Tag: Christ

One Shot

At times, we only have one shot at an opportunity God provides in leading others to Christ.

If we only had one shot, would we understand the necessity of making it count? What factors need to be considered to make it count?

The priority must be Christ. Focus everything on Him.

Develop relationships. People need to know Jesus and when we develop those relationships, we can change their lives eternally.

In reality, we do not know how many opportunities will be provided. One shot may be all we have and need, so be ready for it and make it count!

Focused on the Future

We all experience difficulties that create discouragement in life.

During these times, we need to remember that God has something better prepared for us.

Reflect on Paul’s reminder, “We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Co. 4:18).

Our God is great, worthy of our praise and trust.

“Let us press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14).

Alienation

When someone is isolated from a group they belong to, we tend to identify it as alienation.

Leaders have an opportunity to influence others for the Lord, for the betterment of life, and growth in the kingdom.

When we are driven to prove a point or advance our agenda, we can alienate those we try to influence, and we lose credibility.

When we lose our credibility and influence, two things happen: 1) a wall of defense is erected, and 2) we drive the other person deeper into their convictions.

The cause of Christ is too great to alienate someone from the greater good.

A Lonely Place

Leadership can be lonely.

However, the truth about spiritual leadership is that no matter who walks away, God is always there. Paul reminds us that no one can bring a charge against God’s elect, no one can condemn or separate us from the love of Christ. We are not alone!

This truth makes it possible to lead with confidence, grow stronger in faith, overcome any obstacle, and instill hope.

When we understand we are not alone, perhaps we will learn how to meet the needs of others who need to know the same.

Leadership Representatives

We understand the importance of having proper representation. This is true in the realm of law, and the same is true in standing before God.

We do not want to stand before Him alone. We need proper representation, and that representative is Jesus.

Leaders are also representatives. Followers need those they can turn to who will help, guide, protect, advocate, and provide representation.

Representing others indicates an activity designed for someone else, literally a wider group of others. The application to leadership is rather fitting.

Modeling the characteristics found in Christ is a great starting point for fulfilling the need in our own leadership.

Imitating Christ

Scripture instructs us to be an imitator of Christ. Peter identifies that Jesus left an example that we should walk in His steps.

What exactly does that mean? In context, Peter’s statement to Christians related to suffering.

Hopefully, we possess a conviction to walk in His steps, even when suffering.

Our prayer is that we draw closer to our God, understand more fully the example left for us to follow, and then live our life as a reflection of His example.

Where will it take us? If we follow it through, we might just find an amazing path before us.

A Snapshot of Leadership…

A snapshot in time displays a visual image of more than we can often express in words.

A compliment to any Christian is found in the reflection of Jesus, as represented in our words and actions.

Paul wrote it this way, “Be an imitator of me as I am of Christ” (1 Co. 11:1).

When leaders focus on demonstrating a Christ-like image, the greatness of God’s kingdom is exemplified and the common good of humanity is met.

A few minutes each day prepares a lasting image that is a picture worth keeping.

Flexible Leadership…

While several leadership qualities were demonstrated by Paul, one is key: flexibility (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).

Notice the driving force of Paul’s flexibility, “So that I might win…by all means save some.” Nothing took greater precedence in his life than leading others to Christ.

There was no compromise to the truth. The “anything goes” approach was unacceptable. At all times he was in submission to Jesus.

Notice the flexibility of personal choice: “I do all things for the sake of the gospel.”

If Christians could model this today, we could change the world.

All In…

Part-time, half-time, when we’ve got time, or it’s a convenient time is the way too many approach Christianity.

Christianity has never been about a list of rules and regulations to be fulfilled as if checking something off a list.

When our lives are governed by Christ, the words and actions that form our character are based on a life of “being” not a list of things “to do.”

Keeping one foot in Christ and one in the world cannot take us to a higher level of spiritual development.

Serving the Lord requires the choice to be “all in.”

Words of Kindness…

The value of speaking with kindness benefits every level of a leader’s influence. When a word is spoken with kindness several results occur.

The desire to benefit the person is demonstrated.

The value or worth of the individual is elevated.

The fruit of the Spirit testifies to being more Christlike.

The goal of unity is exemplified by serving one another.

The outreach to the world is built on a foundation of love.

Kindness requires us to get our personal agendas, preconceived ideas, desires, and motivations out of the way so our light can be displayed and God glorified.