A few key facts about change.
First, we generally fear change. The older we get the more we dislike change.
Second, not all change is bad. Sometimes change is good.
Third, change is biblical. Repentance means change.
Fourth, change is part of growth.
Where we need to focus is on changing ourselves. Jesus addressed this in Matthew 7:1-5. Most of the world knows verse one, but the idea is we need to look at ourselves and make the needed changes before attempting to help others change.
The path of leadership development will not be an easy task for anyone, anywhere. The benefits, however, are far more valuable than the consequences of denying or ignoring the present circumstances.
Consider the benefits of the path before us:
Stronger leadership: The unified strength of numerous leaders multiplies the results of what can be accomplished.
Spiritual guidance: The potential of developing leaders provides a spiritual foundation that increases biblical guidance.
Succession plan: Developing stronger, spiritual leaders only for the present potentially leaves a generation not knowing God.
The path of leadership development must go beyond this generation. When this happens, we walk the right path.
Our family has experienced transitions on several fronts. Multiple moves from one city and state to another is challenging. Add to that a change in culture and climate, the challenges increase. Transitions may or may not be as difficult as a major move, but they introduce challenges nonetheless.
The church continues to face transitions.
Regardless of where we stand on the challenges introduced during a time of transition, the bottom line is the same. Without solid, biblically guided leadership the time of transition will make or break the direction of growth.
The church cannot grow beyond the strength of its leadership.
How will we lead…
Our children? The choices they make, places they frequent, friends they associate with, and work ethic they possess.
Our church? The confidence of the church, their hope for a better tomorrow, and their assurance of an eternal destiny.
Our neighbors? Who they seek during trials, where they turn with spiritual questions, and how they see Jesus.
Our friends? The development of a spiritual focus, thoughts of relationships, and how to deal with giving into temptation.
Our co-workers? Their knowledge of biblical principles, their understanding of character, and approach to life.
Considering their future is worth giving thought to how we will lead.
When we consider how God has empowered us with the ability to choose, and that he has provided redemption and freedom from the consequences of sin, how can we not live in Biblical joy.
We not only have a reason to live, but a reason to have joy in this life as we anticipate the coming of an eternal one.
Considering the information given to us, our efforts as leaders must be to make a positive change.
The external circumstances will always exist and challenge the core of leadership. However, we must arise above it and lead to make a positive change, and it all begins with us!
We often claim that someone needs to take control. We talk about people being controlling. We preach about self-control. We even discuss the need to be in control.
Why is it important for spiritual leadership?
When situations get out of hand, leaders must take control.
Spiritual leadership must not be controlling.
Leaders should be the epitome of self-control.
We look to these leaders when someone needs to be in control.
When leaders know how to use their power of influence in a Biblical and godly way, people’s behavior and the course of events can be shaped in ways to change eternity.
Noah never led a large group of people: just his wife, three sons, and their spouses. Take a closer look at his leadership.
Character: “Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time; Noah walked with God.” Very few in scripture matched his character.
Ability to follow: Noah did all the Lord commanded. Noah followed God. Before anyone can lead they must learn to follow.
Fortitude: He was a preacher of righteousness. His tenure was approximately 120 years. No one was converted, but he never swayed from the course.
These three qualities identify a great biblical leader. The same is true today.
How many times in the political arena do we hear the thought expressed of someone being extreme left or extreme right?
Being extreme, however, is not limited to the political arena. We quite often find the beast of extremism within the church.
Brethren often become extreme in their approach and teaching, which leads to division in the church.
Our responsibility is to learn the difference between Biblical teaching and personal opinion.
In a time where we need to prevent the world’s influence on the church, let us not become so extreme that our actions portray what we are trying to prevent.
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?
While the literal thought may seem ridiculous, have we looked in the mirror lately? The idea of looking into a mirror dates back to Biblical times.
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.
Spiritual leaders need to desperately look into the mirror of their leadership.
Look intently. Examine beyond the surface. Make the changes needed. Lead with purpose based upon our true reflection.
There are two key elements to being decisive we need to develop.
The first is the idea of sound decisions. The soundness of a decision is going to be subjective based on the moral compass of the individual. From a spiritual leadership perspective, the soundness of one’s decisions will be based on a Biblical compass.
The second involves the word timely. We have all heard, and perhaps experienced, the idea of “timing is everything.” With much prayer, spiritual leaders will seek to make decisions in keeping with God’s timing.
When we make decisions that are both sound and timely, our leadership develops greater credibility.