Tag: God

The Right Leader…

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.

Walking Away…

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.

Modeling Leadership…

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.”

Perfecting our Leadership…

“Practice makes perfect” is a common expression. The idea expresses the need to do something over and over until the art is just right.

A modification of this thought says, “Perfect practice makes perfect.”

Olympic athletes practice drills, routines, or exercises for hours each day until their skill is perfected. They are dedicated to one purpose, performing for those few minutes without giving way to pressure.

Certain leadership qualities may be inherent, but one thing we know, the ability to lead must be worked on continually.

There must be focus, dedication, diligence, and a steadfast spirit to the one purpose God has called us for, to lead.

One Minute…

What is the value of one minute if it means catching or missing a flight?

Would one minute mean more if we knew it meant missing an accident?

When we sit around doing nothing, minutes pass by quickly and we give little thought to them.

If we are anticipating the arrival of friends or loved ones, that minute can feel like an eternity.

Every minute is a gift from God.

The treasure connected to one minute can make a difference of eternal consequence.

For leaders, the value of one minute is worth what we put into it, even if it is the first minute of eternity.

The Moment of Truth…

One of the greatest challenges leaders face involves an uncompromising conviction of truth.

The moment of truth is not measured by what a leader hopes, desires, or thinks.

The moment of truth is measured by what a leader does, the stand they take, and the demonstration of character when it is unpopular with the majority.

A time comes in the life of every person when they must decide how they are going to act or react to the circumstances surrounding them.

Leaders are needed who hold to and lead by the truth delivered by God to the world, a defining moment of true leadership.

Reliance…

Spiritual leaders understand the need to rely upon God. They are reliant upon His guidance, direction, strength, and provisions.

Spiritual leaders are also aware of the fact that followers are also reliant upon them for the same.

Guidance provides advice and instruction in how to live.
Direction shows the way, primarily the way to heaven.
Strength is needed to keep moving toward the right goal.
Provisions are given to continue, even when all else fails.

These four areas are all directly related to our reliance upon God and leading His people. May our role never be taken lightly.

Spiritual Companionship…

“No matter what stage of development, we need spiritual companions – mentors and guides, friends and peers along the journey” (Reese and Loane, Deep Mentoring).

The need for spiritual companionship should be obvious. In Matthew’s gospel, we find a significant word, behold. Matthew wants the reader to pay attention and observe. One observation is in the name Immanuel, God with us, the power of His presence. The true nature of spiritual companionship involves being present.

If God left the glory of heaven to be with us––to be present––then we should recognize that spiritual companionship necessitates our being present and involved in the journey with others.

The Right Motive…

Paul emphasized that slaves are to render obedience to their masters with sincerity, as though they were serving Christ, not by way of eye service, simply to please an earthly master.

We live in a society that thrives on image. We have a great concern for appearance, because of how we think others see us.

Godly leaders seek to please the Lord. To the church at Corinth, Paul expressed that pleasing the Lord should be our ambition.

Our family, people at work, neighbors, and fellow Christians are all watching. When we consider our conduct, is it because we want to please those who watch or is our motive to please God?

Mentoring Leaders…

Information about mentoring is unlimited. Several approaches to mentoring indicate a number of options available for consideration.

Mentoring involves an experienced and trusted advisor who trains and counsels someone else. The mentoring relationship may extend any where 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 want to mentor others to maturity in their faith.

A great place to start is to pray about someone who can be a mentor and pray for someone you can mentor. Then watch God do the rest.