We have all heard people say, or perhaps said ourselves, “don’t be late.”

Being late is intriguing. Some people are perpetually late. Oddly enough, those who are habitually late for various engagements are rarely, if ever, late for work. Why?

Frustration mounts when we are waiting on someone.

Thoughts run rampant as to the “excuses” we will hear as an explanation.

We have probably written the script in our minds as to what will be said and how we will respond.

The concept of being late is the result of a time oriented culture?

Event oriented cultures are never concerned with being late, because it does not exist.

Since this is a time oriented culture,  how should we deal with it?

Leadership! Obviously, we begin at the top. If we are teaching in a Bible class, our students should not be waiting on us to arrive. If we are organizing an event, volunteers should not be standing around wondering where to go and what to do.

If we understand the inappropriate nature of being late for work, why should it be accepted otherwise?

Leaders set and hold forth the example.

We’ve come a long way from the days of “Lost In Space” computer technology. Since this is true, we are familiar with the downloading.

Downloading is a common occurrence with files, programs, or general information from Internet sources.

Think about it for a minute. The idea is about providing information from one source to another in an understandable format. The purpose is intended to provide beneficial information.

We have all heard or experienced the challenges of downloading a virus. A virus can hinder, shut down, and/or destroy the working function of the computer.

As I am writing this post, my computer is downloading an update for a program I use frequently. These updates are beneficial to the overall performance of my computer.

Consider our spiritual leadership.

People who listen and follow are constantly downloading information from us. Is the information hindering, shutting down or destroying the working function of their service? Are we providing information in an understandable, beneficial format? Does the information received improve the overall performance of the individual or group?

Our leadership can make a difference. Make sure those who are following are downloading the right material.

Paul is not unique in writing about love. However, Paul’s leadership was not just writing about love. His leadership was motivated by love.

Paul wrote about the love of Christ controlling us. He defined love directing relationships within the church. He also demonstrated love in placing the wellbeing of others above himself.

Paul understood the need to “practice what you preach.” He also understood the power of love demonstrated by God grace. This same power works within us in ways immeasurable.

Leadership needs to study the subject of love and all its implications when leading.

Love seeks the best for others before self.

Love knows the value of discipline, when and where.

Love searches for truth in all circumstances.

Love is not quick to condemn, but believes innocent until proven guilty.

Love never fails.

Followers will put their trust in leaders who love them. The motivation for a leaders decisions and actions should always be love.

I know today is a day shared with family. I also know, as is often expressed, this is not the only day we should be thankful. I believe everyone reading this post understands.

Expressing gratitude is a Biblical principle and Paul was one who understood the power of these two words, “thank you.”

Paul frequently spoke of his gratitude on behalf of the activity of his Christian brothers and sisters. He knew the necessity of expressing thanks before a meal, even in the midst of adverse circumstances. Paul was thankful for God’s physical blessings. However, nothing compared to his gratitude for the grace and mercy God had shown him, the foremost of sinners.

There are so many leadership ideas wrapped up in need for gratitude.

Be thankful:

For the activities of God’s people…

For the opportunities given by God…

For God’s grace and mercy received in Christ Jesus…

For this day and all it represents in the daily lives of Christians.

I know I am thankful for each of you and I pray for you daily.

I have been privileged to know people I would describe as passionate. I am amazed at the infectious nature of their passion.

One of the most passionate individuals we can read about is Paul. Although the word is not used, the evidence of passion was a driving force in Paul’s life and leadership. How else can we explain his willingness to suffer for Christ?  Why would Paul carry such daily concerns for the church if not for his passion?

Passion is consuming. Is there any other reason Paul would write the church at Corinth, “I determined to know nothing among you save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified?”

Passion must drive our leadership. However, knowing the need for passion and having it are two different ideas.

We need to make a decision to be passionate. Flee from negativity.

Above all, remember passion will only exist when we believe! This is more than just a belief in Jesus as the Son of God. It is a consuming fire requiring a sacrificial life.

Leaders, be passionate.

Several key leadership principles are demonstrated in the life of the apostle Paul. Obviously, not all of them can be covered in a minute.

One of the principles is based in Paul’s use of the word “know/knowledge.” His letter to the church at Philippi is a powerful example.

Paul’s credentials, listed in chapter 3, are impressive at any level. However, he concludes by saying they are all worthless in comparison to knowing Christ. In fact, nothing held more value than knowing Christ.

The depth of Paul’s description is impressive. He wanted an experiential knowledge of Christ. So deep was Paul’s desire, he wanted to know “the power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,” (v. 10).

Considering the need for spiritual leaders in the 21st century, how significant to examine this foundational approach. Spiritual leaders can only fulfill what God has called them to do on the basis of knowing Christ. This is not knowing about Christ, but knowing Him. When leadership flows from a knowledge of Christ the role will be driven to lead as Christ.

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.