“The forbearing use of power does not only form a touchstone; but the manner in which an individual enjoys certain advantages over others is a test of a true gentleman. The power which the strong have over the weak, the magistrate over the employed, the educated over the unlettered, the experienced over the confiding, even the clever over the silly; the forbearing and inoffensive use of all this power and authority, or the total abstinence from it, when the case admits it, will show the gentleman in a plain light. The gentleman does not needlessly and unnecessarily remind an offender of a wrong he may have committed against him. He can only forgive; he can forget; and he strives for that nobleness of self and mildness of character which imparts sufficient strength to let the past be put the past.” General Robert E. Lee

I do not intend to reiterate the point made by General Lee, but think about the emphasis upon character and how character is demonstrated. It is worth remembering as spiritual leaders that character determines the difference in success and failure.

Amidst the millions of choices we make in our lifetime, most are inconsequential. What type of clothes to wear for the day, and such like, are choices that have little bearing on others.

However, there are some choices that involve great consequences. For example, where to live, who to marry, children, raising children, etc., all deal with actions that will affect others and our society.

The greatest choice we make is connected to our relationship with God. The expression of our faith in a committed life as a servant of God affects far more than just our own eternal destiny.

If we are going to take a step in the right direction of leadership, then we need to make choices that will help others find the path to eternal life.

We share good news for overcoming the past. We give confidence for getting through the present. We provide hope for living in a better future.

Others are seeking someone to lead them in the right direction. Let us step up to the challenge and be leaders for the cause of our Lord.

Also known as a champion, upholder, backer, supporter; everyone needs an advocate. From a Biblical perspective, Jesus is our Advocate. The idea behind the Biblical definition involves someone to come alongside and stand in the place of someone else.

I do not intend to make this post solely about Jesus and His role as our Advocate. The intent of this post is to consider our position as leaders.

When people are struggling with their faith, do they know they have an advocate?

When we see people dealing with the challenges of daily life, are we there as an advocate?

When others are stepping out to accept responsibility, will we be an advocate for them?

Everyone needs to know someone will be there by their side to be a champion for them. Whether it is during a time of temptation, personal trial, or spiritual growth, leaders must be an advocate for those who follow.

The necessity of such is vital to the development of the Lord’s church. As Christians, we need to know the Advocate we have in Jesus and we need to know the advocate we have in leadership.

Determining the cost of various items or activities seems to be of interest to nearly everyone. What does it cost to get an education? What does it cost to raise a family? What does it cost to enjoy freedom?

What price will leadership pay to lead?

The answer to this question will certainly vary from one person to the next. As well, the type or style of leadership will also determine the answer.

The cost of leading a major corporation or country will be greater than leading a social club or small business.

Considering the cost of spiritual leadership will also involve a number of factors. We should remember that the value of spiritual leadership versus a business style of leadership cannot be measured.

The cost of leadership for Jesus involved his life. Somehow I have the feeling the same will be required of us, although not necessarily in physical death, but we should be ready and willing if so required.

Perhaps the most important thought to remember concerning the cost of spiritual leadership is one of being a servant. The cost involves putting others above ourselves. Think Souls!

“Malachi will translate for you.” Isaiah Ramseur

I enjoy spending time with my grandsons and I learn a great deal from them every time we are together.

Recently, our youngest grandson, Isaiah, was trying to tell me something. I could not understand what it was, so I looked at our son-in-law and said, “I need a translator.” Just then Isaiah says, “Malachi will translate for you.”

After a good laugh I could not help but think about how often we need someone to translate for us, even when we are speaking the same language.

It is not uncommon for leaders to use terminology that may not exactly communicate what others understand. As well, followers can speak in ways that leaders do not understand.

This may be a simple problem of listening, but it could also mean we need a translator. At times we all need someone who is able to understand what is being said and can communicate it in ways others understand.

Think about your leadership. Do others understand what you are communicating and the direction you are leading? If not, you may need a translator.

Several leaders I admire talk about leading from 30,000 feet. Recently, I was given an article about the Work of Leadership and one of the principles listed involved leaders “getting on the balcony.”

The idea behind this principle states that leaders need the ability to view the entire operation so they can see when and where to implement the needed changes for growth. Thus, within this context leading from 30,000 feet has meaning.

Leaders do have a responsibility of being “in the field of action,” but they must be able to move back up to the balcony to have a good view of the entire operation so they can use their time in the field wisely in bringing change.

From the balcony (or 30,000 feet) leaders can also see where problems develop, then get involved to help control the environment, maintain the necessary discipline, and give the work back to people.

When leaders in the Lord’s church lead from 30,000 feet they are able to address matters appropriately and provide the leadership God intends in helping others remain faithful in reaching heaven. Think Souls.

The motive behind our words and actions is always critical to the success of our leadership. We can also be quick to challenge the motives behind the words and actions of others.

It can be very disturbing when we learn someone has ulterior motives. The idea of an ulterior motive indicates a hidden agenda that goes beyond the obvious or stated.

The difficulty that often accompanies an ulterior motive is being able to prove the motive. We tend to make accusations about the motives of others because we assume, based on words and actions, the individual has a hidden agenda.

This may or may not be true, but there is a truth here we need to consider. Simply stated, we cannot always know the ulterior motive of others, but we do know our own intent.

True spiritual leadership will demonstrate a transparency supported by the word of God. Therefore, we should lead others openly, making sure our words and actions promote a pure and sincere motive to lead as God would have us lead.

The news media recently discussed an ad dealing with the privilege of being a “white” American. One of the striking comments involved the privilege of being an American.

We are all aware of the challenges of racism and the problems resulting from such arrogance, hatred and aggression. Apart from the fact it is Biblically wrong, there are a number of elements that make it socially wrong as well. However, the true privilege within our world today is twofold.

The first is the privilege God has given us to be His children. In a world where 50% of the population has never heard the name of Jesus, consider why you and I were privileged to hear the name of Jesus and the good news of His life, death and resurrection.

Second, we find privilege in the opportunity given to lead. The need for leaders is obvious on numerous fronts. However, the need for spiritual leadership increases even further considering the number of people who have no hope.

While giving thought to the idea of privilege, let us focus on the responsibility we have because of the privilege given each of us.

While I grew up listening to Country music and Southern Rock, I am fascinated by the Blues. Several bands I have enjoyed over the years had an ability to combine Southern Rock and Blues. One of my favorite songs, written by Robert Johnson and performed by numerous acts, is called “Crossroads.”

Several have tried to explain the meaning of this song. The most revealing involves Johnson’s struggle with loneliness, especially connected to the desperation of finding his way home from an unfamiliar place.

Leadership can certainly be a lonely place. The higher one goes in leadership the greater the responsibility. The result creates times of loneliness.

Leadership will also take us into unfamiliar places where desperation exists to find our way home and lead others home.

The result brings us to a crossroads where we will question our leadership. We are faced with making challenging decisions.

Spiritually, our life constantly faces crossroads. The decisions we make at those times in our life determine salvation or condemnation. Our leadership serves to help others at the crossroads of their life to make the right decisions and find their way home.

“No one ever finds life worth living—he has to make it worth living.” – Unknown

The value found in life is really determined by what we find valuable. Leaders cannot make life worth living for themselves or others unless they know what is valuable.

If we place value on what we achieve or obtain in this life, then chances are we will not look back on a life worth living. Our purpose in life is simply based in what we do, what others say about us and what we have materially, physically (health and family), or intellectually.

However, if we place value on helping make life better for others (materially, physically, intellectually) and if we seek the eternal well being of others, beginning with our families, then reaching the end of life will be a journey well lived.

Here is where true leadership is found. The old adage of Jesus first, others second, and yourself last has merit. I believe when we follow this order we are going to find that self really does not need a place, because a life worth living will be lived.