The idea of a self-differentiated leader may or may not be familiar. Edwin Friedman is one of several authors who has identified a number of concepts associated with a self-differentiated leader.

Three ideas represent a foundation for consideration in this post.

They know who they are: There is clarity about their life goals and possess a great self-awareness.

They are part of the system, but not controlled by it: They can be separate while remaining connected, manage their own reactivity to others and are less likely to become lost in the anxious emotional processes around them.

They are able to take stands at the risk of displeasing others: As a steward who balances presence and technique, they have the ability to deal with the super responsible and vulnerable.

Spiritual leaders certainly face situations where the maturity of leadership is needed. The process of developing into a self-differentiated leader is a journey to that maturity.

Within the church, a move to equipping leaders under this umbrella will provide a greater maturity in leadership for the future.

“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 could spend the time in this post focused on the choices, and we would do well with such. However, this thought is more about the idea expressed as connected to specific choices and the results of those choices.

The first is an opportunity for growth. The idea of opportunities being a gift for growth is exciting. God certainly wants leaders to grow. He wants everyone to grow closer to Him, stronger in faith, and deeper in a demonstration of love. When leaders grow everyone benefits and God is glorified.

The second is an obstacle to prevent growth. The events of life can be tragically difficult and if we are not careful, these events can create such a negative impact that we become bitter and growth is hindered.

As the thought explains, the choice is ours. Leaders need to view the events in life as an opportunity to grow in relationship with God and others.

When Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, his second letter mentions the fact that we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Co. 5:7).

A definite article is present in the original language indicating that we walk by the faith. Paul is emphasizing the need for Christians to live a life guided by the word of God. His word provides us with direction, motivation, and a secure foundation upon which to stand.

Naturally, leaders have a responsibility to follow the same direction in leadership. When leadership is guided by God’s word, the results are significant.

There is confidence in knowing the direction is guided by God, Himself. The wisdom and knowledge of God is the basis for the direction in His word. Leaders cannot go wrong with His guiding hand.

God’s word provides the greatest purpose for character formation. Leaders begin with developing themselves, and then lead others to demonstrate Christ-like character.

Leaders know there is strength when grounded in the truth. Overcoming the obstacles of leadership requires strength; not personal/physical strength, but spiritual strength that is only found in truth.

Let us always lead by the faith.

The fruit of the Spirit, kindness, applies to every area of the Christian life. However, instead of the normal way the posts have discussed the fruit of the Spirit, I want to share another key section of Kenneson’s book: application.

Kenneson approaches the application of demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit in every chapter. The following is a sample of how he applies kindness.

He begins by asking a question in relationship to ones own life story: How important are others to that story? The direction of his application leads to the interdependence of relationships as Christians.

Reflecting on the relationships most cherished and admired, in what ways are they characterized by interdependence?

A Christian’s life is intricately woven into the lives of many other people. How different would our approach to kindness be if our livelihood was dependent on others and their livelihood dependent on us?

Listening and interacting with one another is crucial to demonstrating kindness. Imagine how different the world might look when Christians demonstrate kindness in a culture characterized by self-sufficiency.

In comparison to theory or idea, when something is practical it involves the actual doing. The approach to something that is practical indicates it is suitable for a particular purpose.

Interestingly enough, the word practical is based in and comes from the word practice. Practice not only indicates an activity that is to be accomplished, it also involves a discipline of continuing to work on the activity to improve the quality of the person, product or end result.

Application of this discipline within leadership is also an area deserving attention.

Consider what leadership would look like and how it changes the involvement of those who follow when there is a practical approach to the programs implemented to reach goals.

Leaders are needed who think, act, and lead practically. Discipline, as demonstrated in the practice of activities, will ground leaders in that which is practical.

Followers are needed who know how to practically get behind this leadership.

Several spiritual disciplines (prayer, study, fasting, etc.) point to the character of leadership that promotes a practical approach for developing godly leaders.

Biblical leaders invest their life in seeking the mind of Christ. The development of this thought is based in the words of Paul to the church at Philippi.

Examining the text provides a number of key thoughts expressed as they relate to the mind of Christ demonstrated through His coming to earth and going to the cross.

Paul begins with a Christlike motive: “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit.”

He identifies the foundational attitude: “But with humility of mind.”

The concluding activity is vital to the mind of Christ: “Regard one another as more important than yourselves.”

These three areas are key to understanding what Paul describes as the mind of Christ which should be emulated by all Christians.

The significance of understanding the mind of Christ must be coupled with the need to seek the mind of Christ.

Biblical leaders are dedicated to understanding the mind of Christ, but they also seek to model their life after the example of Christ.

When these two areas meet, leadership provides a Christlike direction for others.

“Talent is a gift that brings with it an obligation to serve the world, and not ourselves, for it is not of our making.” Jose Marti

Two major ideas stand out from this quote worthy of consideration.

First, talent is a gift. There is not enough space to dig into all the details of this statement. We all have opportunities to develop the abilities we have been given. Through education or experience we can develop natural gifts and improve the use of our talent to serve others, but talent is something given to us by God.

Second, there is an obligation to use our talents to serve the greater good. To think that the abilities we have been given are only for ourselves is an incredible act of narcissism. As stated above, the talent we have is not of our making. The obligation we must fulfill is serving the good of others.

The application of this thought could be one of the most world changing steps in leadership. This example, as demonstrated by godly leaders toward others, illustrates one of the most significant forms of biblical love.

Psalm 96 is one that emphasizes numerous areas about who our God is and all He has done. Specifically, two verses highlight the glory of the Lord.

Three times in these two verses the word “ascribe” is used to indicate what God’s people attribute to Him.

The idea is to ascribe glory to the Lord. The question is how can God’s people fulfill such a notable task?

The text explains by saying, “Bring an offering and come into His courts. Worship the Lord in holy attire; tremble before Him, all the earth.”

Worship involves two key areas: an intentional meeting with God and bringing a gift. When fulfilled as God instructs, then He is glorified.

The need for leaders is to direct those who follow in understanding the purpose for which worship is conducted, how it is to be offered, and following the instructions provided by God.

Somehow it seems fitting for leaders to set the example and serve to remind others of all that belongs to the Lord.

Patience is often claimed to be a desired virtue, but one we fail to obtain. How can patience be cultivated in a society that is geared toward productivity.

The clock becomes a slave driver and the loss of control challenges our level of patience.

Kenneson identifies how patience and being a patient have the common thread of yielding control to another (109).

Biblical patience has an object, not patience for the purpose of patience, but for the sake of another.

The obstacles to patience include several areas: segmenting, regulating, and hoarding time, as well as, exalting productivity, and the desire for speed. In a culture driven by such areas our patience is tested to its full strength.

Patience can be cultivated by remembering our relationship with God, including God’s patience with us in those times we were stumbling through life trying to determine our place in God’s redemptive story.

We also cultivate patience by thinking of time differently, a gift instead of commodity.

Demonstrating patience helps support the strength of leadership, as others are led to see the working of God through Christ in their lives.

The idea of a masterpiece brings a number of different thoughts to different people. The most common idea involves a work of outstanding artistry, skill or workmanship.

These terms relate to several areas, from art to mechanics. However, one of the most fascinating areas is connected to humanity.

The Greek term is poiema; the workmanship of God. The description given by Paul in his letter to the church in Ephesus paints a beautiful picture of what God creates in Christ Jesus.

The term is extremely interesting because it is closely connected to another word, both from a root meaning “to make happen.” The indication is that God is instrumental in making a new creation happen through Christ Jesus (cf. 2 Cor. 5:17).

The idea further indicates the purpose for which we have been made this masterpiece: to make good works happen which were previously prepared by God.

An application to leadership seems obvious. God has given leaders an opportunity to lead in the greatest work on earth, the poiema of God to make His will happen.