate that stands out and has significant connections to leadership: intentional.

When leadership is intentional, the following results occur: decisions are well though out before implementation, the possibility of making mistakes is reduced, confidence is displayed, and steps are taken to insure others are walking on the right path.

With so many venues vying for everyone’s attention, leaders do well to be deliberate in approaching their relationship with God and how that impacts their relationship with His people.

Being deliberate – intentional does not guarantee the right decision will be made every time, but such an approach builds on the foundation of solid reasons for the decision. If it is discovered that the wrong decision was made, leaders will deliberately assess the situation, identify the problem, and step forward with a solution.

The need for both secular and spiritual leaders to be deliberate – intentional in their leadership is obvious. The longer intentionality is discarded, the longer leadership flounders.

Entering the summer continues to demonstrate the changes of seasons. There are places on earth where the changes are minimal and others that experience changes more drastic in nature.

In addition to the changes from one season to the next, people living in various parts of the world have preferences to the time of year they enjoy most. People who grow up in a very cold climate tend to enjoy  a more consistently warm climate, while others who grow up in a warm, and often humid, climate prefer a little cooler place.

Changes in the season indicate the value and beauty of variety and the lesson for leadership is important.

Everyone has a preference connected to the style of leadership they want to follow. There is, however, value to recognizing the benefits of a variety. A variety in leadership style can…

Provide different perspectives.
Eliminate limitations for growth.
Encourage the creativity of followers.
Increase the opportunity for leadership development.

The message in our leadership does not change, but the style / method by which we approach that message may need a change of season.

“Failure means you’ve stopped. So don’t stop. Keep at it. The more you move in the right direction towards success, the better you’ll feel. Every day work on making new positive habits second nature — make them automatic.” Dr. Richard Bandler

We have all heard or experienced the difficulties of stopping at something. For example, when we stop exercising, the muscles begin to atrophy. After a few days, weeks, months, or years (depending on the time between when we stop and begin again) we are left struggling with a level of soreness and loss of cardio conditioning.

Imagine the difference in making a few adjustments to prevent the desire to stop.

Imagine developing habits that become automatic in the process of leading others.

A recent article about ultra-distance runner Scott Jurek discussed ways to stay motivated and prevent the failure of stopping. One of his suggestions was to “dedicate your goal.”

When we dedicate our life to the Lord and pursue the goal with diligence, we remember the purpose for which we are seeking success.

Nothing is more worthy of our time and effort. Don’t stop!