Tag: Christ

Peace

A few moments of reading or watching the news reveals the desire for peace, which seems to be unattainable.

Peace is not the absence of conflict. True peace is only found in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. He is our peace. His purpose in coming to earth and going to the cross was to provide all nations with peace, uniting all people from every tribe, nation, and tongue into one body.

Our task as leaders is to help others find the only peace that provides hope and unity, which can only be found in the true Prince of peace.

When we think souls, there is a renewed purpose for helping others enjoy what only Jesus can give.

Character of Christ

You may or may not remember the television show To Tell The Truth. Two of the three participants involved would lie about events and people in their lives in an effort to fool a panel of people questioning them.

Leadership must be different.

People only follow leaders they trust. As leaders, our character should stand on its own. We should always be a people of our word and of the Word. As Jesus said, “Let your yes be yes, and your no, no.” 

There should never be a question as to our identity, and our character must exemplify the Christlike leadership we read about in scripture.

Leading to the Light

God is light and in Him there is no darkness. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.”

Christians are also a light to the world. We walk in the light and let our light shine.

Think about the light of our leadership.

The role of spiritual leaders is twofold: 1) We lead those who are in darkness into the light of Christ, salvation gained, and 2) We help children of light walk in the light, salvation maintained.

If we can channel our focus in these two areas, our leadership reaches its greatest significance and those who follow are eternally grateful.

Leadership Slogan

Our world is filled with catchy phrases and slogans.

Kay Jewelers: “Every kiss begins with Kay.”

Nike: “Just do it.”

Army: “Be all you can be.”

Maxwell House: “Good to the last drop.”

How many remember the slogan for Wheaties? The “Breakfast of ____________________.”

While slogans are popular, our leadership should not be defined by them. Our leadership is not about a slogan; it is about souls, leading others to Christ. Let us make our leadership count for something right. 

In case you are still trying to figure out the Wheaties slogan, it is “champions.”

Average

An average is reached when we put a group of numbers or items together and then divide by two.

However, when we examine someone’s ability, what do we mean when we say they are average?

When it comes to spiritual leadership, we need to strive for more than average.

Paul urged the church to “excel still more.” Peter encouraged Christians to “keep their behavior excellent.”

How much more should spiritual leaders exemplify the same?

We are not trying to earn anything. We follow the example of Christ and encourage others to follow. Such leadership points to our Savior.

A Following Leader

If we are going to lead, we must learn to follow. Without an understanding of following the leadership of others, our own leadership is hindered.

Sam Rayburn said it this way, “You cannot be a leader, and ask other people to follow you, unless you know how to follow, too.”

Consider the necessity of following Christ. We are striving to lead others to Him. The success of our efforts are affected by our following Him.

Learning to submit to the authority of Christ and follow Him makes us a great vessel in spiritual leadership.

Payoff

As a leader, a question needs to be answered. What is the real payoff for our leadership?

There are several answers, but here is a thought.

The real payoff comes when the lives of followers change. This is what our leadership is all about. We are trying to change lives, eternally.

When we examine the work of Christ at the cross, the payoff is witnessed in the lives changed around the world.

Spiritual leadership is not about seeking fame, popularity, and wealth. The payoff is summed up in the people who will see heaven because of our leadership.

Development

One word leaders need to understand for the success of the church is develop.

The apostles continued to emphasize the need for the church to develop. Prayers expressed requests to help the church develop.

Developing faith and relationship with God is a vital responsibility of leadership. We must do the following:

Lead others to a greater love and understanding of truth.

Assist Christians in an understanding and involvement of their abilities in His service.

Encourage the expression of God’s grace through sharing the love of Christ at the cross.

Provide an example in all the above.

Leadership is about development. Let us get started.

Zeal

We cannot read Paul’s letters without connecting the word zeal or zealous to him.

To be zealous is to have great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective.

God’s grace in our lives should create a zeal driven to lead those who are outside of Christ to Him.

Our leadership can fulfill many purposes from caring for the underprivileged to encouraging the faithful.

Both are essential!

Little compares to fulfilling the purpose of leading those who need the Lord into a relationship secured by God’s grace.

Obligation

An obligation is an act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound, a duty or commitment.

While it is impossible to force someone to do anything, we tend to use our skills of persuasion whenever we can to motivate others into action.

When we consider leadership, we need to examine our obligation to Christ and others.

We have tasted the grace of God. We enjoy the gift of salvation. Just the thought carries a moral and spiritual obligation.

Considering our obligation highlights the need to commit ourselves to lead others to heaven.