Tag: God

The Right Leader

A study of leadership reveals a plethora of information that presents a daunting task of determining what is right and who is the right leader to follow. God revealed information sufficient for both.

Dedicating ourselves to learning the truths provided by God and studying the example of Jesus will result in a godly leader.

There is no better way to honor and glorify God than by leading with our eyes focused on Jesus and our hearts devoted to following the depths of His word.

When followers have this example in earthly leaders, they will follow the right leader.

Dependence

Spiritual leaders are dependent upon God’s guidance, direction, strength, and provisions. Spiritual leaders are also aware that followers are dependent upon them for the same.

Guidance involves advice and instruction for the conduct and behavior of life.

Direction shows the way, primarily the way to the final destination.

Strength is needed to get up and keep moving toward the goal.

Provisions are given to continue the journey, even when all else seems to fail.

The role is never taken lightly. It is critical to building a solid foundation that supplies the basic components for growth in relationship with God.

Mentoring…part 2

“No matter what stage of development, we need spiritual companions – mentors and guides, friends and peers along the journey – in order to flourish over a lifetime of godly service” (Reese and Loane, Deep Mentoring, 179).

The gospel of Matthew highlights an interesting word: behold, to pay attention and observe.

While observing the terms used to describe Jesus, a key thought is built upon the name, Immanuel – God with us.

Mentoring involves being present. If God left the glory of heaven to be with us, to shepherd, rule, provide light, and heal, then we should also recognize that mentoring necessitates our being present and involved in the lives of those mentored.

Mentoring…part 1

Information about mentoring is unlimited and various approaches indicate there are options available.

Mentoring involves an experienced and trusted advisor who trains and counsels someone else. The mentoring relationship may extend from a few days to a few years depending on the nature and purpose of the relationship.

As a spiritual influence in the lives of others, we all want to pursue ways we can mentor someone in developing a mature faith.

While it is important to examine ways to get involved in mentoring others, we should also seek someone who can be a mentor. Pray about how to do both.

Adding Value

Leaders recognize that people are drawn to the idea of receiving something that adds value to their life.

From a leadership perspective, its serves us well to consider exactly what it is that adds value to the people we attempt to reach on a regular basis.

What areas add value in any culture or generation? Consider a few possibilities.

Physically: Regardless of the individual, providing for someone’s felt needs adds value.

Emotionally: When we demonstrate emotional intelligence toward others it adds value to their life.

Spiritually: The greatest value we add to someone’s life involves the spiritual connection with God.

The Power of Love

Loving those who do not deserve it is more than challenging.

Think about how God must feel when He continues to give and receives nothing in return. Worse yet, how does He feel when we blatantly reject His love pursuing our own selfish desires?

An old Swedish Proverb says, “Love me when I least deserve it, because that’s when I really need it.”

When we show an unconditional love, especially to those who deserve it the least, two possibilities occur: 1) We demonstrate a God-like spirit, and 2) We help those who really need it understand the nature of God’s love as seen through us.

Lead in love!

Ability, Motivation, Attitude

Lou Holtz once expressed, “Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”

Scripture indicates we all have abilities. God intends for us to grow His church by utilizing our abilities.

What motivates us when we examine the leadership situation today? Are we comfortable with leadership left to someone else?

The choice of attitude is critical. When our attitude is misguided, motivation suffers.

It is time to step up. If not, the future of the church may rest in the hands of those who are incapable, unmotivated, and misguided. Where will that leave the church?

Change

For most, change can be an ugly word and, if done improperly, it is destructive.

Not all change is good, but not all change is bad either.

Change is essential in our relationship with God.

Change begins in the mind. Without explaining why the change is needed, attempts to bring change are futile.

A change of mind is followed by a change of action. Once we understand why we need to change, our actions should reflect the benefit of such knowledge.

Jack Welch said, “If the rate of change inside an organization is less than the rate of change outside the organization…their end is in sight.” Think about it.

Connection

Have you ever observed people at the mall, grocery store, bank, airport, or driving down the highway. Who are they? Where do they live? Where are they going? Are they married? Do they have children…grandchildren? Do they believe in God?

The questions are endless. The number of people in this world is mind boggling.

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

Leading anyone to Christ involves moving past our fear and getting connected. The emotional connection of genuine love makes all the difference.

Love

One of the greatest needs in our world and one of the greatest challenges involves love.

As Christians who grow and nurture our relationship with God we can easily lose sight of our past life, a time when we were described as helpless, ungodly, sinners, and enemies. In this condition, Paul says God demonstrates His love toward us.

Paul did not say demonstrated, as in past tense. The word is present active showing that God demonstrates His love now and it continues with no thought of coming to an end.

To lead others to the love of God, we must demonstrate the nature of God’s love.