Tag: Faith

Change

Although change frightens many, the nature of change brings several positive qualities.

Questions are generated for gaining a better perspective in prioritizing our purpose in going forward.

Change leads to improvement. Becoming more Christ-like requires change.

We rally together in a unified effort to work for a common purpose.

Change creates firsts we have never experienced which bring enjoyment and satisfaction.

Our faith is bolstered as we move into the unknown, perhaps losing control. We learn to trust God for strength.

Additionally, change brings an air of excitement and enthusiasm.

Embrace change! A better future awaits.

Light

Light is defined as “a source of illumination.” Light, however, is so much more when we consider what it actually does and what it symbolizes for spiritual leaders.

Jesus claimed to be the “light of the world.” He also said His disciples were the “light of the world, a city set on a hill,” and followed this by saying, “Let your light shine.”

Leaders need to illuminate a vision that is built on faith and trust in God.

Our light should shine forth the example of Jesus as revealed throughout the Gospels. When this happens, our good works are seen in such a way that others will glorify God.

Qualities of Leading

The Bible provides a list of qualities for men who would serve in the role of a shepherd.

These qualities are in place to provide the necessary shepherding to keep the church pure and healthy.

While all Christians should strive for the applicable qualities, one does not have to possess all these qualities in order to be qualified to lead others.

Remember, leadership is about influence. We are striving to influence others for the cause of Christ. As a Christian, leading others is built on the blood of our Savior.

The stronger our faith becomes, the more our confidence grows, and the greater our influence becomes.

Love

Love is one of the most misunderstood words in the English language, yet one of the most powerful.

Franklin P. Jones once said, “Love doesn’t make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.”

Love is the perfect bond of unity.

Love is the greatest among faith, hope, and love.

Loving your neighbor as yourself is the fulfillment of the royal law.

Perfect love casts out fear.

Love covers a multitude of sins.

Love is to be demonstrated above all to God, toward a friend, spouse, brother, and enemy.

When love is the foundation, formation, and finishing of our words and actions, godly leadership is exemplified.

The Faith of Leadership

When leadership is guided by God’s word, the results are significant.

There is confidence in knowing the direction is guided by God Himself. The wisdom and knowledge of God is the basis for the direction in His word. Leaders cannot go wrong with His guiding hand.

God’s word provides the greatest purpose for character formation. Leaders begin with developing themselves, and then lead others to demonstrate Christ-like character.

Leaders know there is strength when grounded in the truth. Overcoming the obstacles of leadership requires strength, not personal strength, but spiritual strength that is only found in truth.

Let us always lead by the faith.

Optimistic Leaders

Optimism serves leaders in much greater ways than the skepticism and negativity so rampant in the influences of our daily life.

Helen Keller said, “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”

Three words stand out as part of this statement: faith, hope, and confidence. Each word feeds on the other and they are interdependent in the relationship between them.

Hope represents an earnest expectation. The confidence that exists in the arena of hope is fueled by the faith that drives the optimism needed to achieve incredible results.

Ask yourself, “What can I do to further develop this optimistic attitude?”

Peace

Kimberly Jones shares this short but significant thought, “Don’t let people pull you into their storm. Pull them into your peace.”

What direction is the pull in our leadership? Do we find ourselves pulled into the storms raging in the lives of others, or do we seek to pull them into the peace only found in Christ?

1) We must first be at peace ourselves.
2) Make sure to point people to Jesus––to focus on Him.
3) Offer a hand up, not a handout.
4) The best course is always faith.

Peace and trust is critically important to the direction of our pull.

Godly Counsel

Proverbs 27:9 says, “A man’s counsel is sweet to his friend.”

Leadership should always provide a source of counsel that is based on God’s word, designed to provide guidance to spiritual success and an eternal reward.

When leaders provide godly counsel, several beautiful things occur: 1) Above all, God is glorified; 2) His people are built up in faith; 3) leadership is strengthened in righteousness; and 4) the future is secured.

The consequences of not seeking wise counsel can be seen in the life of Joshua (Jos. 9). Let leaders learn from his example, then pursue and provide godly counsel.

Security

When leaders provide direction that is fixed, followers feel secure.

When leaders keep followers safe and unharmed, they feel secure.

When followers are protected from the enemy, they are secure.

When leaders are stable, eliminate anxiety, and are unafraid, security exists.

Consider these thoughts in a spiritual context. Spiritual leaders must provide security that eliminates the fear and anxiety prevalent in the world.

To accomplish this, a few simple steps will help.

1) Be strong in faith.
2) Grow in knowledge of the word.
3) Trust in God.
4) Remember there is strength in numbers.
5) Lead with confidence.

Fearless

When someone is fearless, we tend to think about the absence of fear.

Consider another possibility as it relates to leadership.

Reverse the word and examine the idea of less fear.

It is doubtful that a leader reaches a point where they have no fear. Various events in life and leadership will always create times of fear. During those times we can demonstrate less fear, but what makes it possible to do so? Read Hebrews 11:1 – 12:4.

Enduring life’s challenges is an ability strengthened by victorious faith.

Trust that God will keep His promise.

Obstacles are temporary. Keep your eyes on Jesus.