Tag: Christianity

Time and Energy

When the only value people feel they provide for an organization is from a financial perspective, then the long-term structure crumbles. We all desire to know that the time and energy we contribute to growth has value, not just financially.

If we can incorporate the same into our spiritual leadership, the response is the same. Consider the benefit to the church when Christians see leaders give of their time and energy. The result is huge in raising the level of trust and the desire to achieve the vision set forth by leaders.

John…Part 2

John’s writings identify the type of leadership he provided for the church. As I mentioned last week, several of these qualities provide an example for us today.

Fellowship: John understood the value of fellowship among Christians and with the Lord. He urged Christians to walk in fellowship with God and each other.

Vision: John knew the future of the church depended on men who were willing to work in the fields of harvest. He also knew such men needed support.

Servant: John’s writings about Jesus as a servant were followed by his own example to the church. Reading through his letters shows the qualities of a servant leader.

Vision

In the construction industry, leaders examine blueprints and demonstrate the ability to see the finished product in their mind. Only when they see it in their mind can they follow the blueprint accurately.

Spiritual leaders must demonstrate the same ability. To help Christians reach the goals set before them, leaders must see what it looks like in their mind.

Casting this kind of vision before others will help them stay focused and energized for the journey.

Mistakes are easily made in the construction phases when there is no vision. The same is true for both the construction of buildings and the future of the church.

Epaphras…

Epaphras is only mentioned three times in the New Testament. Two of those three are located in Colossians. The third location is Philemon.

However, when we examine these three references, we find why he is a wonderful example of leadership.

Epaphras was a beloved, fellow bondservant of Christ, indicating he was loved, faithful, and a devoted follower of Christ.

He is noted as a fellow prisoner in Christ, indicating he suffered persecution for the sake of Christ.

Epaphras was one who labored earnestly (wrestled) in prayer on behalf of these Christians.

Leaders need to be faithfully devoted to Jesus, willing to suffer for Him, and wrestle in prayer for others.

Barnabas

Barnabas was a great example in generosity. He sold property and gave it all to the apostles to help in the needs of the early church.

His name means “Son of Encouragement.”

After Paul’s conversion to Christianity, people were hesitant to believe the change until Barnabas spoke up for Paul.

When Paul did not want to take John Mark on the next missionary journey Barnabas gave John Mark another chance.

We need to be willing to stand and speak up for those who have changed their lives and, whenever possible, we need to give people another chance.

What an encouragement! What a need in leadership.

Reflection and Correction

Maintaining good physical health does not come easy. We need strong determination and discipline in areas of physical activity and healthy eating habits. Maintaining good spiritual health requires the same determination and application of discipline.

People need to see the message as well as hear it. How do we make this alignment possible?

Reflection: Each night, look back over the day and consider conversations, actions, attitudes, etc. Do they reflect what we want as an example of Christianity?

Correction:
Do not make excuses, make changes. Each day is a new opportunity to start fresh and work on the areas of our conversations, actions, attitudes, etc.

Temperance

Temperance avoids excesses, especially areas that distract us from a godly life.

What makes temperance important to the Christian life?

Answers range from one person to the next, but the fact remains that Paul and Peter identify the need for Christians to grow in temperance.

Consider how the definition factors into leadership. A lack of temperance indicates the potential of participating to excess in areas that destroy the godly influence leaders need.

Growing in temperance indicates a life of balance. Leaders with temperance understand limits, specifically limits established by God to protect us physically and spiritually.

Finishing Well

Spiritual leadership faces many challenges which can and will be overwhelming. These challenges can distract and discourage you. How can you finish well?

Determine the priorities. Discouragement leads to quitting. Know what is worth dying for and give yourself to it.

Work hard. Several years ago the Mumford & Son’s band shared the secret to their success. The point was a simple, but powerful truth. They work hard.

Keep your eye on the goal. Challenges bring distractions. Peter encouraged Christians facing persecution to keep their focus on the goal.

Finishing well is just as vital as beginning well.

Christian Leaders

While people often think leaders are a rare breed, leadership needs those who are a rare breed because they are Christians.

The priorities established by Christian leaders contribute to a breed of leaders that know who they are and where they are going.

The character demonstrated by Christian leaders sets them apart as a rare breed influencing others toward a heavenly goal.

The inspiration promoted by Christians leaders becomes the lifeblood for exciting followers to take their faith into the lives of others.

Christian leaders are a rare breed, and with the right priorities, character, and inspiration, the future is incredibly bright.

Disciplined Leaders…Part 1

The concept of discipline is prevalent throughout the Bible.

The difference between the lifestyle of the world and Christianity is one of discipline.

The Christian life is built upon discipline, or as it is often identified, self-control. However, there is a difference in these two terms. While there are areas that overlap between them, discipline adds the practices and habits of life that lend to character development. Self-control is more specific to controlling self in the area of emotions and desires.

The challenge introduced here involves learning how to develop the kind of discipline that sets Christians apart from the rest of the world.