Timing is everything. How many times have we heard this statement or one similar? Yet, it is true on a number of levels.

When it comes to addressing a delicate situation, timing is everything.

When we are faced with making life changing decisions, timing is everything.

When we wait for answers to test results, timing is everything.

When confronting a family member, fellow worker or employee, timing is everything.

God said; “there is an appointed time for everything, and there is a time for every event under heaven.” When we read through the list provided in Ecclesiastes 3:2-8 we learn quickly how true it is that timing is everything.

The next time a delicate situation arises, we need to make a serious decision, we await test results, or we consider how to confront someone else, remember – timing is everything.

If we can step back and think for a moment and ask ourselves, “Is this the right time to continue in this direction?” then maybe we can handle whatever life throws our way at the right time.

A blueprint provides the specific dimensions for constructing everything from a tool shed to a mega complex or high rise.

The purpose of a blueprint is to provide every detail to make certain the structure lasts.

What kind of blueprint would we use as leaders to ensure our leadership is long lasting? The answer is simply the Bible. From this incredible book we find several areas we will consider over the next few weeks to construct biblical leadership.

All blueprints begin with the foundation. Only when we build on the right foundation will our leadership carry a lasting influence.

Paul clearly points out that no human has the power to lay the kind of foundation needed for lasting leadership. Only in Jesus do we find a foundation upon which we can build the kind of leadership that will endure (1 Corinthians 3:11).

From His example we learn the nature, qualities, and character of the leadership God desires and designed for us today.

This example is one we must follow and we will look at over the weeks ahead.

“Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts.” Alfred Einstein

Similar ideas have been used by others regarding this thought. From a leadership perspective, look at both phrases and examine the breakdown of this thought and how it applies today.

First, not everything that counts can be counted. Far too often, leadership deals with the numbers game, the bottom-line mentality. We realize what can measured is important, but the value of influence, cultivating spiritual character development, or meditative prayer for a greater peace of mind cannot be measured. The significance of such activities can be life changing.

Second, not everything that can be counted counts. We may have multiplied thousands of dollars sitting in a number of investments, but what is it really worth? We may have hundreds of people sitting on the pew, but are they maturing spiritually and actively involved? We may spend countless hours reading the Bible, but do we make proper application?

Our leadership may not always be measured, but it should count for something.

Working in a number of different countries can be extremely challenging, especially when it comes to communication. Without a good translator it is difficult to know if the true intent of the message is understood both ways.

This idea connects to the direction of leadership and how our leadership is being translated into the lives of others. Even when we speak the same language, there can be confusion when translating our leadership.

As the world becomes a smaller place, the confusion becomes more complex.

Are there times when it seems like our message is a foreign language to those we communicate with in our work?

Is it possible that the intent of the message is not clearly understood because of the way our leadership is translated?

Do we take the time to ensure our leadership translates the proper goals in the proper channels to the proper people?

We could go on, but we should get the idea. As we lead, let us make sure we translate the message and the intent in ways to help others reach the goal.

Andrew is one of the least mentioned apostles in the New Testament. Most references to him are connected to the listings of the apostles in the gospel accounts. To our knowledge, few “outside” writings ever mention Andrew.

So what is about Andrew that makes him a great leader in the Bible?

Andrew was the one to lead his brother, Peter, to Jesus. Andrew was first introduced to Jesus and, recognizing Him as the Messiah, he then went and found his brother and testified, “we have found the Messiah.”

We are aware of the powerful affect Peter had on the day of Pentecost and then in preaching to Cornelius. He was given the keys to the kingdom and he used them powerfully.

One of the lessons we need to know about leadership involves leading others to Jesus and allowing Him to work through those vessels to accomplish His purpose.

Who knows but the very individual we lead to Jesus is the one who will lead thousands to the Savior.

Following the example of Andrew will strengthen the depth of our leadership.

The idea behind this week’s word involves giving a brief statement of the main points. To summarize is to use fewer words to encompass the whole of the previous message.

How on earth does this relate to leadership, especially from a spiritual perspective?

If we were to summarize our leadership in a few words, what would we say? We need to take a few minutes and give some thought to the whole of our leadership. Could we express it in a word or two, or a sentence or two? Could we summarize our leadership at all?

Would our leadership be summarized by what is referred to as “others-centered” or “self-centered?”

Would our leadership be summarized by a spiritual or physical focus?

Would our leadership be summarized by our past, present, or future?

In reality, the fewer words we use the more challenging it can be to summarize our leadership, especially if we try to be accurate.

It would certainly be worth our time to give thought to summarizing our leadership and doing so in a way that accurately describes our intent. Think Souls!

How would we paint the picture that describes good leadership? Based on many leadership discussions, the canvas would be filled with images of character, service, compassion, vision, and more.

These qualities fall into various categories located throughout scripture. However, as we continue the journey to good leadership, we want to examine a few key areas to help us in our desire to lead God’s people.

The image of character is a wonderful place to begin. When we think about character and character development, we find a host of ideas that blend a number of concepts together into the image of godliness.

Character is a choice made by each individual. John Maxwell wrote, “Talent is a gift, but character is a choice.” Another thought expressed by Wayne Dyer is, “Our lives are a sum total of the choices we have made.” Therefore, when we blend all the choices of our life, we find a picture of character.

Maybe this explains why Joshua urged Israel to make the choice he made for his family, one of “serving the Lord.” Perhaps, it is the choice we should make also.

“Commitment is the enemy of resistance, for it is the serious promise to press on, to get up, no matter how many times you are knocked down.” David McNally

Several definitions could be given for commitment, but this one has merit.

Occasionally, life is going to knock us down. We may get knocked down a few more times than we think is our share.

However, are we committed enough to the cause to keep getting up no matter how many times we get knocked down?

I also see powerful thought in the idea of commitment being the enemy of resistance. When we are committed to the cause, we will oppose resistance, of both ourselves or others.

When we are committed, we are motivated.

When we are committed, we have dedication.

When we are committed, we keep our focus.

When we are committed, we will stop at nothing.

Nothing is more deserving of our commitment than the cause of Jesus. His life, as an example, and His death, as a sacrifice for sin, is worthy of our motivation, dedication, focus, and determination to press on…whatever it takes.

Kerux is the Greek word found in the New Testament translated as “preacher.”

Considering the influence of all Christians as leaders, the preacher would certainly fit.

There is something interesting about the origin of the kerux and the application to our leadership today.

The word was originally associated with a public proclaimer sent by the king. They  authoritatively declared the king’s law. The beauty of the kerux is found in the primary task of “preserving the integrity of the message.”

Of course the task of one who publicly proclaims the word of our spiritual King carries a great responsibility.

We should pray for all who choose to stand before God’s people each week to consider the serious nature of this responsibility. This position must not be used to promote personal agendas or ride the proverbial hobby horse. Instead, use it to preserve the integrity of the message.

There is a reason Paul was determined to know nothing among the church at Corinth other than Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

If we are going to change the world, we must first point people to Jesus. Think Souls!

Few Bible leaders top the success of Josiah. He was young when he ascended to the throne. His leadership was extremely beneficial to the nation of Judah.

What was it about Josiah that made his leadership stand out?

Josiah did right in the sight of the Lord. Josiah brought powerful application to his leadership. He removed idolatry and made people enter into a covenant with the Lord. Throughout his lifetime they did not turn from following God.

Josiah walked in the ways of his father David. This stood as a contrast to the leaders of Israel. He was not involved in David’s indiscretion, but David’s desire to be obedient to God. He did not turn to the right or left.

Josiah began to seek God. Josiah was active in learning and following God. When the book of the Law was found and read, his reaction was one of humility and inquiry. He desired to know how to observe God’s will.

The reign of Josiah is a record to help spiritual leaders learn a very simple formula with life long application to serving as God would have us serve.