Tag: God

Seeing the Unseen

This statement deals with more than just “seeing” God. What exactly is involved? Consider a little background.

We must consider where we have been. Consider the past year. What mistakes were made? What successes were enjoyed? Was God part of the equation?

We must also consider where we are right now. Are we where we need to be at this time? Will this place provide a basis for where we need to go? Is God part of the equation?

Now we can formulate plans on where to go from here. Seeing God’s part in our past and present allows us to see His hand in our future.

If God is not part of the equation, we do not have a clear vision!

Appreciation

When businesses host a “Customer Appreciation Day,” they offer special pricing to express their gratitude to customers.

Appreciation is best summed up in the depth of our gratitude. Cicero claimed, “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” (Cicero, ‘Pro Plancio,’ 54 B.C.)

When was the last time you expressed gratitude?
What actions or qualities move you to be thankful?
How often do you express your gratitude?
Have you considered why you are thankful?

Express your gratitude for the physical and spiritual ways God has blessed your life. To Him be the glory.

Obligation

An obligation is an act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound, a duty or commitment.

While it is impossible to force someone to do anything, we tend to use our skills of persuasion whenever we can to motivate others into action.

When we consider leadership, we need to examine our obligation to Christ and others.

We have tasted the grace of God. We enjoy the gift of salvation. Just the thought carries a moral and spiritual obligation.

Considering our obligation highlights the need to commit ourselves to lead others to heaven.

Lead, Leader, Leadership

“Lead is a verb, leader is a noun, and leadership is both.” Not sure who to credit with this thought, but it speaks volumes.

Leadership involves both the person and action.
Leadership speaks to both who we are and what we do.
Leadership requires an effort to develop both the individual and method.
Leadership drives home the necessity of personality and character.

We must keep in mind the development process of making great spiritual leaders. The constant dedication to the act of molding one’s ability to lead helps us all become the leadership of God.

Unexpected Events

Most everyone experiences unexpected events that keep them from fulfilling personal expectations.

Disappointment generally overshadows any joy we previously possessed. What can help us prepare for these times?

Expected the unexpected. We know the unexpected happens, so expect it.

Never go it alone. When these events occur, seek help from others.

Prepare a back up plan…always. The key is to prepare. Have a plan ready!

Trust in a positive result. When we put it and leave it in God’s hands, good will come.

It can be a hard lesson, but when learned, rarely are we surprised.

Faith

The more reliable the leader, the more trust is developed. The result is confidence.

Paul was confident in his Savior. John spoke of the confidence we have in prayer.

The common thread in both thoughts is faith.

Our confidence is built on faith.

With faith in the power of God, impossibility is eliminated.
With faith in the working of God, prayers are answered.
With faith in the power of God working in us, we can change the world.

I pray our leadership possesses the confidence God intended for a people of faith.

Measuring Success

What determines success or failure?

Success is defined as the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. It is further identified as the attainment of popularity or profit.

While this is broad, it is also revealing. How often do we consider success only in terms of fame and fortune? By a number? Quantitatively?

In leadership, we need to remember that true success is defined as…

Remaining true to the course…
Learning from mistakes…
Seeing growth in a positive direction…
Growing each person into their potential…

Most may measure success by a profit and loss column, but not in spiritual leadership. True success is measured by God.

Giant Slayers

When we think of giant slayers, the account of David and Goliath comes to mind.

As a leader, however, David surrounded himself with others of like character.

Of David’s thirty-seven mighty men, at least four were involved in slaying giants.

As leaders, there will be giants that cross our paths. They oppose our efforts to accomplish God’s will, and they take many forms.

We must be able to overcome them and surround ourselves with others of like character.

Great leaders see the qualities in others to achieve success, even if it is necessary to take out giants.

Contentment

Contentment is challenging in a world controlled by an insatiable desire for more. Benjamin Franklin said, “Content makes poor men rich. Discontent makes rich men poor.”

How can we achieve contentment? Paul claimed Christ provides such strength, and when godliness accompanies contentment we find great gain.

Contentment takes on a different meaning when thinking about leadership. We must be content with what we have, but never with who we are.

Leaders constantly work to develop their ability to lead.

We learn how to grow in fulfilling this God given task from others who are lifelong students of this subject.

Greatest Ally

Leadership is not about making things happen on our own. The minute we try to go alone, we are destined for failure.

When David faced Goliath he knew his Greatest Ally. Goliath came to the battle equipped and able to fight, at least from a physical point of view. David came with the living God of Israel by his side. Care to guess who wins?

When we come to the battle with the living God by our side, we cannot fail. Paul reminds us of this in Romans 8:31-39.

The lesson is powerful and we can live with this confidence when God is our greatest Ally.