Life is filled with highs and lows. At times, we are on top of the mountain, and other times we walk through the valley.
David understood this when he wrote the twenty-third Psalm.
He understood what was ahead of him, not behind. Even though he walked through the “valley of the shadow of death,” God was with him and he would dwell with God forever.
As leaders, we are messengers of hope.
Better days are ahead, maybe not in this life, but God holds eternity.
The “glory of the Lord” is found throughout the Old Testament. The expression is generally connected to the tabernacle or temple.
The appearing of God’s glory indicates the desire of God to dwell among and with His people. The greatest representation of this is found in the incarnation of Jesus.
John records, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth” Jn. 1:14.
It is beautiful to consider how God will work through us to be present in leading others.
Is there really a difference between a “reason” and an “excuse?” We have all heard or said, “I’m not making an excuse, there is a good reason why…”
When considering the use of our time, do we have a reason for not using it wisely?
When we examine how we live, what reason do we have for the choices we make?
When it comes to allegiance, is there a reason God isn’t the priority He should be?
Our time, life, and allegiances all need greater consideration, because one day we will give an account for each.
Light represents far more than “a source of illumination,” especially for spiritual leaders.
We could say that light is simply the absence of darkness: “God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all.”
Our light needs to shine forth the example of Jesus as it revealed throughout the Gospels.
A good study of light can be found in the Gospel of John. The next time you read through it, highlight the word “light.” Consider how the word is used in context and how it applies to casting a vision built on faith for leaders.
Is it possible in our culture to avoid negativity? No! We cannot completely avoid negativity. Sadly, we are surrounded by it. We often face so much negativity it becomes difficult to see anything positive.
What can we do to limit negativity’s influence?
Why not begin at God’s throne and seek guidance in overcoming the issue.
A good dose of optimism from friends is another place to help.
Limiting social media is a positive direction.
Commit to saying at least five positive things every day.
These few steps will move us in a positive direction.
Denying that we live in a multicultural society does a great disservice to our leadership. It is not about when it happens, it already has.
If we are not knowledgeable about and preparing more fervently to address it, we are way behind.
How should we lead in a multicultural context?
1) Stop procrastinating and gain a better understanding of multiculturalism.
2) Get immersed in developing relationships across those cultural boundaries.
3) Remember, we get to participate in what God continues to do in our world.
The future of our leadership depends on what we do now.
One of the qualities Jesus demonstrated, instrumental in drawing others to Him, was compassion.
Mentioned several times, Jesus was compassionate to both those physically and spiritually in need.
His compassion was more than sympathy about someone else’s distress, it moved Him to act in ways that met the need.
An awareness of pressing needs is an important component, but compassionate leaders seek ways to get involved to help meet those needs.
I pray God will give us all the compassion to be aware of our environment and help meet the needs.
Solomon was certainly right when he said, “The writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body” (Ec. 12:12).
God’s word reveals information sufficient for what is right and the right leader to follow.
No greater leadership qualities are identified than those in God’s word.
No greater example can be found than the example left by Jesus.
The best way to honor and glorify God is by leading with our eyes focused on Jesus and our hearts devoted to following His word.
When followers have this example in spiritual leaders, they will follow the right leader.
Robert Tew wrote, “Sometimes walking away has nothing do with weakness, and everything to do with strength. We walk away not because we want others to realize our worth and value, but because we finally realize our own.”
Satan wants us to believe our worth is summed up in achieved success, what others say about us, and what we have materially. No greater lie exists.
When we understand we are God’s children, made in His image, our worth changes incredibly.
Resist the temptation to find worth in the temporal things of this life and realize the greatness of God. Walking away from sin is eternally worth it all.
Few words are more familiar than Ruth’s expression of faithfulness to her mother-in-law, Naomi, “Where you go, I will go. Your people will be my people, and your God, my God.”
The spiritual influence developed within the home is powerful. Sadly, many homes have forsaken the opportunity to influence their children with a godly foundation.
Home is where parents have an opportunity to provide refuge and focus on the presence of God, where they model the example of Christ, and where children learn the meaning of submission.
Where we go, our children will go. Children should be led to conclude, “…and your God, my God.”