An upside means there is also a downside. The downside represents the negative. The upside is positive. No one likes to think about the downside. We like the upside.

In a recent trip to Oklahoma City, my flight home was delayed. Regardless of the amount of time, being delayed in getting home is never a positive event. The delay was certainly the downside. However, the upside is the plane arrived and we were able to finally reach home.

Why is it life and leadership cannot all be the upside? Is there a purpose to dealing with the negative struggles challenging life and leadership?

Spiritual leaders know the downside helps in developing an appreciation for the upside.
God’s perfecting power in our lives results from enduring the downside.
The downside is designed to equip us with an ability to help others who are suffering.

The difference is determined in the way leadership approaches these challenges. The downside is the fact challenges and problems are going to come. The upside is they are only temporary.

Lead with the hope of knowing there is an upside.

What is it about the other side of the fence? At some point we all have a tendency to admire and desire something we see on the other side of the fence. After all, the grass is always greener on the other side, right?

The other side might take the form of material objects, our job, living in a new location, or a relationship.

Consider a few ideas about the “greener” side.

1) If something appears to good to be true, it generally is.
2) Most often, the other side is not always what it first appears.
3) An inappropriate desire for the other side leads to sin.
4) Focusing on the other side distracts us from the present work.
5) Remember, someone else is looking with desire to our side of the fence.

Leadership has a responsibility to stay focused on the goal ahead. We must also help followers avoid being distracted by what appears to be greener grass on the other side of the fence.

Children can be challenging. Raising them properly requires patience. It can often be hard to understand young children trying to communicate.

Our grandchildren talk, but I generally need an interpreter, because I have no idea what they are saying. At times, I just nod or say, “is that right?” But I would not trade a minute for every word. At times I wonder if they understand all I try to say to them.

I know their parents are leading them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. I want my life to be an example as well. In order to do so, it will take patience. It could be these precious children need to be patient with their parents and grandparents. But we all know it is parents and grandparents who must be patient.

Leading is not easy, especially in areas of communication. We must be patient. Spiritual leadership requires patience.

We should know misunderstandings exist.
We should look to ourselves first when there is a problem.
We should remember most issues are resolved with better communication.
And we must realize it takes time. Be patient.

Power is often associated with leadership. The problem arises when leadership abuses power, or bases their power on an inward self-centeredness.

One of the key words in the New Testament is the word power. Paul’s use of this word is primarily focused on the gospel and Christ. Romans, Ephesians, and Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth all place an emphasis on this word.

It should be noted, this word is not always translated as “power.” In 1 Corinthians 3:11, Paul literally writes “no man has the power to lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus the Christ.” Another passage worth reading is Ephesians 3:20, “now to Him who has the power to make it happen…according to the power that works within us.”

Spiritual leadership must be built on the power of God.

When our leadership turns inward and self-centered, it will fail.

Leadership is about power, but the power comes from our God through His gracious gift, Jesus.

He is the power to save. He is the power to make it happen. He is the power to lead.

Prayer can be a subject often taken for granted. The application to how we draw closer to God, grow spiritually, or endure trials is often just to pray more.

I am not trying to downplay the importance or use of prayer. In fact, I believe it is one of the most powerful, unused, tools in the Christian arsenal.

We have listened to and probably led numerous prayers.

What is prayer? How should we pray? Why do we pray? Does prayer really influence God?

The book of James emphasizes prayer. Seven times in the last eight verses of the book, James uses prayer.

Several controversial issues could be discussed from this section. However, this is not our purpose.

Three keys to spiritual leadership rise to the top.

1) Elders are identified as righteous men who are to pray.
2) The working prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
3) Turning sinners from their error will save them.

Leading people to salvation must be at the heart of a righteous leaders’ prayer.

…is an often used phrase and the title of a hit song from the late 70’s. The song expresses confidence to defeat whoever or whatever is faced.

I am not suggesting we ask God to allow Satan to throw his best shot. I remember Job. God knew Job’s limitations and, short of death, allowed Satan his best shot. Job lost his possessions, children, and health.

My interest here is the confidence to endure whatever Satan brings. Spiritual leaders are going to face challenges. Rest assured, Satan will throw everything God allows in an attempt to stop our work.

How can we develop the confidence to withstand Satan? The answer is based in Ephesians 6:10-18. We need the Lord’s strength and His armor. Herein lies the power to defeat Satan’s best shot.

Every piece of armor is vital for equipping spiritual leaders with confidence.

God knows our limitations.
We must not leave off any piece of armor.
We cannot fight unprotected.
We must prepare before, not during, battle.
The war will be fierce.

We must hit Satan with our best shot. The Lord will be victorious. We will win!

…is a familiar idiom. It is the moment of truth, not talk, but action.

In athletics, it is being a clutch player. I played basketball in High School. I used to shoot free throws for hours. At times I would make 90-95%. In practice I was at the top of my game. However, stepping up to the line during the game is where the rubber met the road.

When it counts is where athletes learn how good they are…or not.

I read and discuss leadership in several venues. I love the subject. I especially enjoy discussing it with men I admire as leaders.

However, there is a difference in learning and doing.

When tough decisions must be made, the rubber meets the road.
How mistakes are handled is where the rubber meets the road.
Our response when receiving criticism is where the rubber meets the road.

Here is where true leadership is discovered. Let us stand strong when our leadership is tested.

There are those who see what needs to happen, those who make it happen, and those who make it happen when it counts.

Be a clutch leader.

My wife and I recently made reservations and stayed at a local hotel in Jackson, TN. We wanted an inexpensive, but comfortable, place to sleep.

When we arrived, we were not impressed with the appearance. We had to wait to check in. When we finally checked into the room, again, we were not overly impressed.

However, the next morning, as we walked in for breakfast, the clerk from the night before greeted us, “good morning Mr. and Mrs. Turner, how was your night’s rest?” I was impressed.

It was just a little thing, but remembering our names and greeting us made the difference.

Remembering someone’s name and greeting them is important.

“I’m not good with names” is a common excuse. However, we remember what is important to us.

If we want to make a difference, someone’s name is important. Is your name important to you? Remembering something as simple as a name is powerful.

Carry a pad and write down their name.
Repeat their name in the conversation.
Afterwards, make a note to associate with their name.

Remember, little things make a big difference.

A number of key words occur throughout the Bible. These words help define a theme and purpose for every book.

There are some words used consistently throughout the entire New Testament translated in different ways. One such word is the focus of today’s post. It is generally translated as “do,” “act,” “produce,” and a number of other words. However, this particular word stands out because the original meaning is powerful – make it happen.

For example, Jesus taught; “everyone who hears these words of mine and does (acts upon) them, is like a man who built his house upon the rock.” The idea is to take the words of Christ and make them happen.

In spiritual leadership we need to make it happen.

A common element among all leaders is they make things happen. It could be both good and bad, but the bottom line is leaders make things happen. As spiritual leaders we need to take the words of Christ and make them happen.

What perspective do we have on what we are accomplishing? When the Lord examines our leadership, will it be characterized by what we made happen?

Discouragement plagues leadership at the most unusual times and ways. Generally, when it is least expected, discouragement tends to come in like stealth.

During these experiences in leadership we need to remember to keep pushing.

Satan is diligent in his efforts to discourage us. He knows if he can discourage us enough, we will quit. Keep pushing.

Quitting is an easy way out. However, is it really?

Will quitting help us reach the goal? Will it accomplish the will of God?

What happens to those who are following if leadership quits?

Discouragement is inevitably going to happen. How we deal with discouragement makes the difference in spiritual leadership.

Keep pushing.

The antonym to discouragement is encouragement. As interesting as it may sound, when we focus on encouraging others our own discouragement seems to disappear.

Remember, it can always be worse and there is always someone worse off.

As well, I have found an acronym to the word push helpful, Pray Until Something Happens.

God certainly knows how to aid His leadership in overcoming discouragement.