Tag: Consequences

Prepare Future Leaders

Too many congregations struggle with poorly equipped and, at times, unqualified leaders, or no leadership at all. Most leaders have no idea who will fill this needed role in the days ahead.

Each congregation needs a plan for training, equipping, and developing leaders to prepare for the spiritual warfare facing the church.

God’s people need to recognize the challenges before us and the current leadership must rise up to prepare leaders for tomorrow.

We currently suffer the consequences of past generations that failed to plan. We need a vision related to who we can be as the Lord’s kingdom in the next generation. This will impact our children!

Consequential Decisions

We make thousands of decisions each day, most of which hold little consequence. However, we do face times when decisions of great consequence must be made.

The challenge occurs when we must make last minute decisions as they relate to consequential matters.

What process might help us make the best decision in these situations?

The process should start with and be immersed in prayer.
Gather as much information as possible prior to the decision.
Consider the consequences of not making a decision.

Last minute decisions are not usually easy to make, but always make them based on how they impact others first.

Whatever It Takes

Is leadership worth it? Are we not better off to let someone else lead? Why not focus on ourselves and our family? Would life not be easier?

Think about how it affects us on a personal level.

Will the long-term results be worth the decision?

If we relinquish the opportunity to lead, will we be content for our children to follow someone or something else?

If brethren decide to follow the path of error, will we accept the consequences for our choice not to lead?

When we weigh it all out, we will probably find that leadership is worth whatever it takes!

Decisive

We make thousands of decisions every day. Generally, the majority of decisions have little or no consequential value. However, some decisions carry long-lasting, if not eternal, consequences.

Theodore Roosevelt said, “In a moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing to do, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.”

When the moment of decision arises, leaders must do the right thing, primarily what is right for the other person.

Regardless of the reason, to do nothing in leadership paralyzes everyone. Closely associated with this problem is the unnecessary delay in the decision.

Growth and Development…

Max DePree once said, “In the end, it is important to remember that we cannot become what we need to be, by remaining what we are.”

The consequences of remaining in our present situation should motivate us to overcome the stagnate condition that ultimately ends in death.

Becoming what we need to be points us to God and His guidance.

Seek God’s help for the vision to see what He wants us to be, to make us what we need to be, and to never be content with remaining what we are.

Leadership Development…

One of the great struggles facing the church today involves leadership development.

Congregations struggle with poorly equipped––if not unqualified––leaders, or no leadership at all. Sadly, far too many congregations have no idea who will fill the needed leadership positions of tomorrow.

It raises the question, “Are we suffering the consequences of past failures to plan for leadership?”

As we gaze into 2021, God’s people should recognize the challenge, and current leaders must rise up to prepare leaders for the future.

What we need is a vision that benefits the Lord’s kingdom with experienced leaders in the next generation, because it impacts our children and grandchildren!

Long-Term Leadership…

What personal goals do we have for next year, or maybe ten years from now?

Have we considered the consequences of our decisions, especially when they involve spiritual growth over the next ten years?

Leaders assist others to think about long-term. The need is great if we plan to move toward a future with strong godly character.

Every decision has some form of consequence, good or bad, now and for the long-term.

A thoughtful process of examining these consequences will help us shape the future for our own lives and for those we lead.

Memories…

Memories are good and bad. There are times, events, and people we remember fondly because of the joy experienced. There are also times, events, and people we want to forget because of the negativity experienced.

It would be wonderful if our only memories were positive and fond. However, we know it does not work this way. Memories serve to help us if we learn to do a couple of important steps.

Repeat what works and is successful.

Avoid the consequences experienced and overcome.

If we do so, the future holds greater memories when we recall them.