Tag: God

A Snapshot of Leadership…

A snapshot in time displays a visual image of more than we can often express in words.

A compliment to any Christian is found in the reflection of Jesus, as represented in our words and actions.

Paul wrote it this way, “Be an imitator of me as I am of Christ” (1 Co. 11:1).

When leaders focus on demonstrating a Christ-like image, the greatness of God’s kingdom is exemplified and the common good of humanity is met.

A few minutes each day prepares a lasting image that is a picture worth keeping.

A Trustworthy Leader…

Can God trust us to love His church, be a good student of His Word, share the gospel with others, make the right choices, and lead His people?

Will others trust us to lead with consistency, competence, and connect with them?

How would we answer these questions?

Paul claimed “…it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy” (1 Co. 4:2).

As stewards of all God has entrusted to us, are we trustworthy?

Let us develop a character that is worthy of trust, God’s and other’s.

A Righteous Leader…

Righteousness is a biblical word that speaks to our relationship with God and others.

David addressed the character of one who understands both relationships when he said, “He works righteousness” (Ps. 15:2).

We must hunger and thirst for righteousness (Mt. 5:6), our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees (Mt. 5:20), and we must seek first His righteousness (Mt. 6:33).

The guide for life, food for our soul, ethical character, and our priorities are framed by Jesus.

God should trust and the world should know that our choices are righteous. Start by asking, “Is it right with God?”

Ontogeny and Leadership…

Ontogeny is the process of an individual organism growing organically.

Thinking of the church as an organization goes against the living and growing organism God intended.

We understand the need to care for, protect, provide, and strengthen plants, animals, and human life because they are organisms that are alive, and proper growth only occurs when we practice the right care.

How much more so would God want us to demonstrate the same toward His church?

Even if we never see the word “ontogeny” again, let us practice the necessary areas to produce growth of the one organism that required the life of Jesus.

Possibilities of Can…

Eliminating the word “can’t” from our vocabulary is vital to the development of strong leadership. Have you ever heard, or perhaps said, “It can’t be done”?

The limitations built around this idea paralyze the growth and development of God’s people, individually and collectively.

Instead of shackling ourselves with these limitations, consider the difference made by realizing what “can” be done. With God, all things are possible.

The way we see our families, the church, the world, and even ourselves takes on a new perspective when we realize we can do it.

Words and Influence…

One of the great principles of leadership, simple and overused, involves the nature of our influence. Jesus said we are the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” (Mt. 5:13-16).

Throughout the letters written to specific individuals and the various churches of God’s people, the word salt is used twice (Col. 4:6; Jas. 3:12). In both the use of salt is connected to the tongue.

Words spoken carelessly and without thought can destroy our influence and once destroyed it is difficult, if not impossible, to regain.

The precedent of our words establish a leadership influence worthy of following.

An Extraordinary God…

Is it extraordinary or extra – ordinary?

Either way, God worked through ordinary men and women in the Bible and made them extraordinary.

Intrigued by a burning bush, Moses approached to examine what he had never seen before. On God’s mountain, he learned how an ordinary bush can be extraordinary when it is on fire with divine activity.

We are just ordinary human beings, but when we are on fire with the divine activity of God in our lives, everything changes.

Nothing miraculous, just a simple understanding of who God is, what He has done, and what He will do.

Now that is extraordinary.

Fearless vs Less Fear…

The word “fearless” conjures up several thoughts, primarily to be without fear. However, reverse the word – “less fear.”

Various events in our leadership will always create times of fear. Fear is not eliminated, but we can demonstrate less fear, but how? Read Hebrews 11:1 – 12:3.

Faith!

Enduring life’s challenges is strengthened by victorious faith. Others have also overcome; see the great cloud of witnesses.

Trust in God’s promise; run with endurance the race set before you.

Even the greatest of obstacles, at their best are still temporary; keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.

Words of Kindness…

The value of speaking with kindness benefits every level of a leader’s influence. When a word is spoken with kindness several results occur.

The desire to benefit the person is demonstrated.

The value or worth of the individual is elevated.

The fruit of the Spirit testifies to being more Christlike.

The goal of unity is exemplified by serving one another.

The outreach to the world is built on a foundation of love.

Kindness requires us to get our personal agendas, preconceived ideas, desires, and motivations out of the way so our light can be displayed and God glorified.

Messengers of Hope…

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.