Tag: God

Hope

As leaders, we are messengers of hope. People can endure just about anything if they know there is something better ahead. They need hope something will be better.

The challenge is learning how to help others see that our hope is not based in a promise of a better physical life, but something beyond this life and beyond compare.

This kind of hope was the driving force of the early church, even in the face of death.

Paul indicated that hope of this nature saves us because with it we endure.

Better days are ahead, maybe not in this life, but God holds eternity.

The Destination

Where are we going? Do we know? What will we need to get there? How will we know when we arrive?

Spiritually, we know the destination. We anticipate the arrival, but do we know how to get there?

If we are not careful, it is easy to get caught up in the physical areas of life and think less about the spiritual. We then expect God to just “take care of it.”

We would think someone foolish not to follow a map to a destination they have never been before. If so, then how much more foolish when the eternal destination is far more consequential?

Uncomfortable

Neal Donald Walsch wrote, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. So if you’re feeling uncomfortable right now, know that the change taking place in your life is a beginning, not an ending.”

The success of leadership depends on the ability, or the flexibility, to recognize the limits of our comfort zone.

Imagine the change in following God within the Jewish nation after 1,500+ years of the same approach, and then something occurred far different that made them uncomfortable.

Leadership operates the same. We are not talking unscriptural, but when ideas and plans are introduced that make us uncomfortable, maybe life is just beginning.

Multiculturalism

To say we live in a multicultural society is a gross understatement. We cannot think about what we are going to do if it happens.

If we are not knowledgeable about or preparing to address it, we are way behind.

How we can best approach leading within a multicultural context?

1. Stop procrastinating and gain a better understanding of multiculturalism.

2. Get immersed in developing relationships across cultural boundaries.

3. Remember, we are participating in a small part of what God has done and continues to do.

Who knows but we are here for such a time as this. The subject is essential for the present and future understanding of leadership.

Minimizing Negativity

We cannot completely avoid negativity. Sadly, we are surrounded by it. We often face so much negativity it is difficult to see much positive.

Since, we cannot avoid negativity, what can we do to limit its influence, or put a positive spin on it?

First, prayer is where it all starts. God promises to answer, so why not begin at His throne.

Second, focus on spending time with people who are positive.

Third, the material we read and the messages we hear need to ring with optimism. Turning off the television is a positive beginning point.

Fourth, commit to saying at least five positive things every day.

Light

Light is defined as “a source of illumination.” Light, however, is so much more when we consider what it actually does and what it symbolizes for spiritual leaders.

Jesus claimed to be the “light of the world.” He also said His disciples were the “light of the world, a city set on a hill,” and followed this by saying, “Let your light shine.”

Leaders need to illuminate a vision that is built on faith and trust in God.

Our light should shine forth the example of Jesus as revealed throughout the Gospels. When this happens, our good works are seen in such a way that others will glorify God.

Reason or Excuse

Is there a difference between a reason and an excuse?

When we examine how we live life (words we use, attitude we display, places we visit, how we treat our family, and our attendance to worship) would we have a reason or excuse for the choices we make?

When we think about our allegiances to friends and family, would we give a reason or excuse for placing those allegiances above our loyalty and faithfulness to God?

More questions could be asked.

Our time, life, and allegiances all need greater consideration as we must one day give an account for how we prioritize them. Let us lead with the same consideration.

ALD

The formation of an approach to adult leadership development (ALD) is essential for the future.

Each congregation must establish a plan for training, equipping, and developing leaders to prepare for the spiritual warfare currently facing the church.

As God’s people, we need to recognize the challenges before us, and the current leadership of today must rise up to prepare leaders for tomorrow.

We should all be aware of the consequences of failing to plan for ALD. What we need is a vision for leadership development in the Lord’s kingdom that will be experienced in the next generation. This will impact our children!

Adversity

Few people like adversity. Actually, no one enjoys it. However, adversity challenges us to reflect on who we are, why we are here, and how we will endure.

Walt Disney once said, “All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me… You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”

Reflection can lead to doubt and negativity, but it can also remind us of how God is working to strengthen and shape us.

Leaders who understand this are better equipped to help others when they face adversity.

The Right Leader

We face a daunting task when determining what is right and who is the right leader to follow.

No greater qualities for leadership are identified today than those addressed throughout the pages of the Bible.

No greater example of leadership can be found than the example left by Jesus.

Dedicating ourselves to learning the truths provided by God and studying the example of Jesus will result in a godly leader.

We must lead with our eyes focused on Jesus and our hearts devoted to the following the depths of His teaching.

When followers have this example in earthly leaders, they will follow the right leader.