Our lives fall into three major categories: home, world, and church. Amazingly, when we are out of balance in one, the other two are affected.

Leaders have a tremendous responsibility to cautiously approach the work consumption syndrome and not lose sight of the focus needed in the church and home. When we are imbalanced, everything suffers, even our work.

Ultimately, when the spiritual element of our life is not prioritized, nothing else works.

Our task begins with establishing the right priorities and lead from that position.

Spiritual leaders do not serve themselves but others.
Spiritual leaders care about souls and eternity.
Spiritual leaders know the value of the gospel and the change it brings.
Spiritual leaders understand the necessity of the work.

The head of a spiritual leader is understanding and willing.
The heart of a spiritual leader is humble and compassionate.
The hands of a spiritual leader are strong and serving.
The feet of a spiritual leader are active.

No, there is nothing easy about it. However, spiritual leadership makes a difference. Will we lead as spiritual leaders today?

In our fast paced world, how often do we overlook the simplicity and necessity of this statement?

We want answers now. We want problems resolved quickly.

Leadership can fall into the same trap if we are not careful. It is easy to think the work should move along faster, goals accomplished sooner, and people respond more quickly.

Personal experience has proven that when a particular work starts quickly, it struggles and often does not last. At the same time, when thought and patience are given to the same work––strategically developing each part of the plan––success is generally forthcoming.

A good rule of thumb is to take it one step at a time.

For Christians, hope speaks of a desire that includes expectation. When considering the promises of God, Christians know there is fulfillment.

Spiritual leadership is about hope. Our leadership must be characterized by a strong desire with expectation.

Listening, confident, learning, and conscientious leaders provide hope.

The very idea of “spiritual” leadership should exemplify the hope Christ came to provide all who would follow.

The ultimate deliverance was accomplished by Jesus at the cross. The result brought deliverance from our bondage to the consequences of sin.

This deliverance is identified as salvation, forgiveness, grace, and the indescribable gift.

It is the result of God’s immeasurable patience and love. Consider the lengths taken by God to provide for our greatest need and think.

Our spiritual leadership is defined by it. The souls all around us depend on it. Think Souls!

The first quarter of the year is complete.

Most organizations require a quarterly report. This is an evaluation of the work. Corporate leaders want to know the facts and figures contributing to the success or failure of plans to reach projected goals.

Should it be any different for spiritual leadership?

Evaluations are usually difficult. They cause us to examine what we do not want to face and take an honest look at reality. They are necessary. Our integrity will be demonstrated and challenged.

However, a spiritual quarterly report helps us prepare for the next step in growth.

Every company depends upon physical, financial, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual contributions. Without these contributions, success is hindered.

The development of our spiritual leadership hinges on what we contribute to the work. Are we giving whatever it takes to contribute the needs that exist? Will our contribution make a difference?

When we contribute to the spiritual development of God’s kingdom, we know God will take what we have planted and make it grow.

Make a contribution today that leads others to Christ.

Habits take 21 days to develop. We often have both good and bad habits. But, why does it seem so easy to break good habits and hard to break bad ones?

Aristotle is credited with saying, “we are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

Spiritual leadership is about excellence. Excellence is a habit worth developing!

Joy is an important and unique quality needed in leaders.

Paul could sing praises at midnight while imprisoned for Christ. He wrote from prison to the church at Philippi, “Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I will say, rejoice.”

The letter to the Philippians also helps us see what happens when someone robs the church of that joy (Euodia and Syntyche).

Paul’s joy was based on his relationship with God, not his external situation, but he did not want anyone taking joy away from the church. Therefore, he instructed them to “live in harmony in the Lord.”

One of our tasks as leaders today is to have and instill joy in the church.

Tying a string to one’s finger does not really help. Mental exercises are often suggested, but few follow through because they forget. The older we get the more difficult it seems just to remember.

What can we do to help us remember? Leaders must connect to this need.

The writer of Hebrews instructs us to remember those who led us. Certainly, there is a need for leaders to remember also.

Remember there is accountability.

Remember souls are at stake.

Remember nothing is more vital to the development of God’s kingdom than leading.