Tag: God's Word

Strong Leadership

We need to be strong in every area of life: physically, spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually.

Through the aging process we are all aware of the decline in our physical strength. There are times when a decline in emotional and intellectual strength also occurs.

The most frightening area connected to this decline in strength occurs in the spiritual realm.

Paul encourages Christians to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God” (Ep. 6:10-11).

Examining each piece of armor reveals a close relationship to God’s word. Our strength comes from what God provides through His word.

Reaching the Unlikely

Studying God’s word can produce challenging thoughts that should be reflected in how we live out what we believe and see taught in it.

If we know that God has chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith and the receptivity is higher, then why are we not making greater efforts to lead those who are the most unlikely to the Lord?

Do we exert our efforts to teach those who seemingly feel as if they do not need God because of their affluence?

Should we not spend more effort leading those who have little or nothing in this life to a greater understanding of what God has prepared in the next?

Strong Leadership…

Strength applies to physical, spiritual, emotional, and intellectual areas of life.

Challenges occur when our strength declines, especially in the spiritual realm.

Perhaps we have seen or experienced personal struggles to remain spiritually strong and faithful.

During these times, Paul encourages Christians to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God” (Ep. 6:10-11).

Each piece of armor reveals a close relationship to God’s word. Our strength comes from what God provides us through His word.

His word helps us find the strength to lead others to our Lord.

Testing our Leadership…

Based on experience, most students prefer to skip tests.

However, tests are biblical and spiritual leaders will face them throughout their leadership.

Abraham is an example. God tested Abraham by commanding him to offer his only son, Isaac, as a burnt offering.

The New Testament letter from James speaks about the testing of our faith. The result produces endurance which leads to completeness.

With this in mind, how should leaders respond when tested?

Pray for God’s wisdom and guidance.
Read God’s word and focus on the purpose.
Seek counsel from leaders who have passed tests.
Trust God’s use of tests to make us into His leaders.

Leading with All my Heart…

Throughout Psalms we find the phrase “with all my heart.” 

The Psalmist identifies several key thoughts connected to this phrase.

The most common thought is that of giving thanks. Imagine the power of leadership involved in giving thanks with all their heart. 

The second thought is about seeking the Lord. Spiritual leaders cannot be effective without a drive to seek a relationship with the Lord.

The third thought involves observing God’s law or word. Again, the very foundation of leadership must be based on God’s word.

With all my heart is a study worth applying.

Following the Right Leader…

When we question our leadership, consideration should be given to the followers. Have we really considered where others end up when they follow our leadership?

The choices are limited.

1) Closer to or further away from God…
2) More spiritually or more worldly focused…
3) Stronger or weaker in faith…
4) Growing or declining in knowledge of God’s word…

There may be more possibilities, but the point is the same. Our leadership should be important enough to consider the destination reached by following our leadership.

Blaze a trail that when others follow they end up following the right leader.

Leading with Confidence…

Leaders need confidence. Napoleon Hill says, “The world has the habit of making room for the man whose words and actions show that he knows where he is going.”

Leaders must possess a strong consistency in character. This lesson is not new.

For leaders to build a relationship of trust, their character must be defined by consistency, which may be one of the truest qualities connected to integrity.

When leaders demonstrate consistency in their words and actions, they can lead with confidence. Ultimately, both should be guided by the teachings of God’s word.

Finding Answers for Leadership…

Trials are part of life. Fear, anxiety, and frustration take control quickly. People seek answers.

When adversity occurs, or questions arise, where do leaders go to find answers?

Leaders provide guidance, direction, encouragement, support, and answers to help others overcome their fears, anxiety, and frustration. Where do leaders find these answers?

Prayer is a good place to start.
Spend time listening to God’s word. 
Counsel the wisdom of others.
Learn the value of trust.
Admit mistakes that occur.
Never miss an opportunity to learn. 

The more prepared we are for the questions plaguing others, the stronger our leadership becomes.

Unscriptural or Uncomfortable…

A thin line exists between the two and leaders are challenged to recognize the difference. How?

Know the book. When knowledge of God’s word is weak, leaders will not know if something is Biblical or not.

Seek wisdom through prayer. This is not a prayer before a meeting, but a “without ceasing” approach to seek God’s guidance.

Ask the right questions. Asking why we do something opens a door to greater understanding.

Be patient. Decisions should rarely be made in one meeting. Give it time, but be careful not to procrastinate.

A few steps will help us determine the difference in what is unscriptural versus uncomfortable.

A Tribute to a Great Leader…

Tributes to great leaders are numerous. From those who are famous to those who are personal, great leaders exist everywhere. 

My father demonstrated great leadership by the kind of friendship he demonstrated. All his friendships involved pointing people to heaven.

Nothing was more important to him. He was one of the best personal workers I have ever known. His approach and style to studying the gospel with others was one of kindness. He was gentle and patient, and his ability to lead others to an understanding of God’s word was unmatched.

May we all learn from his leadership and point others to heaven.