Several classes I have taken usually provide two lists of material to be read: required and recommended.

The thought behind these two seems to be self-explanatory. However, while it may be evident that required readings refer to the materials critical to the development of the purpose to be learned in the class, how do recommended materials fit?

After all, most people do not really read the recommended materials anyway, right? So, what purpose is met?

Recently I learned that recommended readings are given to help the student who desires to learn more about a particular subject. These materials are given because they provide additional benefit to the student.

Is our leadership seen as required or recommended? Do others follow because it is required? Is it because the general belief is that only by following will they receive an earned reward?

If others follow a recommendation, then they are following, generally, because they desire to go deeper and learn. The desire is to follow because of the additional benefit provided.

Perhaps it would be more accurate to state that leadership should be required and following is recommended. Interesting thought!

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

The key to this leadership thought is the word committed.

I will never forget the first time I heard a university football coach talk about three questions he asked each of the incoming football players.

Can I trust you?
Are you committed?
Do you care?

At the heart of these questions is the thought of commitment. I am convinced that when you take people who can be trusted, who are committed to the cause, and they care, they will change the world.

As Margaret Mead states, “It is the only thing that ever has.”

When we look at the early church, led by apostles who demonstrated the affirmative to all three questions, we find Christians who were willing to give their lives freely for Jesus.

Our leadership for Christ should demonstrate the same if we ever hope to change the world.

A number of presidents, dictators, and religious leaders have been instrumental in the direction of culture and society. However, a question must be considered: Did these leaders shape culture or did culture shape these leaders?

Initially, we might naturally think the answer is both. Certainly the culture has an influence on leadership and leadership has an influence on culture.

From a spiritual point of view, leaders cannot allow the culture to dictate the direction of God’s people, but leaders must shape the culture.

A leaders task is to shape the culture into the image of our Lord and Savior.

A leaders efforts must be to influence others for the Lord, leading those without Christ into fellowship with God through Christ.

How can leaders shape the culture today?

Leaders must understand the present culture.
Leaders must recognize the need within culture.
Leaders must provide an example to the culture.
Leaders must lead into a different, spiritual culture.

Just a step in the right direction will help shape the changes needed in culture to direct a greater focus toward Christ.

Today is the first day of August 2012. On the surface today may not seem different from any other day.

However, a look at history shows a number of significant events. On this day in…

1834 slavery was abolished throughout the British empire.
1867 blacks voted for the first time in a state election in Tennessee.
1946 President Truman establishes the Atomic Energy Commission.
1975 Thirty-eight government leaders signed the Helsinki accord.
2001 Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore has a Ten Commandments monument installed in the judiciary building.

There are a number of events that occurred on this day and a number of famous leaders were born.

With such history could today be just another day? Not a chance.

A number of events from the past can make a difference in history. Regardless, today is an opportunity to influence someone for the cause of Christ.

Lead them to the Savior of the world. Help them find forgiveness through the blood of Jesus. Share the news of a God who loves them.

This is not just another day.

One of the qualities of good leaders is being decisive. In a recent discussion with a friend, the subject of nurses in Critical Care Units came up. He had experienced some time in the CCU after surgery and he specifically noted a difference in the type of nurses who worked in this unit versus the regular floor nurses.

When I inquired as to the difference, the main idea expressed involved their quick decisiveness in emergency situations.

Obviously, as leaders not every situation will be one of an emergency level. However, to hesitate can cost one’s leadership severely.

While there are thousands of decisions we make each day, i.e. what clothes to wear, food to eat, places to visit, etc. Most of these decisions are inconsequential.

There are some decisions that have eternal consequences, i.e. who we marry, how children are trained, where we live, people we associate with, obeying God’s word, etc.

Therefore, the decisiveness of spiritual leaders can change the eternal destination of others who follow their leadership.

Be decisive and lead with eternity in view. Think Souls!

Everyone is aware of the recent tragedy in Colorado where 12 people lost their lives and multiple others were injured when a young man walked into a movie theater and began shooting.

The outpouring of love, memorial service, websites dedicated to those left behind, and the articles written demonstrate how such an event touches us.

However, what can be said to comfort the families who are hurting? How can we provide answers to why an event such as this occurs? Where can solace be found?

We know words written on a page or spoken from our hearts cannot replace their loss.

At times there is comfort in silence, a gentle hug, a prayer, and time.

I am not certain how God works in every situation to heal and comfort the hurting. For me, a hug and prayer can make a difference.

I may not find all the answers I am seeking, but knowing God is there and that He is working in every situation helps me find hope beyond the present.

Let us all lead with the compassion of God to comfort others in time of tragedy.

“We are creating tomorrow’s society of citizens through the social sector, everybody is a leader, everybody is responsible, everybody. Self-assessment can and should convert good intentions and knowledge into effective action – not next year but tomorrow morning.” Peter F. Drucker

It would be easy to spend several posts dealing with every detail of this quote. However, there is one specific area necessary for our attention. Notice the emphasis at the end of the quote on immediate effective action.

Too often the thought of making changes in our lives involves a future time; the first of the week, first of the year, or when other areas of life improve.

When it comes to changes we know we need to make, why would we put those changes off for another time. If we need to make them, then we should make them now.

Leaders should help others see the changes to be made and provide the tools and encouragement to make those changes.

When we examine where we are and where we need to be, applying the knowledge we have gained into effective action is where growth occurs.

The mind is powerful and there is no way to explore how our mind works or how much of the brain remains untapped.

It is fascinating just to think about the ability we have to remember. We are able to remember events from many years before. We are also able to remember dates, places, names, smells, sounds, and thousands of other areas.

Sadly, a person can do good their whole life and then make a bad choice and all the good is forgotten. They will be remembered for the mistake. Thankfully, the opposite is generally true.

Spiritual leaders must consider every area of their life. Knowing that people remember what they see longer than what they hear, how will our leadership be remembered?

Will it be remembered for our words or actions?
Will it be remembered for being a servant of others?

People are always watching. The higher we go in leadership the more visible our lives become and, sadly, the more our lives are lived under a microscope.

Before we speak or act, it is worth the time to consider how our leadership will be remembered.

Although it is not my forte, I have tried working on a number of different mechanical items over the years from cars to electronics.

I might have enjoyed more success if I had learned some valuable lessons about getting the right tool for the job and the importance of knowing my limitations.

I generally try to make the tools I have available work or bluff my way through. The problem is I end up creating more work to repair what I have destroyed in my attempts to use a less than adequate tool.

I can see many similarities to leadership. There are often jobs that need to be done as a leader and we tend to approach the job without having the right tool, or being properly prepared and equipped to accomplish the work.

The result can create more problems than the initial conflict needed. It would do leaders well to learn to take the time and do whatever is necessary to prepare to achieve the job successfully.

Having the right tool in leadership can make the difference now and eternally. Think Souls. Prepare and know your limitations!

For several years I have loved the definition behind the original Greek word translated entrust. The idea has to do with placing into the hand of another.

When Paul wrote Timothy, he instructed him to guard what had been placed into his hand (entrusted). He then instructs Timothy to take what had been placed into his hand and place it into the hands of those who are faithful to teach others.

When something has been entrusted to us (placed into our hands) we have a great responsibility to care for, guard, protect, cherish, and faithfully use according to the trust given.

Spiritual leaders have been entrusted with the glorious gospel of Jesus. Considering what has been placed into our hands, it deserves our care and protection. We should guard, cherish and faithfully use according to the trust given.

One day we will give an account for the stewardship of God’s word that has been entrusted to us, as well as, the souls of those we lead.

Therefore, the word of the week deserves our attention and what we have been entrusted with deserves our diligence.