To endure carries a depth of meaning on several levels. To endure also has a great deal of meaning from a Biblical standpoint. Not only are we commanded to endure, God also encourages us with the benefits that come eternally to those who endure.

From a leadership perspective, enduring can be very challenging to endure. To endure literally involves bearing up under the load. It goes far deeper than being patient.

While we are to be patient in all things, endurance takes us to a level that challenges our ability to hold on, and hold on longer than we can imagine. Endurance is more than a sprint, it is the marathon.

A couple of thoughts might help us endure when the road presents these challenges.

One, remember the adage; “if God brings us to it, He will see us through it.”

Two, God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to bear (1 Co. 10:13).

Three, we must not forget, no matter how difficult, it is only temporary.

With some perspective, we can endure knowing our God is in control.

Satan’s attacks are destroying the faith of many. How to face this situation and overcome has plagued the minds of leaders for centuries.

As we have mentioned, the most prevalent way to meet Satan head on is by knowing how he attacks. Here is where leaders must rise up and guard the faith of Christians.

One specific area Satan has used to destroy the faith of Christians is materialism. I have seen the affects of materialism in my own life and in others.

The struggle is not one that exists only in the United States. I have seen this issue in every country I have visited around the world.

The desire to have the “things” of this world is epidemic. Sadly, it creates other sinful attitudes and issues.

We can easily develop envy, jealousy, greed and idolatry.

I wish there was one piece of advice that would provide the answer, but there is not. Leaders must set an example and seek ways to assist others who are struggling.

Perhaps the first step would be to spend time seeking God’s help. More to come next week…

“Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.” Publilius Syrus

Several spiritual parallels can be made to this thought, i.e. it is not difficult to have faith when life is going well.

The challenge to faith (holding the helm) is continuing to believe God is in control and involved in our lives, looking out for our best interest, even when life is not going well.

This thought is even more significant when dealing with our leadership. The spiritual nature of leadership will face numerous storms while holding on to the helm.

Disbelief in our vision and goals will exist among those who are following.

Jealousy begins to consume dissenters who doubt our motives.

Gossip, slander and malice will spread to discredit our leadership.

Attempts will be made to discourage and stop progress.

These are only a few ways the storms will blow against our leadership, even when we are leading with a godly, Christlike spirit.

Hold the helm, remain strong in the faith, keep our eyes focused on Jesus, and continue to lead.

A blueprint provides the specific dimensions for constructing everything from a tool shed to a mega complex or high rise.

The purpose of a blueprint is to provide every detail to make certain the structure will last.

What kind of blueprint could we use as leaders to ensure our leadership will be long lasting? The answer is the Bible. From this incredible book we find several areas we will consider each week to construct biblical leadership.

All blueprints begin with the foundation. Only when we build on the right foundation will our leadership carry a lasting influence.

Paul clearly points out there is no human who has the power to lay the kind of foundation needed for lasting leadership. Only in Jesus will we find a foundation upon which we can build the kind of leadership that will endure (1 Corinthians 3:11).

From His example we learn the nature, qualities, and character of the leader God desires and designed for us today.

This example is one we must follow and we will look at over the weeks ahead.

Prayer seems to be a given when it comes to spiritual leadership. We know about prayer. We study about prayer. We talk about prayer. We teach about prayer.

However, do we believe in the power of prayer?

As with most of you, I can attest to numerous times God has answered prayers in powerful ways. I have seen Him answer in unexpected ways that went beyond my request.

I am thankful for the avenue of prayer and I desire to have the kind of faith to know God will continue to answer my requests.

I guess the struggle for me is dealing with the temptation to doubt when the various trials arise to challenge my faith in God’s power to answer…yet again.

When it comes to prayer, there is no magic formula, special words, proper position, or time of the day that makes a difference.

For Christians, prayer is about the simplicity of a humble heart that trusts God to answer in His time, in His ways, and in our best interest.

We may not always understand, but praying without ceasing is the foundation to powerful leadership.

Timing is everything. How many times have we heard this statement or one similar? Yet, it is true on a number of levels.

When it comes to the addressing a delicate situation, timing is everything.

When we are faced with making life changing decisions, timing is everything.

When waiting for answers to test results, timing is everything.

When confronting a family member, friend, coworker or employee, timing is everything.

God said; “there is an appointed time for everything, and there is a time for every event under heaven.” When we read through the list provided in Ecclesiastes 3:2-8 we learn quickly how true it is that timing is everything.

The next time a delicate situation arises, we are faced with making a decision, we are awaiting test results, or we are considering how to confront someone else, remember – timing is everything.

If we can step back and think for a moment and ask ourselves, “Is this the right time to continue in this direction?” then maybe we can handle whatever life throws our way at the right time.

Are we doing the job God intended as leaders when guarding the faith of Christians? The task before us is not easy. We were never promised it would be.

The battle is fierce. The danger is great. The opportunities for success may be few.

However, with God on our side, the odds of victory have been secured.

We have considered ways Satan is working from within the church to rob Christians of their faith. We have only touched the hem of the garment.

From outside, the attacks are unlimited as well. One way Satan is working is through our busy schedules. Satan wants us to fill our time with so much stuff we have no time left for eternally important matters.

He wants us to be so busy with work, school, family activities (including sports, recreation, etc.), and life, that we have no time for studying God’s word, prayer, worship, and fellowship with Christians.

There is nothing wrong with any of these areas. They are necessary for balance, but when we allow them to push out the spiritual, Satan will steal our faith.

We need guardians to arise and protect.

“Don’t necessarily avoid sharp edges. Occasionally they are necessary to leadership.” Donald Rumsfeld

I search for various quotes on leadership to find thoughts to consider each week. One particular website lists 100 of the most famous quotes by leaders.
I did something random and scrolled to the middle of the list to see what came up. Well, you read it above.

I could not help but think how significant this thought is regarding our leadership. Often times we go to great lengths to avoid areas in our life we would consider “sharp edges.”

I am not one who supports searching for those challenges, nor do I recommend someone looking for those edges.

As well, I do not like dealing with them. However, I have learned how valuable those edges can be to developing me as a leader.

We know the sharp edges exist and we are going to face them at different times and in several ways. While we are not looking for them, we should not avoid them, but learn from them and allow God to work through them to help shape us as His leaders.

One week ago today our daughter-in-law went into labor and gave birth on Friday to our 8th grandchild. As this child was born into the world a number of leadership thoughts came to mind.

First, his name is Nehemiah. If you are unfamiliar with this Old Testament leader, please read the book. Enough said.

Second, seeing a second generation within the family reminds me of my own leadership of the father who will lead this child to maturity and eternity.

Third, I have prayed every day from the time we knew our daughter-in-law would have a boy that Nehemiah would live up to his Biblical namesake.

Fourth, there is just something special about knowing a child is being born into a Christian home that will provide a spiritual and godly foundation. From this foundation Nehemiah will lead.

I am constantly amazed how God has created and given life to us. I am also in awe of the opportunities we have to lead within our families and I look forward to watching our son and daughter-in-law grow as parents of their first child.

Being a “pa-pa” has its advantages!

A few months ago I listened to an instructor on leadership talk about the position of a futurist. The questions were raised more than once: how does one get this position and what do they actually do?

I am not here to provide an answer to these questions. However, the idea raised one primary question followed by several additional questions concerning leadership.

What does the future look like for leadership where we serve?

Is there an understanding of why this is important for the future?

Are plans being made for the next generation of leaders and how they will lead?

Will the legacy left behind be one of strong leadership.

Who is going to take the role of preparing these leaders for the time they are needed?

When will the plans be enacted?

These are only a few questions to consider, but the answers are vital to knowing the future of God’s kingdom. Are we ready?