Tag: God

Urgency

When we consider what’s on the line as it relates to leadership, we begin to understand the urgency.

Throughout the Old and New Testaments we find God’s provisions for leaders. He positioned individuals to lead.

God designed His church to function with leaders. Their function is outlined in the letter to Ephesus (Ep. 4:11-13).

People need someone to follow. Christians should provide an example of leading in the family, workplace, and community.

The breakdown of the family indicates an urgency for husbands, wives, and parents to keep a more biblical focus.

May God bless us with the courage and boldness to fulfill our responsibilities.

Born or Made?

Whether leaders are born or made continues to occupy discussions on several levels. On one hand, some circles claim leaders are born with natural abilities, a giftedness of talent from God. Romans 12:8 seems to support this idea.

On the other hand, several claim that leaders are made. A number of authors indicate that leadership can be learned. The thought is based on the development of certain leadership skills over time.

Regardless of which direction we support, we all influence others and lead at some level. It serves us well to develop our abilities, great or small, in ways that provide the best leadership possible.

Responsibility

The concept and practice of seeking the best in other people and putting their needs above our own is rare.

Marvin J. Ashton said, “Be the one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart, one who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them.”

We do well to follow this example in our relationships with others.

Consider the responsibility. God entrusted us with the lives of people, and nothing more fulfilling can be done than to make their lives better than we found them. This is great leadership!

Becoming More

Do we see life as a gift? If so, what stewardship goes with the gift?

Since there is a privilege, opportunity, and responsibility attached to this stewardship, what will we do? Are we content with the status quo? Will we strive to excel in using our God given abilities to the fullest potential?

Life is not an opportunity to focus on self. In fact, when we focus on ourselves, our view of life is biased and we are more about taking than giving.

We have a great gift and it is up to us to do something that benefits the lives of others by becoming more.

Potential…Part 3

What steps should we take to reach our potential. Here are a few suggestions:

First and foremost, do NOT limit God. Several accounts in scripture (Numbers 11:16-23; 1 Samuel 14:6-15) indicate the unlimited power of our God. He is not limited by physical space or time. We must never think that God is unable to do something because we are unwilling to do it.

Secondly, we need to start thinking “BIG.” One of the greatest hindrances to growth is we think too small. We need to expand our vision and remove the boundaries in our minds that limit us and start thinking BIG!

Values-Based Leaders

Challenges usually arise when something goes wrong or at least not the way we want. At that moment, we decide to either take responsibility or cast blame.

Casting blame on others seems to justify our own actions as acceptable and right. Yet, such is not the case.

Leaders must realize that people are not objects to be used to advance their own agendas. They conduct themselves with a greater self-examination and take responsibility for their own thoughts, words, and actions.

An honest look inward is a prerequisite to a values-based leadership that demonstrates the kind of character God wants in us as leaders.

Path of Leadership

The path of leadership development will not be an easy task for anyone, anywhere. The benefits, however, are far more valuable than the consequences of denying or ignoring the present circumstances.

Consider the benefits of the path before us:

Stronger leadership: The unified strength of numerous leaders multiplies the results of what can be accomplished.

Spiritual guidance: The potential of developing leaders provides a spiritual foundation that increases biblical guidance.  

Succession plan: Developing stronger, spiritual leaders only for the present potentially leaves a generation not knowing God.

The path of leadership development must go beyond this generation. When this happens, we walk the right path.

Why Leadership…Part 3

I cannot exhaust the possibilities as to why we should study leadership, but let me share one concluding thought.

Eternity Matters: Above all else, the reason for studying leadership directs us to God’s plan beyond the physical realm. Yes, leadership is God’s plan. It is needed in the home, church, and in the lives of all people, and the reason is because eternity matters. If this one thought became the focus of all we do in life, every thought, word, and action, and every person that graced our path in life was seen in view of eternity, imagine the difference.

Why Leadership…Part 1

Why should anyone study leadership?

God: When we read the Bible, we find that God always placed individuals in positions of leadership for His people. God intends His people to be led. The same is true today.

Home:
The obvious breakdown of the home in our world introduces an urgency for leadership. Children deserve fathers and mothers who know how to lead as it is outlined in scripture. They need examples to follow. When leadership in the home breaks down, everything in society eventually follows.

These two areas provide a beginning point for our consideration as we dig more deeply into a study of leadership.

The Power of Truthfulness

The opposite of truthfulness leads in one direction – deception.

Leaders must be truthful with followers and with themselves.

One of the greatest challenges for leaders is to be honest enough with themselves to make the kind of decisions that demonstrate their integrity.

Being truthful with the direction we should take may not always align with our initial plans.

Being truthful with those who are invested in following will not allow us to be self-centered.

Being truthful with God will always lead in paths of righteousness.

Leaders must be careful not to allow good intentions to vindicate pretentious actions.

Be truthful with self, others, and God in all areas.