Direction takes many different forms. Leaders must give and receive direction.

We receive direction from the One true spiritual leader, Christ.

In turn, our vision must be used to provide direction for others.

Spiritual leaders provide spiritual direction. We help others get on course and encourage them to stay on course.

Parents lead in the home.

Congregational leaders lead congregations.

All of us as Christians must lead the lost.

When we provide direction we assist others in reaching the destination our leadership strives to reach…heaven.

Children know no limitations and, generally, no fear. Nothing seems too difficult or impossible.

Walt Disney once said, “If you can think it, you can do it.”

We should dream, believe, and plan what we want to accomplish.

Jesus tells us nothing is impossible with God.

Paul reminds us that God has the power to do far beyond all we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.

Where might our leadership take us if we start on the foundation of these two thoughts?

Let us not limit God because we are convinced we cannot do it?

Think Big. Think Souls!

Following on the heels of yesterday’s post, a thought presented by Jessica Lange seems significant to consider. 

“Be present. I would encourage you with all my heart just to be present. Be present and open to the moment that is unfolding before you. Because, ultimately, your life is made up of moments. So, don’t miss them by being lost in the past or anticipating the future.”

How often do we miss the importance of the moment we are in because we cannot overcome our past or we live in anxiety over the future?

As leaders, nothing can be more relevant than being present in our leadership.

Far too many believe they cannot overcome their past. The mistakes and, at times, successes experienced tend to consume the whole of one’s focus.

When this happens, we are blinded to a better way of moving forward, because we cannot think about anything but the past. We remain stuck and stagnant to greater growth possibilities.

Remember, past successes or failures do not define us and the future is determined by how we direct today. Consider this:

Today, I am all in.
Today, I will live holy.
Today, I will change the future.

Growing up in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, basketball practices were filled with efforts by players who coveted a starting position on the team.

We learned leadership based on teamwork. Those days laid a foundation for understanding spiritual leadership where the same is true. It is leadership based on teamwork.

Leadership is often viewed as a lonely position. This is not true for spiritual leaders.

We are a team. We must work together as a team. If we are going to change the world, we need Christ and we need each other!

We should all strive to get involved on this team.

What would it be like to trade places with someone else? After all, others seem to have it so much better than we do.

The Psalmist questioned a similar thought when considering the prosperity of the wicked.

If our view of leadership is limited to what we can accumulate or accomplish in this life, we have misunderstood the true nature of God’s promise.

If our view of leadership is confined to what others think or say about us, we have lost sight of the value of this God given role.

It is time to lay aside the temptations of the world and recognize the urgency of the spiritual need of all. Think Souls!

Integrity is more than honesty. It involves strong moral principles, a moral uprightness.

There is an incorruptible nature to a spiritual leader who demonstrates integrity. They take responsibility for who they are and what they do.

Integrity displays an undivided and unshakeable character of Biblical soundness. This character exudes humility and follows a path of consistency.

Integrity is best taught to children at a young age. Leadership must exemplify it.

Integrity stands for, speaks, and lives truth and will not change, even if it stands alone.

Christians are what we are “in the dark.” Think about it!

One critical challenge for leaders exists in the arena of delegating.

Robert Half said, “Delegating work works, provided the one delegating works, too.” The effectiveness of delegating occurs when we lead by example.

Jesus demonstrated this thought with the apostles.
The apostles followed by setting their own example.
Christians are instructed to do the same.

No one is above any task.
No one is too good for the lowest of jobs.
No one is so powerful they are beyond the need for help.

Spiritual leaders must delegate needed work. Delegating this work is never easy, but when we set the right example, enlisting others to help falls into place.

Not long ago, I noticed someone with both arms entirely covered in tattoos. Additionally, they had large earrings and a buzz cut hairstyle.

As my eye was drawn to their appearance, I could not help but think, “What on earth were they thinking? One day they will regret those decisions.”

Will they? Maybe, maybe not.

This person may have been a criminal. They could also have been a Christian. I will never know because I made a judgment based on their appearance.

When we judge someone before we get to know them, we are often hindered in reaching out to them.

As leaders, we must learn to use righteous judgment.

We all have various ways to remind us of scheduled activities, from sticky notes to Google calendar.

Spiritually, there are events we should not miss.

Where does our gathering with Christians rank in our priorities?
Where does time in prayer and study rank?
Where do family devotionals fit?

These events are matters of choice, and we either make them a priority or place other events before them.

Just a reminder, there is an event scheduled we will attend, a Lord appointed a day.

Since everyone will be there, we should make preparing for it a priority. As Christians, we should eagerly anticipate it. This is a day we do not want to miss!