“Ecologists remind us that a tree planted in a clearing of an old forest will grow more successfully than when it is planted in isolation in an open field. The roots of the new planting will follow more easily and more deeply the hidden pathways of old root systems. Likewise, human beings thrive best in following the paths of life already taken by others before them. None of us needs to reinvent the wheel or live as if no one has preceded us in the pathways of the wise.” James M. Houston

This thought has great application to leadership. The one thought that keeps coming to mind is the idea of the kind of root system we are leaving as leaders.

For followers to become tomorrow’s leaders, they cannot do so in isolation. Such an approach will not provide them with the needed strengthen and development to change the future in a godly way.

There are many who have and are providing pathways that are wise and will benefit others if they root their leadership within these paths.

May our leadership do the same for others who are following us.

The thought expressed in this Psalm is indicative of righteous leaders. Not only will they flourish like a palm tree, notice the way the Psalmist goes on to describe them.

Grow like a cedar in Lebanon: Leaders must be characterized by growth.

Planted in the house of the Lord: To be planted is evidence the root system is strong.

Flourish in the courts of our God: Flourishing indicates healthy development.

Yield fruit in old age: The beauty of godly leadership is the fruit it yields.

Full of sap and very green: They reflect youthful strength and vigor.

Declare that the Lord is upright: To declare such draws out purpose.

The words used to describe righteous leaders provide a greater understanding of what God can do with a leader who gives himself as a servant of the Lord.

By the help given by God, a righteous leader will not only experience the same benefits, they will also bring to followers the greatness of what God intended for leadership.

Let us lead with the righteous spirit of godliness.

Where do followers go when experiencing tragedies in life?

Where should they go when daily life is met with difficult challenges?

Where would leaders have them go when needs outweigh the balances of monetary ability?

Leaders will always be faced with questions regarding those who follow their leadership. This is especially true when thinking about spiritual leaders.

Jesus asked the apostles a question as people began to walk away and leave when His teaching became difficult for them to understand. He wanted to know if the apostles were going away also, to which Peter responded, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (Jn. 6:68).

Followers have no where else to go other than leadership. When others turn to leaders, will they receive words of eternal life? Will they learn what to do to help them through life and gain eternity?

Where else can we go if not to spiritual leaders who desire only to make sure heaven is the goal, the word of God is the guide, the Savior is the way, and earthly leaders are trustworthy to provide the right guidance.

Love is a word in the English language that has come to have multiple meanings. Most often it is associated with feelings. When couples first date and then marry, the feelings experienced are associated with their idea of love. Sadly, when those feelings change or no longer exist they think they do not love the other person any more.

Biblically, love is so much more, it is about seeking the highest good for the other person. Love cannot be self-directed and direct the actions of others.

When leaders do this, it is generally because of selfish, ulterior motives. Again, this is not love.

When leaders truly understand and lead out of love for the souls of others, there is a willingness to sacrifice and determination to help others find a way to heaven. A couple of ideas about leading out of love:

Love gives without expecting to receive something in return.

Love seeks opportunity to serve in all situations.

Love desires the best for others, even at the cost of personal comfort.

Let us always lead out of love and know the power it brings to leadership.

Perhaps the title of the post better serves as an answer to the question; why do we lead?

A number of answers could be given to the question, and we must all examine the answer we would give.

There are those who lead for power. They simply want authority over others to direct and guide their movement.

Some lead because of crisis. When crisis strikes, it is common for individuals to be forced into a position of leadership.

Others lead because no one else will. Sadly, when good and godly leaders do not rise up, others will lead, but not always in the right direction.

Still, there are those who lead for the joy of it. They recognize the need, strive to develop a godly and Christlike character, and desire to see souls led to Christ.

When the combination of these three elements exist, great blessings will follow.

Even Paul referred to those who led with the wrong motives. The challenge for us is to examine why we lead and learn to lead for the joy of an eternal outcome that is worth the effort.

“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” John F. Kennedy

The subjects of leadership and learning have been discussed before.

However, coming across this quote by Kennedy raised a number of ideas that seemed important enough to revisit this idea.

A mindset does exist, often referred to as a leadership myth, that once someone becomes a leader they having nothing left to learn. Nothing could be further from the truth.

We have all seen, or perhaps known, someone who basically felt like they were God’s gift to humanity. They believe others are inferior and that they have little or nothing to learn, especially if they have already visited the situation before.

Arrogance is a dangerous attitude to possess. It leads to a lack of gratitude, separation, and a delusional personality. Ultimately, it destroys any possibility of leading, at least from a godly position.

Leaders must be constantly learning. They must learn about people. They must be, as Wayne Roberts often says, “A people of the Word and the world.”

Both require one to be a learner. Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.

Throughout the book of Psalms the phrase “with all my heart” is found several times.

The Psalmist identifies some key thoughts connected to this phrase.

The most common thought is that of giving thanks. Imagine the power of leadership involved in giving thanks with all their heart.

The second thought is about seeking the Lord. Spiritual leaders cannot be effective without the drive of seeking a relationship with the Lord.

A third thought associated with this phrase is observing God’s law or word. The very foundation of leadership must be laid on God’s word.

Understanding the implication of any activity that includes all of our heart is critical to growth in relationship with God. The two words that strike to the core of these Psalms and this post are “all” and “heart.”

Do we really connect with the idea of “all?” There is no room for any measure of self when all is given to the Lord.

The idea of “heart” involves the seat of one’s emotions and existence. Here is where the very will of leadership is rooted.

With all my heart is a study worth applying.

How many times have leaders been in a position that no matter what decision was made there was a level of condemnation.

The result leaves leaders feeling as if they are being shot at from both sides, from the front and behind.

Leaders must be decisive, and they will always have to face attacks from the enemy in front them. However, they should not have to deal with attacks from followers behind them.

Herein lies the challenge of leadership. These situations have caused many spiritual and godly leaders to step down from the role they served. Sadly, it has also prevented many of the same type of leaders from ever stepping up to serve. What can be done to change the direction of this problem?

Pray with and for these leaders.

Always speak well of leadership to others.

Make it a habit to build them up publicly.

When a problem or disagreement arises, speak to leaders privately.

Encourage those who are godly to lead.

Begin preparing future leaders among the young now!

Good leadership does not happen by accident. We must be working to direct the future today.

To be observant as a leader should go without saying. The power behind the word this week is deeply tied to the defining nature of this word.

Alert: When leaders are alert they are quick to notice anything unusual or potentially dangerous. Various situations will require leaders to be alert, to act quickly. The spiritual battle that rages is one that requires leaders to be on the alert.

Watchful: Leaders who are carefully watching others and the situation are said to be watchful. Followers need those who are careful to look over the lives of those who have been entrusted to their care.

Aware: When there is a knowledge or perception of a situation or fact, leaders are aware. The challenge for leadership is learning to be aware of the background influencing the decisions, actions and words of others.

Attentive: How fitting is it that to be attentive, leaders must pay close attention to someone or something?

Other ideas could be used, but the basis for which leaders successfully lead is found in being observant. Observant leadership is not easy, it requires diligence, time, patience, and great love.

This common phrase changes everything about how a situation, project, plan, or goal is approached.

When an individual has “skin in the game” there is a level of commitment that moves one to greater action in achieving the desired result.

Skin in the game might involve money, time, ability, or even life itself. When a leader knows they must be invested, their commitment increases, because failing to accomplish the goal will cost them something.

Leadership in the Bible seems to follow this line of thinking. David understood the need for skin in the game as he offered sacrifice to God in 2 Samuel 24:24. He would not offer anything to God that cost him nothing.

The beauty of this thought is that if leaders will invest some skin in the game, they will find followers who are willing to do the same.

Leaders will also find it is a little more difficult to just simply walk away from their charge when they are invested.

Leadership will cost us something, but what we must recognize is that with God, it is worth the investment.