Tag: Faith

Connected Shepherds

As I get older, I see how easy it is to be disconnected, even reclusive from the world, world events, and activities, especially what a younger generation faces every day. It may be in the home, at school, on the job, or in the community.

Shepherds, who tend to be older (by God’s design), can easily become isolated from the world. When this happens, they are challenged to help provide solid biblical answers for these challenges when they are asked.

Take time with the sheep to learn about the battles they fight and focus on how to provide biblical answers to help them fight the good fight of faith.

We need good shepherds.

Praying Shepherds

Shepherding begins at the feet of the great Shepherd, Jesus.

Prayer cannot be overstated. James writes about the power of a prayer fervently rendered to our God. In the context, he specifically identifies elders as those who are to be called when anyone is sick.

Much debate has taken place related to the physical versus spiritual sickness discussed. Regardless of how you defend your thoughts on the matter, the main thrust of this text is about prayer and the power of faith that can impact one who is suffering.

James concludes by saying, “The fervent prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (Jas. 5:16).

We need good shepherds.

Faith

Moses was noted for his faith in seeing Him who is unseen. Spiritual leaders are people of faith, primarily faith in God.

However, faith involves additional factors key to successful leadership.

Leaders must have faith in people. Even with our flaws, God entrusted His work to people.

Leaders must have faith in the purpose. God has provided us with the greatest purpose.

Leaders must have faith in the plan. We need to believe these plans will accomplish God’s purpose.

Leaders must be people who see Him who is unseen. This is leadership insight that leads to success.

Belief

What do we believe and why do we believe it?

Amazingly, and more to the point, when we believe something, we talk about it to others. We express why our belief is so strong. When we do not believe there seems to be no purpose.

Paul told the church at Corinth, “I believe therefore I speak.”

We have opportunity to influence people everyday. It is fundamental to leadership. Do we talk about what we believe? Do we speak about the overwhelming nature of what we believe and why we believe it?

Communication allows us to share a belief system based on the evidence of truth. Make it count!

Time

Keeping up with the movement of time gets more and more challenging.

The clock is ticking.

The bottom line is we all have the same amount time moving at the same speed. We were born into the realm of time and it just keeps ticking.

Spiritual leadership, however, should focus attention on the realm with no time, where the clock never ticks.

We cannot comprehend with our finite minds the eternal realm. It is impossible! By faith we know it exists and at some point the realm of time will end.

We must be ready and we need to influence others to be ready also.

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.