Tag: God

Reflection of a Leader

Have you looked in the mirror lately? The idea of looking into a mirror dates back to Biblical times.

Mirrors reflect the image standing before it. The concept can be literal or symbolic, physical or spiritual. James writes about the need to look into God’s word like a mirror and see how it is reflected in our lives.

Spiritual leaders need to desperately look into the mirror of their leadership. The image reflected helps determine the core of our existence and what we desire to accomplish.

Look intently. Examine beyond the surface. Make the changes needed. Lead with purpose based upon true reflection.

Leadership at the Bottom-Line

What is the bottom line in our leadership?

Are our goals self-serving, or are we striving to bring about what is best for those who follow?

Is there an agenda behind our actions, or a simplistic, pure love for the betterment of God’s kingdom?

When we study various subjects, are we striving to learn the truth, or find a way to justify our position?

We have to ask hard questions, examine ourselves honestly, admit mistakes, act Christ-like, and pray for God’s strength to do what is right.

This is why it’s called the bottom line!

The Promise of Leadership

I once heard someone say, “Never make a promise you do not intend to keep.” This is true in every area of life, especially leadership.

The word promise is used throughout scripture. Peter referred to the benefits of obeying the gospel as a “promise for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”

Because of God’s promise, our spiritual leadership has purpose. We are leading souls to Christ to receive a promise made by God, an eternal promise worth giving and living our life to receive.

Finding Our Strength (Part 2)

Where does the strength we need come from when we find ourselves in difficult times? Consider two possibilities.

1) Find a way to express your feelings and share the burden with someone. One of the most helpful avenues to find strength is through expression, which can take numerous forms: writing, singing, talking, physical activity, and more.

2) Remember God’s goodness and trust He knows our plight. An area that provides strength is memory. The ability to remember is a precious gift. While we often remember the negative side of life, we also remember God’s providential blessings. He will see us through.

Perseverance

Perseverance is a needed quality, certainly among leaders. The ability to hold on just a little longer is not always pleasant or easy.

What steps can help leaders grow in their ability to persevere?

1) Speak to God. Going to God always makes the difference.

2) Stay positive. Remembering our ability to succeed helps maintain a positive mindset.

3) Set short- and long-term goals. Success in the short-term builds confidence for the long-term.

4) Start small and build up. Each victory encourages greater success in higher matters.

5) See beyond present circumstances. Take a moment to look beyond and consider the ultimate end.

Integrity

Integrity goes beyond just being honest. It involves having strong moral principles and uprightness.

In Psalm 15 we learn the necessity of walking with integrity if we are to dwell on God’s holy hill. Walking indicates a lifestyle characterized by integrity.

There is an incorruptible nature to a spiritual leader who demonstrates integrity. They take responsibility for who they are, what they say, and what they do.

Walking with integrity involves an undivided and unshakeable character of Biblical soundness. This character is built in humility and follows a path of consistency.

Integrity stands for truth, speaks truth, lives the truth and will not change, even if it must do so alone.

Agree or Disagree?

One of the most common phrases used when people cannot come to an agreement is “we will just have to agree to disagree.” What exactly does this accomplish in the realm of spiritual leadership?

If agreeing to disagree allows both expressions to be correct, then we are headed for a train wreck in the spiritual realm.

Imagine the difference in the church today if leaders applied the same principles of interpretation and agreed to work together until unity could be achieved.

Imagine if the pride of self-righteousness were put aside with the intent of seeking to truly listen to God’s word and simply follow it…only.

A Tenacious Leader

A tenacious leader possesses a certain ability to hold on to something tightly with an incredible determination.

Look around. It does not take much to see how tenacity affects all areas of life, from recreation to religion. When we examine our priorities we generally find our tenacity.

How can we become more tenacious?

1) Be passionate and remove the impossibility factor.
2) Know what is worth dying for.
3) Have a clear vision of God.
4) Challenge yourself and others to do something great!

These ideas can create a whole new approach to our leadership and move others to greater heights of fulfillment in the Lord’s kingdom.

What’s Missing?

What seems to be missing from the type of leadership God needs for His people?

If you were asked this question, how would you respond? What kind of answer would you give? What is missing in leadership today?

Perhaps the list would include courage, patience, wisdom, character, vision, compassion, or even decisiveness.

The answer to the question may rest in the nature of each situation. The culture in one congregation varies from that of another. The needs of one congregation are different from another.

Before we think about what’s missing somewhere else, maybe we should begin at home.

A Leader’s Devotion

The Greek word for devotion involves “insisting on staying close to someone or something.”

The power behind the first part of the Greek definition is amazing. Devoted spiritual leaders will…

insist on staying close to people. Leaders learn the needs of the people. Helping others reach heaven demands a leader’s devotion.

insist on staying close to the plan. The plan is really the map. Leaders must not deviate from the plan, or the goal is unreachable.

...insist on staying close to the Lord. Leaders know the true source of their strength is not in themselves, but the Lord.