Tag: Christ

Seeking the Mind of Christ…

Biblical leaders seek the mind of Christ.

Paul’s letter to Philippi expresses a number of key thoughts in relationship to the mind of Christ.

A Christlike motive, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit.”
A foundational attitude, “With humility of mind.”
A concluding activity, “Regard others as more important than yourselves.”

These three thoughts help us understand what Paul meant by the mind of Christ that must be emulated by all Christians. However, understanding the mind of Christ must be coupled with seeking the mind of Christ.

Biblical leaders are dedicated to understanding the mind of Christ and following His example.

A Leadership Masterpiece…

A masterpiece refers to outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship.

These terms relate to everything from art to mechanics. However, one of the most fascinating is humanity.

The Greek word is poiema, the workmanship of God. Paul paints a beautiful picture of what God creates in Christ Jesus. Poiema means “to make happen.” God makes a new creation happen through Christ Jesus (cf. 2 Co. 5:17).

As God’s poiema, we have an opportunity to make the greatest work on earth happen––leadership.

Knowing God…

Biblical leadership involves qualities, traits, virtues, and principles that guide character formation. As such, a biblical leader is one who desires to know God.

Scripture is filled with passages that emphasize the need to know God. Jesus said eternal life is aligned with knowing God and the One who was sent by Him.

Paul counted everything as loss for the “surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:8). His heritage, material possessions, academic achievement, and religious position were worthless when laid alongside this knowledge.

Biblical leaders are driven by a passion to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.

The Heart of Leadership…

What we do for others is where leadership shines. Determining what is in the best interest of others must drive our leadership.

Lewis Carroll summarized it this way, “One of the secrets of life is that all that is really worth the doing is what we do for others.”

We find this common thread throughout the Bible. Reading the book of Philippians quickly reveals the need to have the same mind as Christ, the mind of a humble spirit that regarded others as more important than Himself.

This is the heart of leadership and the future of the church in this world.

Independence…

Tomorrow, our country celebrates its independence.

There is a beautiful comparison between our physical freedom and the spiritual freedom enjoyed in Christ.

The willing, loving, and gracious sacrifice of Jesus demonstrates the value of our freedom.

The greatest joy of celebrating our independence is to willingly, lovingly, and graciously help others celebrate the same by introducing them to the way, the truth, and the life. 

The abundant life promised by Jesus is one of freedom from the consequences of sin.

Our leadership should always help others understand the price paid for this celebration, physically and spiritually.

Leading in Uncertain Times…

In light of recent events, it seems appropriate to consider how to respond in these uncertain times.

1) Remember every person was created in the image of God. The beauty of this thought should motivate us to reach out with the same compassion God demonstrated toward us.

2) Leadership is about people. We do not lead objects, but people. Until leaders look through the eyes of God and the lens of humanity, this thought will be challenging.

3) How would we want someone to treat us if the roles were reversed? It is difficult in the midst of comfortability to reverse the circumstances and picture the need.

4) The need for salvation overrides any other possible reason for inactivity. Everyone needs Christ and Christ died for everyone!

Let us lead with these in mind.

Leadership Expectations…

Disappointment emerges when leaders expect others to live by their own personal standard of behavior.

My son says, “Live the way you would want others to live, but do not expect it of them.”

Consider these lessons.

1) We cannot know motives, so stop expecting others to live by our standard, even if it is right.

2) We limit someone’s potential when we are frustrated at their failure to measure up.

3) Everyone’s maturity level is different, because our backgrounds are not the same.

Let us measure up to the example of Christ. Then, nurture relationships with others to help them do the same. This is true leadership.

Taking Risks…

Risks involve the possibility of danger or harm. Directing the outcome of risks in leadership means learning how to overcome fear and manage the risk.

Information about risk management abounds, especially in application to leadership.

Spiritually, consider two questions.

1) What are the risks if we decide not to lead others to Christ? 
2) What are the risks of waiting, or procrastinating, to lead them?

When we look at how risks play out from a spiritual perspective, we find the possibility of danger or harm that occurs when we are unwilling to take the risk.

A Spiritual Leader…

How should we define “spiritual” leadership? 

Here are a few possibilities. Spiritual leaders…

1) Move people to be more like God.
2) Rely on grace found in the blood of Christ.
3) Work to accomplish the will of God.
4) Encourage the fainthearted.
5) Admonish the unruly. 
6) Strengthen the weak.
7) Seek first the kingdom of God.
8) Pray without ceasing.
9) Search the scriptures daily.
10) Trust fully in God’s providential working.

These are only 10 suggestions, but take a lifetime to develop as leaders. God’s word challenges us to grow into His spiritual leaders.

Destructive Nature of Procrastination…

Perhaps you’ve heard the statement, “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” A dear friend, Paul Myers, shared this thought with me about 10 years ago.

Procrastination can be destructive to leadership. Why?

Because there is no better time than now when it comes to…

Leading others to Christ.
Telling someone you love them.
Helping someone mature spiritually.
Strengthening the weak.
Improving ourselves as leaders.

We must fight the desire to procrastinate and use the present to achieve greatness.