Tag: Family

Family

Spiritually, we are blessed by God to share in the fellowship of a spiritual family, His church. The beauty of this relationship is our oneness, regardless of the color, age, gender, nationality, educational background, or social status. In God’s family none of these matter. What matters is our relationship with God through Christ.

Physically, we are also blessed to have those we love and who love us. Our physical family is not always biological in nature. Whatever the bond that brings us together, there is something special about family. All of our relatives make us uniquely our own. We may not always agree, but we have each other.

For Life

Have you ever considered the power behind the two words, for life?

When vows are exchanged, the thought takes on a new significance.

There will be challenging days ahead, but they will be faced together because of these two words.

Family problems will arise, but they will be met powerfully when for life is understood.

Difficulties with health will occur, but they will be overcome when faced for life.

Leadership is the same. Assuming we understand our influence, leadership is for life.

It is an opportunity, not a chore. A privilege, not drudgery.

We can make a difference when we are committed for life.

Leadership Character

What image describes good leadership? Based on many leadership discussions, the canvas would be filled with images of character, service, compassion, vision, and more.

The image of character is a wonderful place to begin.

Character is a choice made by each individual. Wayne Dyer said, “Our lives are a sum total of the choices we have made.” Therefore, when we blend all our choices together, we find a picture of character.

Maybe this explains why Joshua urged Israel to make the choice he made for his family, one of “serving the Lord.” Perhaps, it is the choice we should make also.

Deliberate and Intentional

How many times have you procrastinated when making decisions? Your intentions were good because you were waiting for the “right time.”

This can happen when beginning a family, i.e. getting married or having children. We also see it in areas of career choices. I’ve heard, “If you don’t love what you do, then do something else. Life is too short to not enjoy what you do each day.”

Our lives should be deliberate and intentional. Once we choose the area we are most passionate about, then jump in. When we do what we love the most, joy finds a way into our lives.

Seize the Day

People often need a specific day to work on changes in their life. Some start working on better habits in life and others find ways to stop bad ones.

Recognizing the need to improve our lives is a positive step in the right direction.

Is today a new beginning to lead a…

Soul to the light of our Savior?
Straying brother or sister to the family of God?
Deeper study into the truths of God’s word?
More passionate approach to speak with God in prayer?

Whatever the need, every day is a new beginning. Let us achieve spiritual leadership for our Lord in this day.

Generous Leaders

Leaders should exemplify generosity. Leadership is built on giving our time, energy, money, emotions, and ability.

When leaders demonstrate generosity, others learn the value of the gift. However, our generosity must be checked.

Intention: What is the motive behind our gift?

Object: What is the object of our generosity? Work? Family? Church? Lord?

Planned dedication: Is there a planned purpose?

Action: Are we ready to start giving?

Self-examination: What are we losing by holding on to it?

What suits our giving? Do we give what is left over, easy and convenient, or is our generosity suited by the best?

Purpose

Having a “rule of life” gives you meaning and hope for what the future holds.

A rule of life changes the way you see God, develop family, and influence others.

Remember, your rule of life should incorporate your understanding of God, His working in your life, and your desire to glorify Him.

Have you ever considered writing a rule of life?
Have you considered why you pursue what you do in life?
What do you want to achieve and get out of life?

At some point share your rule of life with others and think about how it can benefit you and your family.

The Inessentials

What comes to mind when you read this thought from Bruce Lee, “It is not a daily increase, but a daily decrease. Hack away at the inessentials”?

Removing the weight that easily burdens us and slows us down, eliminating areas of life that are unimportant to the greater development of our spiritual well-being, or eradicating the distractions vying for our attention, is a thought that can be a game changer.

This exercise alone will help prioritize life, regain needed focus, and strengthen our resolve in matters of eternal consequence.

Our health, family, jobs, our God and His church deserve consideration of this thought.

Check This Out

Have you ever heard someone say, “Check this out?” In other words, something is exciting, interesting, or just bizarre enough it is worth our time and attention.

How do we check out our leadership?

1) Do a character audit. Examine those core values and how they align with the practices of our daily life. If there are areas that don’t measure up, commit to change them.

2) Ask those who are close, including family, what they see as the priority in our life. Generally, the way we see ourselves is not how others see us, and their perspective needs to be heard if we are to develop our leadership.

Check it Out!

A Successful Definition

Success is often defined by popularity or profit, and a person or thing that achieves desired aims or attains prosperity.

Perhaps our definition should not be about “what” determines success, but “who”.

Jesus said if someone gains the whole world and loses their soul, the level of success is not worth it.

When God determines success, then we are on the right path. Can we measure success by a strong Christian family, leading others to Christ, helping someone in need, giving hope to the hopeless, lending a hand to a friend, growing in our knowledge of God’s word, and developing a close relationship with Him through prayer?