Is there ever a time when we should give up?

Should we give up when the majority gives up? When the majority is against us? When failure seems obvious? When the obstacles are insurmountable? When there appears to be no hope?

How should we answer the question?

If you or I were in danger, at what point would it be acceptable for our rescuer to give up? When leadership is so desperately needed, will we give up?

No one is able to answer these questions for us. However, it is vital for spiritual leaders to give a greater level of consideration to them.

When souls are at risk, the future is uncertain, or all odds are against us, do not allow the first thought to be one of giving up.

The opportunity may open a door to achieve greatness. According to various accounts, Winston Churchill expressed it best, “never, never, never give up.”

How would our leadership be described? Ordinary or extraordinary?

Ordinary is described with no special or distinctive features, normal, uninteresting, commonplace. Imagine where leadership leads with an ordinary approach.

Extraordinary is described as very unusual or remarkable, unusually great. It does not take long to know how we should answer the call to leadership.

If leadership remains ordinary, the results will be normal. However, if leadership strives to be extraordinary, the results are remarkable.

Consider the impact on taking that which is usual, with no special or distinct features and making it very unusual and remarkable.

When we consider our influence as spiritual leaders, followers deserve ordinarily extraordinary leadership.

With the election behind us, maybe the promise of change will be seen, since there appears to be a change in the House and Senate.

Life is about change. We begin the process of change the day we arrive. We change from infancy to childhood, childhood to youth, youth to adulthood, and we eventually change back.

It is common for people to fear change. Even leaders fear change. We should embrace change as part of life (physically and spiritually).

Repentance is not a daily part of our vocabulary. Yet, this simple word can reach heights of complexity when it comes to application.

However, repentance means change; change of mind, will and direction. Repentance involves change that can be seen. The actions of today are not the same as they were the day before, at times even the minute before.

Obviously, not all change is good. But, all change is not bad either. In fact, change can and should be good. Spiritual leadership should embrace change that glorifies God, exemplifies truth to the lost, unifies the church, and modifies my life to be more like Jesus.

Over the weekend I made another trip involving an airport. I am constantly amazed at observing those who are walking, running, sitting, waiting, or standing in line.

Some sleep. Some talk on the phone. Some herd children. Some read a book. Some take pictures. There are also those on a computer, i.e. me!

It all speaks to how observant we are of the lives of those around us.

What opportunities are waiting?

What are we going to do with our time?

How will we impact the lives of others?

Will their journey be safe and successful?

Will their life be better because we encountered them?

We are all on a journey through life. It is easy to get caught up in so many issues we miss opportunities to change the lives of others because we are not observant.

Spiritual leadership is a servant leadership. The way we aid the lives of those who are following is through observation. We need to see the opportunities and act.

Try being still for a moment and observe the lives of people around you. It is interesting.

How many times have we heard someone say, “in my opinion?” Chances are we have even said it ourselves on more than one occasion.

Strangely, everyone has an opinion and, generally, about everything. All we have to do is ask and most people are willing to share it.

Pick a subject. There are plenty of opinions.

The scariest thought occurs when our opinions become an objective truth. No longer is it just an opinion, but rather the standard by which we hold others accountable.

Worse still is the idea that everyone’s opinion is justifiable as an eternal standard.

In my opinion, God will not be that picky.

In my opinion, God could not send anyone to an eternal punishment.

In my opinion, God’s grace will save everyone in the end.

In my opinion, we should starting focusing less on our opinions and more on the one standard by which we will all be held accountable. When we stand before God, opinions will be worth nothing. All that will matter is God’s word. As spiritual leaders, this is what we should be lifting up.

I find it amazing the credibility given individuals who predict the weather. Based on the information available, they put forth their best attempt to predict the unpredictable.

The idea of predictability involves someone or something behaving or occurring in a way that is expected. Few areas of life are really predictable.

People are far from predictable.

The economy is unpredictable.

Clearly, we cannot predict the political direction of the world.

In reality, even life itself is unpredictable.

Predictability is incredibly difficult in spiritual leadership as well. Perhaps it is because of the unpredictability of all of the above.

Spiritual leadership must provide a predictable stability for followers. In an ever-changing physical world, people should be able to expect spiritual leaders to offer guidance consistent to an unchanging truth.

As unpredictable as Tuesday’s election appears and regardless of the outcome, I pray spiritual leaders will provide the predictability needed.

Indecision is a decision. It is a decision to do nothing.

Why do we have such a struggle with making decisions? Where do we want to eat? What do we want to wear? Why is it so difficult?

What causes indecisions? Fear of failure? Rejection? Indifference? Apathy?

Do we allow indecision to become an avenue for manipulating others?

Spiritual leaders cannot allow the mindset of indecision to exist. The result can be devastating.

When we are indecisive… non-leaders make the decisions; circumstances make the decisions; dissenters make the decisions.

In the end, we accomplish nothing.

Leadership will not be perfect, but we must be decisive. If we make the wrong decision, admit it and correct it. But, please be decisive.

Coined in Aretha Franklin’s timeless classic, the idea is we all need just a little respect.

The discussion is interesting. Is respect given or earned? Should our respect be for a position and not a person (if we disagree with them)? How is respect lost… or gained? Should we respect everyone?

Respect in spiritual leadership needs serious consideration.

Is it one’s character or agenda that determines respect?

Is it being created in the image of God or one’s achievements that demands respect?

On what basis do we determine who should or should not receive our respect, and do we have this Biblical right?

Regardless of our religious, political or social agenda, Christ is clear about the manner in which we are to treat others. If we want others to show us respect, then we must show respect… first.

I pray we are always careful about our words and our actions. Both should be respectful, because of the influence we have as spiritual leaders.

We have all heard the idea presented, generally, when someone arrives late. Well, it’s about time you arrived.

However, think about this statement in a different light. It really is about… time.

How are we using our time as leaders?

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians he emphasizes the need for us to “make the most of our time, because the days are evil.”

It is about time for us to step up and lead as God needs and demands.

It is also about using our time in a manner to fulfill the leadership needed for the home, community, government, and the Lord’s church.

When we really think about it more seriously, it’s about time!

Several years ago, I heard someone say “it’s not how you start, but how you finish that makes the difference.”

Although I cannot remember the source, the significance is not lessened.

The concept is true in every area of life. It is true in sports. It is true in teaching. It is true in family, and it is true in leadership.

I have seen ideas that started with great excitement, but too quickly. The project began without much thought to potential problems. In the end what started well, finished a disaster.

I have also seen ideas start slowly, without as much excitement or momentum. However, the projects were well thought out and methodically approached. The problems were anticipated and resolved. In the end what started slowly, finished as a great success.

We need to approach leadership the same way. Leadership must be thoughtfully and methodically approached. Leadership must have the vision to anticipate problems and prepare to deal with them. If we start this way, how we finish will truly make a difference.