The pursuit of excellence should be in the forefront of every leader’s mind. If leaders do not excel, it is difficult for followers.

Biblically, we find the idea used frequently. The apostle Paul commended the church at Thessalonica and then urged them to “excel still more.”

Perhaps the most significant use of excellence is found in the writings of Peter. Christians are instructed to keep their behavior excellent among the Gentiles. The idea involves the quality of a Christian’s character in the world.

By definition, Peter writes about conduct contributing to the salvation of others.

The thought is powerful in light of the excellence leaders must demonstrate. We must look at the conduct of our life and ask, “is my example contributing to the salvation of others?” If the answer is no, then we have a responsibility to change. Spiritual leaders have been entrusted with the souls of others. We must pursue a standard of excellence in order to lead the lost to Christ and aid Christians in reaching a dedicated level of faithfulness.

Remember the words of Aristotle, “we are what we repeatedly do – excellence is not an act, it is a habit.”

I have a book on my desk titled “Checklist for Life for Teachers.” The book is designed to provide devotional thoughts to strengthen the character needed in teachers.

The idea moved me to think about a similar concept for leaders. Leaders strive to instruct, offering knowledge, wisdom, experience, and guidance to mold the lives of others. However, the role of leadership extends beyond these areas. The life of a spiritual leader is a role model, a godly example of how to live.

Followers are watching. They look to leaders for a better understanding of how to live in this world. They want to know how to overcome the daily challenges of life. Regardless of whether we want the responsibility or not, the truth remains. Our example makes a difference.

Since this is true, spiritual leaders need a checklist for their character. A leadership examination should be a daily discipline to ensure our life measures up to our leadership.

Lead with integrity.

Teach with passion.

Motivate with love.

Above all else, trust completely.

Perhaps you have seen the commercial. Life throws you a problem, a challenge too great to handle. No problem, just push the “easy” button.

While an easy button might help in the purchase of office supplies, life and leadership do not work this way.

It is interesting how the challenges in life and leadership tend to occur when the path is operating the smoothest.

Perhaps we were just beginning to see the proverbial “light at the end of the tunnel.”

Maybe success was in reach after months or years of intensive planning and work.

Believe it or not, there are times when one challenge begins and another sits down next to it, possibly three or four all at once.

We are all aware of needing an easy button. We want a chance at a fresh start.

The challenge before leaders is recognizing when difficulties arise and knowing how to lead.

No one is exempt. Spiritual leaders face the task of helping those who face these struggles, face them with confidence and assurance. We need hope. Christ is the only possibility. He did not promise an easy button in life, but an opportunity of  a fresh start. Let us lead others to Him.

Jesus asked this question on more than one occasion. Generally, His question was directed toward the apostles. Did they struggle with doubt in who they were or who Jesus was? Was Jesus asking the question to challenge their fears?

No one is exempt. All of us, at one point or another, will encounter situations creating fear and/or doubt. In those moments we should ask, where is our faith?

The need for faith will arise in the moment of trial.

The strength of our faith is tested in times of controversy and challenge.

The devotion of our faith will be determined by our endurance.

To lead spiritually requires a strong faith. Our faith cannot be in ourselves. We cannot rely solely upon our own strength and abilities. We need faith in our God. We need faith in others.

Regardless of the circumstance, the outcome will be decided by our faith.

Where is our faith?

Tradition is a word and a concept that stirs a variety of thoughts. Tradition can either be good or bad, right or wrong.

Families develop traditions around special occasions.

Education programs use traditions to establish a sense of order and direction for planning.

Religious ceremonies often become traditionalized for the sake of time or practice, or just out of habit.

Traditions should not be discarded simply because of a desire to be different, or to change.

At the same time, traditions should never become the standard because “that’s the way we have always done it,” or “we’ve done it that way for years.”

Spiritual leaders should exercise caution in determining their leadership. Traditional leadership based on the word of God will always be right and true. Traditional leaders will face challenges in holding up the Biblical pattern in times when the winds of change are blowing.

Decisions will be difficult unless a Biblical foundation is established.

Providing direction when it is foggy, at best, will require diligence.

Be prayerful, stand firm in faith, exercise wisdom, and always remember God’s will to work through you.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all? We have heard the fairy tale and perhaps joked of the absurdity of a mirror responding to our requests.

However, have we looked in the mirror lately? The idea of looking into a mirror is a Biblical concept.

Mirrors reflect the image standing before it. The concept can be literal or symbolic, physical or spiritual. James writes about the need to look into the mirror of God’s word and see if His word is reflected in our lives.

Sadly, mirrors have often become a tool of vanity.

Mirrors have also provided a benefit to those who have taken advantage of their purpose.

Spiritual leaders need to desperately look into the mirror of their leadership. The image reflected helps determine the core of our existence and what we desire to accomplish.

Look intently. Examine beyond the surface. Make the changes needed. Lead with purpose based upon our true reflection.

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.