The past introduces a number of challenges to life. Regardless of the good or bad, our past often influences who we are and the direction of our future.

A few lessons should be remembered: 1) we cannot go back and change the past, and 2) we cannot live in the past. The only way to win with the past is to learn from it – good or bad – and use the lesson to help shape a better direction for the future.

The apostle Paul understood this as he wrote to the church at Philippi. There is little doubt he remembered the destructive course he pursued toward Christianity. He also understood the proper place of his accomplishments in the past.

In the final scheme of things, he knew nothing was more valuable than knowing Jesus. The value of knowing Jesus gave Paul purpose and direction. He would not allow his past to dictate the direction of his future. Instead, he was able to reach forward to the hope of the resurrection.

Leaders must focus on the same hope for the future and lead with a passion to reach it.

“Strength of character isn’t always about how much you can handle before you break, it’s also about how much you can handle after you’ve broken.” Robert Tew

At times, the thought of the day stands alone. This is one of those times. When considering Mr. Tew’s thought, the approach to the strength of character is profound.

Both areas are vital to understanding the strength of our character as leaders.

We began the week with conflict resolution; we know conflict is coming. We assume that when our character is strong, the conflict will not break us, even when the conflict begins to pile up. This assumption, when it has the desired result, is encouraging to see.

Once we are broken, how much can we handle? Do we find ourselves shutting down, withdrawing into our shell, becoming reclusive, and avoiding contact with others?

A great deal of admiration goes to those leaders whose strength of character shines before they break and after they are broken.

When the strength of our character is based on godly principles, before, during, and after, the Lord will shine through us.

Over the years, lessons on the power of influence have encompassed several key components to developing biblical leaders. One of the most important, if not the most important element involves setting a good example.

We all set an example with every word and action. This is why the phrase was strategically written. We are to set a good example. When Paul wrote to Timothy, he identified five areas where this young preacher needed to provide an example of the believers: speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity (1 Tim. 4:12).

We will not spend time looking at the specifics of each area, but suffice it to say that these five areas are as needed in the church today as they were when Paul penned the words.

As parents, children, siblings, employees, and every other relationship we might consider, our lives should reflect the example set by our Lord.

When we set a good example, the results are significant: 1) we please the Lord, 2) we insure salvation for ourselves and all those who hear us, 3) others know the direction to follow, and 4) our relationships grow stronger.

With only four weeks left in 2014, what are we planning for 2015? Today’s post is a precursor to think about how we plan to finish this year.

The emphasis is often strong on developing a plan for beginning the new year and we forget to finish strong.

Do we remember our resolutions from last January? Have we accomplished what we set out to do? What do we have left to achieve those plans?

An old runner’s motto stresses the need to “finish like a runner.” No matter how long the race, how slow the pace, or the challenges we face, when reaching the end, finish strong.

This is not the time to let our guard down or coast to the finish line. This is not the time to think we will start over in the new year. It is not how we start that makes the difference, it is how we finish.

With this in mind, we are working toward the end of another year God has blessed us with living. Let us sharpen our focus and strengthen our resolve to finish this year stronger than we began.

Success is defined as the accomplishment of an aim or purpose, the attainment of popularity or profit, a person or thing that achieves desired aims or attains prosperity.

From this definition we see the overriding monetary tones. We often measure success by the amount of money in the bank, someone’s home or car, educational achievement, the accolades for what has been accomplished in life, or the nature of a gift.

Realizing there is some overlap with the ideas expressed above, perhaps the thought should not be about “what” determines success, but “who?”

Jesus pointed out that if someone gains the whole world and loses their soul, this type of success is not worth it.

When God is the One who determines success, then we know we are on the right path. Could we possibly measure success by a strong Christian family, leading a soul to Christ, helping someone in need, giving hope to the hopeless, lending a hand to a friend, growing in our knowledge of God’s word, and developing a close relationship with Him through prayer?

Maybe, if we begin here, our measuring device of success will change.

The challenges associated with conflict run deep and the resolutions do not come quickly.

Considering previous discussions, there are a few suggestions to help us when conflict arises.

1) Embrace the conflict. We know conflict will happen. When we embrace conflict, it allows us the opportunity to learn from the conflict and grow through it.

2) Develop consistency. Nothing is more destructive than hypocrisy or more convincing than consistency. The conflict may be in our family or between others, but a consistent approach is the best start.

3) Listen to all sides. There are at least two sides to every story. Listening to only one side leads to hasty reactions, wrong conclusions, and damaged relationships.

4) Respond quickly. Waiting to address conflict introduces challenges that hinder the elimination of assumptions that can create bitter and incorrect feelings.

5) Invite collective wisdom. We are not alone when facing conflict or seeking resolution. Asking others who face similar conflict can bring a wealth of wisdom to help.

Obviously, these five suggestions are not an exhaustive list. With a good start, however, we can find resolution more quickly, and this is the goal.

“For most of life, nothing wonderful happens. If you don’t enjoy getting up and working and finishing your work and sitting down to a meal with family or friends, then the chances are you’re not going to be very happy. If someone bases his/her happiness on major events like a great job, huge amounts of money, a flawlessly happy marriage or a trip to Paris, that person isn’t going to be happy much of the time. If, on the other hand, happiness depends on a good breakfast, flowers in the yard, a drink or a nap, then we are more likely to live with quite a bit of happiness.” Andy Rooney

Whether a fan of Andy Rooney or not, the idea behind this thought is significant. What this thought really speaks to is the need to understand the power of leadership in the home.

When our family becomes the priority of our leadership, the events of life take on a whole new perspective, and when this perspective is properly aligned, the result is true happiness.

May we always consider the foundation of our leadership responsibility.

Today is Thanksgiving. While we are thankful everyday, there is something special about the opportunity to focus on those specific areas and people in our lives for which we give thanks.

On a personal note, today is more special than just Thanksgiving. Today is the celebration of a day the most special woman in my life was born. Today is my wife’s birthday and I want to share a few reasons I am thankful for her and our life together.

I am thankful for her selfless giving. If there was ever a person born with a servant’s heart, it is her.

I am thankful for her love. This special woman continues to teach me what love means, just by her example.

I am thankful for her counsel. Her wisdom has shaped me as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

I am thankful for her friendship. Those who know her as a friend are blessed, and I am blessed above all.

Her life is one dedicated to putting others above herself.

There is no one on earth I am closer to and no one I am more thankful for in my life. Happy birthday to the most beautiful, special, thoughtful, and lovely woman I know. TTBOTM

While working through various areas of biblical leadership, one of the key qualities involves thinking on the right things.

Solomon spoke about the power of one’s thoughts, “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (Pro. 23:7). The very idea is amazing to contemplate; the way we think has the power to characterize who we are, to define us.

One of the most significant passages, however, that addresses the point of today’s post comes from Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi.

Throughout the letter, Paul speaks of standing firm with one mind, being of the same mind, having the mind of Christ, and then he implies the need to think on the right things (Phil. 4:8).

Notice the areas mentioned in this passage: true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, things of good repute, excellence, and anything worthy of praise.

Consider the powerful nature of a leadership that thinks on the right things.

Imagine the attraction to people of the world with a group of Christians whose mental focus is on these eight areas.

When we seek to attain or accomplish something, it is referred to as “pursuing.” Adding diligence increases the chances of success in our pursuit.

What we pursue as leaders is determined by the core values of our character. If our character is biblically based, our pursuit is divinely grounded.

How we pursue anything influences the direction of those who follow. The nature of our pursuits is supported by the passionate and driving force in our lives.

Why we are in pursuit shapes the purpose of our existence as leaders. What gets us up in the mornings and out the door is directly connected to what we pursue.

Where the pursuit takes us is dictated by the plans we implement to reach the goal. At times, the direction may not be what we expect, or the most comfortable, yet it must be pursued.

What are we seeking to attain and accomplish?

Is that pursuit something we are passionate about and willing to give our lives to pursue?

Will we wait until the opportunity passes us by, or are we in pursuit?

Leaders shape the future by their pursuits.