I recently visited Charlotte Burton, the mother of a very good friend, Ken Burton. In the short time we talked, I found great leadership wisdom.

Ms. Charlotte is 95 years old. She enjoys watching baseball. She loves to read. She can also carry the conversation about the events of NCIS.

As I listened, she described how she could not sleep the night before. She expressed how she passed the time re-living her life.

She talked about the changes in the world today from the world she grew up in. I found humor and agreement in the expression of her desire to run the government today.

I appreciated the lesson about being careful with money.

I loved her heartfelt gratitude for her husband’s careful planning.

I will remember the valuable thoughts about respect.

Respect the government, even if we do not like the individuals or decisions.

Respect people and their possessions.

Respect our elderly.

Respect the God who created us and placed us on this earth.

Thank you Ms. Burton for your time and the valuable lessons that will help my life and leadership in powerful ways.

Abraham Lincoln is credited with saying “nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”

In times when we receive power and authority, a question rises to the top. Will we remain true to our convictions?

Where do our convictions lie? What are our convictions based on? Do we have convictions? What convicts us the most?

Our convictions establish the guidelines for all decisions and actions in life.

Sadly, too often the answer may be determined only at that moment. We need to know our core values and the motivation for life, our convictions. We should know where we place the highest value.

Conviction involves faith, commitment and confidentiality. There is a level of confidence demonstrated because of what we believe.

What is more important, our convictions or money? Convictions or popularity? Convictions or job security?

Convictions become the basis for our character and character demonstrates the basis of our convictions.

Leadership is often called upon to solve problems. Moses dealt with the great burden of problem resolution.

Problem resolution, or conflict management, is a vital area in leadership. Tons of material has been written to help provide answers.

Recently, in a leadership class, we were discussing problem resolution. One of the areas prevalent to the discussion involved asking the right questions.

We tend to struggle in finding resolution because we are not asking the right questions.

What is the real problem? What are the obstacles? How can we overcome the obstacles? What must be done to resolve the issue(s)? Are there reasons a solution cannot be reached? Have all of the facts been gathered? What impact will the resolution have on everyone involved?

These are a few questions to be considered. Remember to ask open-ended questions. Questions beginning with “what” and “how” are less leading in nature. Questions beginning with “why” tend to make others defensive as if attacked.

There will never be an end to problems. Learning how to resolve problems quickly and effectively is the challenge. One positive step is to ask the right questions.

It is an age-old question. Are leaders born or made?

I appreciate the sentiment, “they are born because it is the only way they come into the world.”

It is hard to deny the facts presented on both sides. However, is it possible the answer to the question is both?

I am amazed at natural abilities. From the playground we see how children tend to lead quite naturally. Each team needs a captain. Someone has to choose the team.

I am also fascinated how people driven to improve their abilities, combined with effort, prove to become incredible leaders.

Leaders are not always the oldest in the family, wealthy, charismatic, or educated.

Remember the apostles.

From palace halls to the most humble of circumstances, leaders have come forth. On one hand, circumstances made the leader. On the other hand, leaders made the circumstances.

What we know is this…

Leadership is needed. We are all leading someone. The question is “where?”

You and I are in this world and we can make a difference. Let us make the most of the opportunities we are given to lead.

Reading about leadership in the Bible provides a wealth of information. There are both good and bad examples.

One of the areas permeating Israel’s leadership involves choices. There are a number of recurring lessons found throughout these examples of leadership.

1) Leaders must choose. To remain neutral is a choice, a choice to do nothing.

2) Leaders should listen to godly counsel. Leaders often allow their heart, friends, finances, or lust to drive their decisions. The end is tragic.

3) Leaders impact others by their choices. How many lives have been lost because of poor choices? As well, how many lives will be eternally thankful as a result of a leaders’ choice?

4) Leaders live tomorrow with the choices of today. Today’s choices will dictate the direction of tomorrow. Can we live with the responsibility?

We know the negative connotation generally associated with choices. We tend to think about the consequences more than the rewards.

Remember, we have the opportunity to make the right choice. Just as the wrong choice brings consequences, the right choice will bring reward.

Do not delay.

Seek godly counsel and trust in God’s guidance.

Commit to the right choice.

Saturday was a beautiful day. The morning was cool and the sun was shining. A “rake and take” was on the agenda. For the entire morning several Christians came together to rake leaves for a few members unable to take care of this task.

There is a sense of feeling good about helping others. I love the opportunity to provide for a need so appreciated.

However, it was not a good feeling or the opportunity to meet a need I will remember.

I was impressed by the work ethic of the young people who came to work…and they worked!

I was encouraged by their willingness to jump (pardon the pun) into the work without being told.

I was amazed at the stamina and focus to continue working without getting distracted by trivial matters (playing, visiting, cell phones, etc.).

I was thankful to know the motivation was a pure love for serving.

I am elated to think about our leaders of today and tomorrow. I know tomorrow will be better because of the young people I am watching today.

Thank you for your example. I pray you continue to lead as you did Saturday.

Recently, I saw an article entitled “Leaders Are To Lead.” At first glance, I thought it should be obvious. What else would leaders do?

Then, I began to realize how few spiritual leaders are really doing the job they were called to do.

The very idea of a leader emphasizes an activity. He is to lead.

Leading is an opportunity.

Leading is a choice.

Leading is a responsibility.

Leading is a necessity.

Spiritual leaders can make a difference in the direction of the future. Therefore, leading should never be taken lightly.

Where would you and I be without the spiritual leaders in our life? Where will others be if we do not lead? As we go throughout the day, I want our thoughts to be centered on the need for us to step up and lead.

God demands leaders to lead.

The church survives when leaders  lead.

The world’s only hope requires leaders to lead.

I hope you will join me in this quest.

What comes to mind when we think of “the end?” –the end of the movie? –the end of the line? –the end of life? –the end of all time?

Regardless, perhaps the better question is what will others remember about our leadership in the end? Commitment? Respect? Courage? Sacrifice? Service? Compassion? Accountability?

However we want our leadership to be remembered, we need to begin now with the end in sight.

If we do not know the desired outcome for the future, we cannot plan today.

Remember to have S.M.A.R.T. goals.

Invest in proper preparation.

Develop a solid plan.

Follow wise counsel.

Evaluate often.

Correct mistakes.

In all things, pray.

Truth be known, we have no idea when the end will come. Clearly, we need to be ready because we know there is an end.

If today were the end… would we lead differently? Well then, do it anyway, because it just might be! Souls depend on our understanding the necessity to lead with the end in mind.

Have we ever found ourselves in a position wondering, where do we go from here?

Are we lost? Confused? Discouraged? Disappointed? Uncertain?

In leadership, we will often approach various crossroads. A decision must be made concerning our direction.

Evaluate the past.

Research the options.

Consult the inner circle.

Present the possibilities.

Weigh the consequences.

Chart the course.

MOVE ahead.

The crossroads of leadership involve both one time and continual decisions. Thankfully, with the right foundation and approach, the decisions are easier.

Spiritual leadership has always been this way. We will approach the crossroads of the flesh versus the spirit; the kingdom of the world versus the kingdom of heaven; Satan versus Christ; darkness versus light. The path we take leads to death or life.

At the crossroads of leadership, choose wisely. The difference impacts everyone who follows.

It is not uncommon for a leader to be directionally challenged. Basically, the idea involves not knowing where we are going.

In leadership, each of us follows someone and someone is following us. The very thought puts us in a unique position.

If you want me to follow, then…

1) You must know where you are going.

2) The destination must be a place I want to go also.

3) I need communication along the way.

4) I want to contribute a measure of value to the journey.

These are a few of the thoughts I have regarding following a leader. If you share these ideas, then we all need to be mindful of the individuals who are following.

Are we trying to lead them to a place they want to go or do not want to go? Have we communicated adequately the information needed to reach the destination? Do we allow followers to be involved in ways that contribute value to the journey?

From a spiritual perspective, these ideas and questions should cause greater consideration in our leadership.