One of the strongest and most exciting areas of developing any project is the beginning. The morale and enthusiasm are high as the wheels begin turning.

There is something about the grand opening, the starting gun, the first day, or the kick off that strikes at the heart of people to get them on board.

Because we are often a short-sighted and an immediate satisfaction oriented people, the long range goals seldom come to fruition.

Weariness, stress, slow movement, and discouragement set in and cause us to forget or lose sight of the excitement the original goals provided. This is true for individuals and congregations.

In leadership circles, the idea of finishing well is becoming more prevalent. We need leaders who know how to start and finish well.

Satan does not mind our starting if he knows he can cause us to stop before the finish line. Scripture emphasizes the need for us to endure and be faithful until death.

Instead of giving way to the pressures of accommodating the latest “whim” in the religious world, let us stay the course and finish well.

“With everything that has happened to you, you can either feel sorry for yourself or treat what has happened as a gift. Everything is either an opportunity to grow or an obstacle to keep you from growing. You get to choose.” Wayne W. Dyer

We are presented with numerous choices surrounding life’s events. We know people (we may be one) that become bitter at the difficulties which can challenge and cause them to leave their faith.

We also know of people who face giants when it comes to the trials of life and they choose to remain strong in and dedicated to their faith.

The difference is a choice. As the thought expresses we can choose to feel sorry for ourselves or look at the circumstances as an opportunity to grow into the person God desires of us.

James points out that these trials are instrumental in making us complete, so that we are lacking in nothing (Jas. 1:2-4).

Considering Job we find an example of a godly man who did not sin, nor did he blame God. Let us lead with such focus.

Most of us have heard this phrase at some point in life. The idea is to take advantage of an opportunity quickly.

As we have expressed before, an opportunity involves circumstances presenting possibility either to be gained or lost. We cannot take advantage of opportunities if we are unable to see the possibilities.

Leadership involves the ability to see the possibilities and take advantage of the opportunities the moment they arise.

Few people would turn down the opportunity to double an investment in a short period of time. When the presentation is skillfully done and the stakes are guaranteed we know the advantage of striking while the iron is hot. This may be the only opportunity we are given.

The same is true spiritually, however, we have to consider two significant questions: 1) Do we really see the possibilities of reaching out to the souls around us? 2) Do we want to take advantage of the opportunities God presents?

Unless we see the possibilities and want to take advantage of the opportunities the urgency of sharing the message of Jesus fades to indifference.

Seek, Ask, and Knock.

A precedent occurs when a previous event or action becomes an example or guide that is considered for similar circumstances in the future.

The idea beautifully describes the nature of teaching throughout scripture.

Paul stated that “whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction” (Rom. 15:4) and the events of the Old Testament “happened as examples for us” (1 Co. 10:6).

Throughout scripture we learn both what should be done and what should not be done based on a precedent established.

By the definition provided, application of biblical events and actions are powerful examples that should and must be considered for similar circumstances in the future. The terminology we often use is “if we do not learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it.”

Some of the greatest lessons on leadership are based on these biblical precedents. Over the next few weeks we want to examine a few of these precedents, as they apply to leadership, for the purpose of helping learn areas we need to consider when we face the same situations today.

The most common idea associated with this week’s word is an attitude or mindset of having no fear, or the absence of fear.

We need to consider, however, another possibility as it relates to the direction of leadership.

The idea is to reverse the order of the word, considering the approach of having less fear.

There is an element of doubt when thinking that a leader will have no fear or even eliminate fear. Various events in life and leadership will always create times of fear. During those times we can demonstrate less fear, but what makes it possible to do so? Read Hebrews 11:1 – 12:4.

Enduring life’s challenges is an ability strengthened by victorious faith. Understand that others have also overcome; see the great cloud of witnesses surrounding us.

Trust that God will keep His promise. He will see us through every trial; run with endurance the race that is set before us.

No matter how great the obstacle, at its best it is still temporary; keep your eyes fixed on Jesus…who for the joy set before Him endured the cross and despised the shame.

In a harsh 21st century world the power behind a word spoken in kindness gives the nature of leadership the greatness God desires.

The value of speaking with kindness benefits every level of a leader’s influence. When a word is spoken with kindness several results occur.

The desire to achieve what benefits the other person is demonstrated as a priority.

The value or worth of the individual is raised to a level of importance for both people involved.

The biblical expression of the fruit of the Spirit testifies to the development of Christlike qualities.

The goal of unity among brethren is exemplified as Christians strive to serve one another.

The example of Christ’s sacrifice is characterized by the sacrificial actions of His disciples.

The outreach to a world of nonChristians is built upon a foundation of love reflecting the nature of God.

More could be said about the power of a word spoken in kindness. Kindness requires us to get our personal agendas, preconceived ideas, desires, and motivations out of the way so our Christian light can be displayed, and God will be glorified.

“Flowers only bloom when they are ready. People are the same way. You cannot rush or force them open just because you think it’s time. Be patient.” Timber Hawkeye

This is a beautiful analogy of what is needed in leadership. Successful leadership does not consist of leading people in the same way because people are not the same.

The principles of leadership never change. People, however, learn and advance differently. There are those who pick up on the process quickly, while others learn at a slower pace. An effort to rush or force them into places or positions when and where they are not ready only creates frustration for everyone involved.

While patience is a virtue that most everyone desires to have “right now,” the ability to demonstrate patience in the development of others is a treasured quality of leaders.

The beauty of patience, when demonstrated by leaders, is that followers are encouraged to develop in ways that reach their greatest potential.

Last week, a short devotional addressed the positive nature of change. In discussing the lesson afterwards, two reasons were shared why people are apprehensive to change:

1) They feel that change will cause them to lose something from the past they want to hold on to. The idea is that if they change, the structure, concept, or approach will be lost.

2) The second reason is fear: fear of the unknown, fear of uncertainty, or a fear of losing control.

However, the nature of change brings several positive qualities.

Questions are generated for gaining a better perspective in prioritizing our purpose in moving forward.

Change leads to improvement. Becoming more Christ-like requires us to change.

We rally together in a unified effort to work for a common purpose.

Change creates firsts we have never experienced which bring enjoyment and satisfaction.

Our faith is bolstered as we move into the unknown or sense a loss of control. We learn to trust God for strength.

Additionally, change brings an air of excitement and enthusiasm.

The lesson concluded with this incredible thought: “Embrace change, for it is the stuff of a brighter tomorrow.”

The road of life has highs and lows. There are times we are on top of the mountain and there are other times we walk through the valley.

David understood this as he penned the words of the twenty-third Psalm.

What stands out from this Psalm is David’s understanding of what was ahead of him, not behind. He knew that even though he walked through the “valley of the shadow of death,” God was with him and he would dwell with God forever.

As leaders, we are messengers of hope. People can endure just about anything if they know there is something better ahead. They need hope something will be better.

The challenge is learning how to help others see that our hope is not based in a promise of a better physical life, but something beyond this life and beyond compare.

This kind of hope was the driving force of the early church, even in the face of death.

Paul indicated this kind of hope saves us because with it we will endure.

Better things are ahead, maybe not in this life, but God holds eternity.

Where are we going? Do we know? What will we do to get there? How will we know when we arrive?

When traveling we understand the need to have a map – at least a plan – to reach our destination in a proper amount of time.

Physically, we make application of this daily. What happens when we think in terms of spiritual matters is a completely different story. The spiritual approach, however, is no different. We know the destination and we desire to get there. We are anticipating the arrival, but do we know what needs to be done to get there?

If we are not careful, it is easy to get so caught up in the physical areas of life we think less about the spiritual and expect God to just “take care of it.”

Since our destination is heaven, the map / plan God has provided is laid out through the pages of His word.

We would think someone is foolish not to follow a map to a destination they have never been before. If so, then how much more foolish when the eternal destination is far more consequential?