The world is full of symbols: political symbols, social symbols, educational symbols, and even religious symbols.

We often utilize symbols for ideas like unity, respect, tolerance, peace, hope, and love.

A symbol is generally a material object representing something abstract.

Few ideas are more abstract than the concept of spiritual leadership, which raises a question. What symbol would represent spiritual leadership?

The gavel represents a legalistic leader, decisive and dogmatic.
The eagle represents a presidential leader, representative and political.
The swastika represents a dictatorial leader, aggressive and autocratic.
The crown represents a kingly leader, superior and majestic.
The lamb represents a gentle leader, patient in suffering.
The cross represents a sacrificial leader, purposeful and loving.

While there are others, I wonder what symbol best represents our spiritual leadership? Would the symbol of the cross, representing the purposeful and loving sacrifice of Jesus, accurately describe our leadership? Why or why not? Maybe we should reevaluate our spiritual leadership.

Our leadership is worth the effort to make certain it is represented accurately and Biblically.

Looking out the window of our home reveals much activity. Cars travel quickly to their destination. A game of baseball is played between two high schools. Neighbors are working in the yard and playing with their children.

Apart from these activities, something must not be overlooked. The view from our window reveals a very special and yearly occurrence… life.

The grass is beginning its transformation from dormancy to vibrant green. The barren limbs of trees lining the streets are beginning to bud into the beautiful colors adorning their branches. In the distance the magnificence of the Rocky Mountains glow as the eastern sun rises.

Viewing creation reminds me of a wise and powerful Creator who graciously designed us with the ability to recognize His handiwork.

The contrast beyond my window reminds me of the need for leaders to make certain we see from the right perspective. It is easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of life and miss the transformation of life. Leading others to Christ brings life. The magnificence of God’s love will shine demonstrating the gracious design of His eternal plan. Think Souls!

V.E. Howard familiarized the question in his radio broadcast and public preaching. Three simple words, but the importance is astounding. Are you listening?

Jesus used a similar phrase in his ministry, “he who has ears to hear, let him hear.” In other words, are you listening?”

One of the most important qualities of a leader in effective communication is the ability to listen. Instead of listening, we tend to be thinking about our response. We are waiting for someone to draw breath so we can jump in and speak.

A favorite account of mine from the Old Testament is Genesis 23. Abraham wants to buy a piece of land as a gravesite for his wife, Sarah. Ephron speaks as if he wants to give the land to Abraham, but Abraham insists on buying it. Take a moment to read verses 15-16. It is easy to overlook what Ephron says. However, Abraham did not. The text says, “and Abraham listened to him.”

What a powerful lesson. We must learn to listen. We should listen with our ears, eyes, and hearts.

People are hurting and need leadership. Are we listening?

Never make a promise you can’t keep. I have heard this throughout my life and it holds true to every area of life: work, marriage, parenting, and spiritual leadership.

The word promise is a key thought throughout scripture. Peter referred to the benefits of obeying the gospel as a “promise for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”

Paul spoke of Gentiles being “strangers to the covenants of promise.” He later wrote concerning the power of the gospel to make the “Gentiles as fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus.”

God made a promise swearing with an oath, to both Abraham and David, concerning the coming of Jesus.

The writer of the book of Hebrews uses the promise made to Abraham as foundational to understanding God’s promise to us, since it is impossible for God to lie.

God’s promises give our spiritual leadership purpose. We are leading souls to Christ to receive a promise made by our God, an eternal promise worth giving and living our life to receive.

The history of April Fools’ Day is interesting. It would seem this day allows justification of hoaxes, practical jokes, or pranks.

Now that we are a week into April, why write about April Fools’ Day? I’m not.

The post is about predictability. To write such a post on April 1st is expected and predictable.

The rut is easy, comfortable, and predictable, especially in soul winning.

We never seem to find the time to go across the street to talk to a neighbor about Christ. We are busy with various activities with family and work. Starting a Bible study would fill up another night. When I get home at night I am tired and I just want to sit down and relax.

I can write this because I live it. I have made all the excuses. I have justified every action. However, my neighbor, the grocery clerk, gas station attendant, shoe salesman, and waitress, all still need Christ.

I (we) have to get out of the rut, get uncomfortable and start thinking souls. We are spiritual leaders and our task on earth is to lead others to Christ…. no fooling.

Nothing is easy about being a spiritual leader. It stands in contrast to the worldly concept of leadership.

The focus of the world is self. The world is self-centered, self-serving, self-sufficient, and far too often, self-righteous. It’s all about ME!

Spiritual leaders do not serve themselves but others.
Spiritual leaders care about the soul and eternity.
Spiritual leaders know the value of the gospel and the change it brings.
Spiritual leaders understand the necessity of the work.

The head of a spiritual leader is understanding and willing.
The heart of a spiritual leader is humble and compassionate.
The hands of a spiritual leader are strong and serving.
The feet of a spiritual leader are active.

No, there is nothing easy about it. However, spiritual leadership makes a difference. Will we lead as spiritual leaders today?

On my flight to Guatemala, I overheard another passenger talking about the struggles of a present situation they were working to resolve. During the conversation, I overheard, “we just have to take it one step at a time.”

In the fast paced world we live in, how often do we overlook the simplicity and necessity of this statement?

We want the answer now. We want the problem resolved quickly. We do not understand why it takes so long.

Leadership can fall into the same trap if not careful. It is easy to think the work should move along faster, goals accomplished sooner, and people respond more quickly.

Patience has not been one of my better qualities. However, visiting a number of countries in the Extension Program is helping me realize the need to take one step at a time.

My experience has been when a particular work starts quickly it struggles and often does not last. However, when thought and patience are given to the same work, developing each part of the plan, success is generally the result. A good rule of thumb is to take it one step at a time.

The world has a strange concept of hope. There is an element of doubt when the world speaks of hope. “I hope it rains today.” “I hope I pass my final exam.” “I hope our team wins the National Title.”

Sadly, this idea carries over into the church. How many think, “I hope I get to heaven?” Worldly hope lacks certainty. It would seem almost like a wish, perhaps a strong desire, but with little chance of fulfillment.

Biblical hope involves much more. For Christians, hope speaks of a desire that includes expectation. When considering the promises of God, Christians know there is fulfillment. We can count on it.

Spiritual leadership is about hope. Our leadership must not be characterized as a strong desire with little chance of fulfillment. We must help establish an expectation.

Listening leaders provide hope.
Confident leaders provide hope.
Learning leaders provide hope.
Conscientious leaders provide hope.

The very idea of “spiritual” leadership should exemplify the hope Christ came to provide all who will follow.

No! I am not talking about the movie.

Throughout the Old Testament we read of God’s deliverance of the children of Israel. We see the immeasurable patience and love of God in His deliverance. Israel’s continual rebellion led to their captivity. Inevitably, they would recognize their sin and cry to God for deliverance.

The ultimate deliverance was accomplished at the cross where Jesus took upon Himself what we deserved to receive. The result brought deliverance from our bondage to sin and its consequences.

God’s deliverance, through Christ, is identified as salvation, forgiveness, grace, and the indescribable gift.

It is the result of God’s immeasurable patience and love. Deliverance demonstrates the action provided by God as an example for us to follow.

Considering the lengths taken by God to provide for our greatest need raises a question. What are we willing to do in order to lead others to deliverance?

Our spiritual leadership is defined by it. The souls all around us depend on it. Think Souls!

As hard as it is to believe, today is the final day of the first quarter of 2011.

How are you doing with those New Year’s resolutions? What? Have you forgotten them? Maybe you never made any resolutions.

Regardless, the first quarter of the year is complete and we are beginning the second.

Most organizations require a quarterly report. This report is an evaluation of our work. Corporate leaders want to know the facts and figures contributing to the success or failure of plans to reach projected goals.

Should it be any different for spiritual leadership?

How often do we examine the success or failure of plans to reach our goal(s)?

We need to make a quarterly report today. We need to know where we are in connection to the destination we set out to reach.

Evaluations are usually difficult. We must examine what we do not want to face and take an honest look at reality. They are necessary. Our integrity will be demonstrated and challenged.

However, in the end, a quarterly report will help us prepare for the next step in our growth and development.