Tag: Fear

Fearless vs Less Fear…

The word “fearless” conjures up several thoughts, primarily to be without fear. However, reverse the word – “less fear.”

Various events in our leadership will always create times of fear. Fear is not eliminated, but we can demonstrate less fear, but how? Read Hebrews 11:1 – 12:3.

Faith!

Enduring life’s challenges is strengthened by victorious faith. Others have also overcome; see the great cloud of witnesses.

Trust in God’s promise; run with endurance the race set before you.

Even the greatest of obstacles, at their best are still temporary; keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.

Power of Change…

Why are people apprehensive to change?

1) Fear of loss (something valuable from the past).
2) Fear of the unknown.
3) Fear of uncertainty.
4) Fear of losing control.

However, the nature of change brings several positive qualities.

Becoming more Christ-like requires change.

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

Additionally, change brings an air of excitement and enthusiasm.

Decision Makers…

Leaders must be decisive. When they are indecisive, their leadership is called into question.

What causes indecisiveness? Here are three possibilities.

Fear: fear of making the wrong decision, the unknown, and fear of failure are leading causes.

Trust: leaders who lack trust in their own abilities and the abilities of others are often indecisive.

Procrastination:
this mindset leads to indecision because there is a lack of urgency.

What can be done to help leaders overcome this indecisive tendency?

Gather ALL the facts.
List out the pros and cons.
Pray about it.
Trust your instincts.
Establish a precautionary backup plan.
Then, make the decision.

Power of Love…

While we often hear that love makes the world go round, I appreciate a saying by Franklin P. Jones, “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 fulfills the royal law.

Perfect love casts out fear.

Love covers a multitude of sins.

Above all, love is demonstrated toward God, then family, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, and even our enemies.

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

Spiritual Leadership…

The heart of a spiritual leader has resolve. Consider the following.

Spiritual leaders are determined, unwavering in the decided course of action.

Spiritual leaders are purposeful. Nothing is done by accident. They are intentional.

Spiritual leaders are adamant. They cannot be persuaded or distracted by trivial matters.

Spiritual leaders make the decision of courage when they must lead in moments of fear.

Spiritual leaders are unshakable. Leaders are pulled in many directions. However, they cannot be shaken from their foundation.

Leading with Optimism…

Pessimism or optimism? The choice is ours.

Although the author is unknown, the thought is powerful, “Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and focus on what could go right.”

Fear is real. No matter how we might deny or ignore its existence, if left unchecked, fear can stop us in our tracks.

Fear of what could go wrong also causes us to worry and dwell on negativity, both of which bring a great level of unpleasantness.

When we focus on what can go right, we lead with a vision of tomorrow that promotes hope and gives people something to believe in for the future.

Involved in Leading Others…

Why do people avoid getting involved in the lives of others?

Fear: Apart from the unknown and uncertain, we fear rejection, disappointment, and someone taking advantage of us.

Time: Our time is premium, and our tightly oriented schedules of daily activities leave little room for anyone else.

Money: We are cautious about our money. Worse still is the idea that we are so overextended, we have no money.

Uncomfortable: When something, or someone, makes us feel uncomfortable we easily become standoffish.

Private: We may initially get involved, but the challenge is allowing others into our lives. We do not want others to know us.

Leading with Confidence…

David wrote, “The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?” And Paul asked, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” 

When we understand this truth it changes the direction of our leadership.

Leaders need the type of confidence that is built upon a relationship with God. David and Paul understood there was no need to fear anyone or anything. 

Leaders should always know and be aware of their greatest Ally––God. 

When this relationship exists there is no need to fear, because God is with us and He is for us.

Security in Leadership…

Security highlights several important factors that have a significant role in leadership.

When leaders provide a direction that does not give way, followers feel secure.
When leaders keep followers safe and unharmed, they feel secure.
When leaders protect followers from an enemy’s attack, they feel secure.
When leaders eliminate anxiety and fear, followers feel secure. 

For leaders to accomplish this type of security, they need to…

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.

People, People, People…

People are everywhere. Who are they? Where do they live? Where are they going? Do they believe in God?

The only way to know anything about people is to get involved in their lives. How can we lead them to Jesus without this connection?

We need to overcome fear, but what are we afraid of most? Rejection? Failure? Making a mistake? 

The application is true whether talking to a stranger at an airport or a neighbor across the street. 

Leading anyone to Christ involves moving past our fear and connecting to their lives. As challenging as it may seem, the connection of genuine love makes the difference.