How does the past influence the direction of our current mindset and goals for the future?

We are all shaped in one way or another by the events of the past. These take the form of past teaching, experience, and influence. Each of these categories can be found as either positive or negative as we consider the shaping nature of the past.

Paul was an apostle whose past molded his character and in a way that God could use to provide an example for the whole of Christianity. His family heritage, academic credentials, knowledge of Old Testament scripture, and zealous persecution of the church, were all a part of a past he would not forget.

However, he did not allow the past to dictate the direction of his future. Paul’s focus was now spiritually designed and heavenly directed.

We cannot relive the past and we cannot change it. As leaders, we must learn from the past in order to prevent repeating areas that hinder our Christian example.

The challenges of yesterday need to be left in the past. Let us redirect our attention with a spiritual and heavenly focus.

“Some people believe that holding on and hanging in there are signs of strength, but there are times in life when it takes much more strength just to let go.” Ann Landers

Please do not confuse this post as supportive of Ann Landers. Regardless of personal opinion, the quote has merit.

Leaders will experience times when their strength must be demonstrated through holding on and hanging in there. The ability to endure is a biblical characteristic required for the faithful of God. Our faith will be challenged and trials are inevitable, and it is during these times, we must learn to persevere; hold on and hang in there.

The other side of this thought is worth considering also. Fear, worry, confusion and doubt are elements that cause us to hang on when we need to let go. The adage, “Let go, and let God,” is one we should adopt. When experiencing the anticipation of challenge events, God says, “Let it go and turn it over to Me.”

Leaders need the strength to hold on and hang in there, but they also need to possess the strength to let go.

Napoleon is credited with saying, “leaders are dealers in hope.”

After spending several hours contacting numerous shelters seeking housing for someone in need, an overwhelming realization of the hopeless condition among a large segment of our population was apparent.

According to a 2009 report from the National Coalition for the Homeless, approximately 3.5 million people will experience homelessness. A 2013 report from Frontsteps claims 633,782 people experience homelessness on any given night in the U.S. Additional reports indicate these numbers increase yearly.

Statistics concerning domestic violence, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse reveal millions of homes face these situations every day.

We quickly understand how people begin to feel hopeless. A number of explanations could be given as to the cause for this condition. The need, however, is for leaders to provide a measure of hope.

Leaders extend hope by learning to listen and expressing concern.

Leaders need to offer hope that someone is trustworthy.

Leaders possess a responsibility that goes beyond words and demonstrates care by action.

People will follow leaders who provide hope.

Leadership begins in the home. The greatest opportunities for influence occur within the confines of the four walls where we live.

A friend of mine, Paul Krier, recently began a series of posts entitled “40 Days of Prayer for Our Kids.” While reading through the posts each day and thinking about the need to pray for our children, the idea of leadership in the home manifested itself, so a few posts seemed fitting.

From the time children arise in the morning to the time they lay their heads down to sleep, teaching moments are everywhere.

The air that we breathe, the food we eat, the opportunity to see the sunrise, the ability to move our fingers and toes, witnessing God’s creation come to life, and hundreds more, are all moments to teach our children about the existence of God and His love for us.

Leadership in the home certainly includes more than teachable moments, as we will consider in the weeks ahead, but these moments furnish a powerful place to start.

As we pray for “Our Kids,” let us also take appropriate action to lead them.

The idea of a leadership path takes on several dimensions worth considering.

The path is characterized by a distinct contrast associated with choice. Jesus claims the broad path leads to destruction and the narrow path, though challenging, leads to eternal life.

Opportunities are associated with choosing to walk the right path. These opportunities are connected to short- and long-term planning that help us achieve success.

One of the most important areas to consider when choosing the path we are going to walk is the tools we carry to help us along the journey. A few necessary thoughts to consider:

Remove the blinders. An awareness of where we are, what takes place around us, who needs help along the way, and a willingness to get involved is vital to walking a godly path.

Avoid distractions. Know the areas that are distracting and learn to avoid those areas. Distractions slow us down and lure us off the path.

Stay focused. The determination to stay focused will make a difference in staying on the path. The right focus reminds us of the purpose behind our walk.

Internal and external challenges face every leader. These challenges cause leaders to question their ability, opportunity, position and purpose in leadership.

Confidence in one’s ability diminishes when leaders experience failure, suffer discouragement, or they are harshly criticized by others.

When leaders face this challenge they need to approach each area carefully.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal” is a powerful thought expressed by Winston Churchill. The only time failure is fatal is when we give up. Recognizing this helps us redirect our thinking when success is beyond our reach.

Suffering discouragement generally follows moments of failure. When discouragement takes root, if it is strong enough, we quit. Learning how to overcome discouragement begins by evaluating the cause and seeking help to address it.

Criticism, even when harshly given, provides growth benefits if we are able to see it this way. We cannot change the motives of those who criticize, but we can choose how we respond. Instead of “reacting,” we need to “act” appropriately as a spiritual leader. Stay out of the box!

While these are limited ideas, overcoming the challenge is possible.

“As I learned to accept myself, I began to relate to people on a deeper level and saw that everyone comes with their own pains and struggles. I learned to appreciate them for their flaws as much as their strengths, which in turn helped me to accept myself more.” Amyra Mah

The thought today is a fitting capstone to the various posts this week about leadership. The interesting twist is how it relates to the inward benefit that results from an outward recognition of the pains and struggles of others.

We find ourselves understanding that we are in the same position. We have pains and struggles like everyone else. We have the same need.

The beauty of this discovery is the resulting compassion, sympathy, empathy, and patience as we work together to make our way to the goal.

Self-perception benefits leaders with an awareness of their strengths and weaknesses, along with an understanding of how to help others with the same.

When Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, he expanded his application for leaders to practice a list of several key areas. One of these areas includes the necessity of “helping the weak.”

A case could be made regarding an application, both physical and spiritual, when considering who he identifies as weak.

By definition, the idea simply refers to someone without strength. How fitting that leaders are to help strengthen those without strength. Leaders carry a responsibility to fulfill the task of strengthening the hands of the weak.

A few questions may need to be considered to determine how this can be achieved.

What is the cause or source of the problem that left them helpless or without strength?

Can a solution best be reached by providing training to overcome the cause?

Are we as leaders willing to make the sacrifices needed to become a source of strength?

There comes a time when leaders must stop talking about the helplessness that exists among those without strength and develop a strategy to provide the strength to overcome.

Jesus is often characterized in the Gospels as compassionate. Compassion means “to suffer together,” and no one understood this better than Jesus.

The University of California, Berkley claims that something special exists when compassion characterizes a leader: a feeling of sympathy aroused by another’s suffering and the motivation to relieve the suffering.

A compassionate leader is a powerful leader. The guiding hand of compassion considers the suffering of someone else and acts accordingly.

When scripture speaks of Jesus as compassionate toward others, He responds in several ways: He prayed for them, healed them, fed them and taught them. The order of these responses presents an interesting example for us to learn as leaders.

Before taking any action, leaders need to pray about the need, physically and spiritually.

The action first speaks to addressing the need, healing or sustenance.

When these needs are met, an opportunity for teaching exists with a listen ear to learn.

Leaders who follow these three guidelines lay a foundation to build a structure that lasts into eternity.

The world of Facebook is contagious and spreads to every age, nation and gender on the planet. Statistics about Facebook can be staggering, but there are lessons for leaders in this avenue of social media.

Be careful about abusing privilege. Time spent perusing posts adds up; a few minutes becomes a few hours quickly. The privilege of checking in to post or read others’ post should not detract from work or family.

Do not forget to live life. Facebook is not the place to air dirty laundry, express discontent, deal with confrontation, or anything like these. Life was not meant to be lived-out on Facebook.

Use Facebook as a tool. Facebook serves as a great tool for encouragement, edification and education. If used properly, leaders can leverage Facebook to make a difference.

Remember our Christian influence. Above all else, we are Christians. The way we express ourselves influences everyone who reads. Sarcasm, humor, teasing, and such like, do not always translate. Using caution before posting is an understatement.

These are only a few, but if practiced provide an opportunity for leaders to have stronger influence.