“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.” Nido Qubein

On occasions a nugget comes through and it is exciting to read and share with others, especially in leadership matters.

This quote has much depth to the idea stated by Qubein.

The tendency most of us share is to allow present circumstances to determine what results in limited possibilities.

However, when we see our present circumstances as merely the starting point, the possibilities can become unlimited.

There is something to the idea surrounding the “will to want to” when achieving the plans which have been established. When we want something bad enough, the possibilities are unlimited from where we start to what we can accomplish.

We must not allow our present circumstances to shape our thinking, direct our steps, or hinder our growth and development.

These circumstances will provide a launching / starting point for moving forward in achieving the desired goals.

One of the common themes throughout the Psalms encourages God’s people to seek refuge in Him; to trust in Him. The contrast stated in the Psalm for today’s post indicates the powerful nature of this theme. “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.”

The easy course of action is to be dependent upon self, otherwise noted as being “independent.” As challenging is becoming dependent upon someone else.

Such thoughts produce little more than temporary satisfaction, and usually end with some level of disappointment or discouragement.

When we are dependent upon ourselves, when we fail to achieve the desired success we become frustrated with our lack of abilities.

When we are dependent on others, when they let us down or fail to arise to our expectations, we become disillusioned to the role of humanity.

In the long run, leaders must set the example of dependence upon God. They must learn to trust Him with all their heart. They should seek to find refuge in Him, rather than themselves or others.

Goals are vital to the success of any group or organization. Sadly, as leaders, our tendency is to see goals more as vague wishes.

These goals are usually cased in phrases like: “this year we want to do more…” or “our goal is to be more…” or “we need to increase…”

Goals should be framed with specifics that can be measured. Goals should be achievable, involve action, and be realistic. We must also see the need to set a time for achieving them.

For example: “over the next 6 months we will read the Old Testament,” or “in the next 12 months we want to share the gospel with 24 new people.” These goals meet all the requirements stated.

Short and long term goals are also key components to developing plans for moving forward.

Leaders need long term vision to establish goals for 25 or 30 years ahead. As well, to keep morale high and people motivated to achieve the goal(s), there must be short term goals that can be achieved.

Looking back on a few stepping stones (goals achieved) will keep everyone focused on the direction ahead.

The primary definition of this week’s word indicates a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning.

Perhaps a more relevant application, or simplified approach involves a rule or belief governing one’s personal behavior.

As leaders, several questions are important to consider regarding this thought.

1) Why should we have principles to govern behavior?

2) What rule or belief governs our personal behavior?

3) Do we have a rule or belief in place for this purpose?

4) Are these rules or beliefs based on humanistic or biblical foundations?

5) Will others see the consistency between our principles and behavior?

A life lived by biblical principles will always influence others. Principles that are consistently lived will also directly relate to the integrity needed for powerful leadership.

When leaders consider the answers to these questions regarding principles and behavior, the steps to harmonize them will develop leadership worth following.

Leading people who are unwanted is challenging. Instead of allowing fears or preconceived ideas to be an excuse for getting involved, we need to find the appropriate avenues to be involved and make a difference.

There are two main questions to consider: Why? and How? The first we will consider this week and the second next week.

Why should leaders be troubled with trying to lead those who are unwanted?

First, because every person was created in the image of God. The beauty of this thought should motivate leaders to reach out with the same compassion God demonstrates toward us.

Second, leadership is about people. We are not leading objects, but people. Until leaders look through the eyes of God and the lens of humanity, this thought will be challenging.

Third, we would want someone to lead us if the roles were reversed. It is very difficult in the midst of prosperity to see a self-image of reversed circumstances and picture the need.

Fourth, the need for salvation overrides any possible reason for inactivity. Everyone needs Christ and Christ died for everyone. Think Souls!

More next week…

“A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.” Douglas MacArthur

MacArthur is known for many quotes when dealing with leadership. His leadership stands as exemplary when considering the U.S. Army’s influence in World War II.

This specific thought exemplifies five key components that have a powerful direction to the leadership that should exist in God’s people today.

Confidence – We need confidence in who our God is and the power of His word to save souls.

Courage – Leaders must demonstrate courage in the times when courage is needed most.

Compassion – This Christlike quality is one that should characterize spiritual leaders.

Equality of Actions – Although it is not always easy, a leaders’ actions must be consistent.

Integrity – Few areas are more important, and yet so difficult, than walking with integrity.

The thought from MacArthur provides numerous lessons that hold value in connection to leadership.

One of the great thoughts of scripture, and certainly needed in leadership, is the confidence of God answering our prayers.

I have heard several quote the popular song that thanked God for unanswered prayers. I have also heard it said that sometimes God just says no.

When David writes this Psalm, he claims “On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul.”

How can we have the confidence to make this kind of claim in our relationship today?

1) Pray in keeping with God’s will (James 4:15; 1 John 5:14).

2) Ask in faith (Matthew 21:22; James 1:5-8).

3) Pray at all times without losing heart / be persistent (Luke 18:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).

4) Without being anxious and by giving thanks in everything (Philippians 4:6)

5) Be devoted to prayer (Colossians 4:2).

The list continues throughout the Bible to assist us in learning how to pray, what to pray for, and the confidence we can have through these avenues.

Of all people, leaders must demonstrate they are people of prayer.

To this point, we have considered three questions that all great leaders ask. There is a fourth question these leaders ask that is also significant to consider: “What might be missing?”

Mike Maddock, who writes for Forbes online, claims “great leaders are open to the fact (and it is a fact) that they are missing something.”

We do not have the space to list all the possibilities in answer to this question. It should be noted that what is missing can range from the most simple of ideas to the most complex issues of leadership teams.

The value of asking this question, and the need for leaders to press others to answer this question, demonstrates the kind of humility great leaders need in their leadership.

When humility is part of the equation, along with an openness to the possibilities, then followers will provide answers.

A sense of creativity, innovation, and motivation will exist to provide a stronger morale in achieving short and long term goals.

We cannot underestimate the power of humility seen in God’s leaders.

The idea associated with “optimism” includes hope and confidence about the future or successful outcome of something.

The contrast between leaders who are optimistic and those who are not seems to be connected to age and experience. The older leaders become, or the negative nature of life’s experiences, can hinder optimistic leadership.

The challenge is how to overcome the pessimistic tendencies and keep hope and confidence alive. Among the many possibilities, here are a few suggestions:

1) Remember, “everyone” is not against us.

2) Stop trying to live in or change the past, because we cannot.

3) Be surrounded by optimistic people who cast a vision of hope.

4) Be realistic about personal expectations.

5) Learn to accept who we are as a person.

6) Express gratitude for what we have physically and spiritually.

7) Reflect more often on the positive areas of life.

The internet is loaded with ways to develop a more optimistic focus in life. As leaders, it is worth the time we take to share our optimism with those who follow.

Try it and see how contagious it becomes.

Several reasons explain why we avoid getting involved in leading people who would be considered “unwanted.”

However, we also need to consider the nature of excuses often made to keep from getting involved.

Again, the list is not exhaustive.

1) They are not interested.

2) We are not prepared to handle their baggage.

3) They might steal something?

4) They are just cons.

5) The government helps them.

Initially, I was going to write beside each excuse, but I believe the thoughts stand alone. One of the major problems with each statement is the pronouns: “they, them, their.”

The tendency is to see people more as an object than a person. We build contrasts between us and them, a barrier that is separated by excuses used to justify inactivity.

I am aware there have been abuses, cons, stealing, etc. Sadly, we allow these situations to paint the picture for the whole, and write the whole off.

We are offended when the same is done to us, so why do we allow ourselves to fall into the same trap?

This is not an easy task, nor is it comfortable, but it is needed.