“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.

As I observe our grandchildren growing up, an interesting question comes to mind; who is really leading who?

While I would like to think, and I do, that as parents and grandparents we have a powerful influence in the development of these little lives as they grow.

However, it is interesting how they have ways of leading in their own right.

They know how to get everyone’s attention and quickly.

They know how to follow, even when it is not exactly the direction they want at the time.

They know they must learn how to work together with others, even though it is challenging for a child.

They know the value of giving love unconditionally, even when they have their feelings hurt.

They freely forgive and move on without a holding grudge.

Perhaps most important, they know that unsolicited hugs and good manners usually get them what they want.

Review this list and think about leadership. While we are to have influence in the lives of others, and I believe we do, perhaps a leadership lesson from children would help us all improve in our ability to lead.

A recent USA Today article claims between 1983 and 2009 stress in women has risen by 18% and 24% in men.

What creates such stress in our lives and why is it increasing? The article connected stress to three major factors: age, education and finances.

It is amazing how much our lives are connected to the perception of who we are and who we are is directly related to what we do, what others say about us, and what we have.

Study the temptations of Jesus and notice how Satan’s attack was connected to these three areas. However, Jesus knew who He was (God’s beloved Son, cf. Mt. 3:17) and no matter what happened in His life, He held on to this truth.

Only when we recognize we are the beloved children of God can we overcome this misconception. Leadership must help remove stress in this struggle of life.

We all face success and failure. Others will speak well of us and against us. We will also deal with times when we have and do not have things. Whatever happens, we must remember who we are!

What is it that frustrates us most? While the list is endless, let me attempt to name a few.

Do we get frustrated at incompetence? We just want people to do their job and care about doing it right.

Do we get frustrated at arrogance? It is challenging to hear others write or speak in ways that elevates themselves as better than others.

Do we get frustrated at hypocrisy? How badly we are looking for others to live what they claim to be.

Do we get frustrated at deception? Is it really too much to ask people to be true to their word?

Do we get frustrated when we see all the above?

Leadership is not unique when it comes to frustration. Followers get frustrated when they see leadership involved in any of the above also.

John Maxwell is credited with saying, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.”

It begins with us as leaders to set the example, providing a standard to follow. We must demonstrate patience and understanding in helping gently lead others to this standard, not condemn them or act condescendingly concerning their actions. Think Souls.

From the Old Testament to the New there are continual references to a land promised to God’s people. The children of Israel lived in captivity as slaves to the nation of Egypt anticipating the day someone would come and lead them to the promised land, a physical “land flowing with milk and honey.”

As well, God’s people today are living with the anticipation of a land God has promised. It is not a physical land here on earth, but a land beyond anything we can comprehend. This land will be one of rest where there will be no sickness or death.

The challenge is to recognize two great truths. One, we live in a world that is enslaved as captives to sin. They need someone to lead them with the anticipation of a better land.

Two, God’s people need leaders who will help them keep their focus on this promised land and not become enslaved again to sin.

The world and the church today need leaders who can see the promised land and are willing to lead others there.