Tag: Influence

Alienation

When someone is isolated from a group they belong to, we tend to identify it as alienation.

Leaders have an opportunity to influence others for the Lord, for the betterment of life, and growth in the kingdom.

When we are driven to prove a point or advance our agenda, we can alienate those we try to influence, and we lose credibility.

When we lose our credibility and influence, two things happen: 1) a wall of defense is erected, and 2) we drive the other person deeper into their convictions.

The cause of Christ is too great to alienate someone from the greater good.

Influence…Part 2

What are the greatest influences in your life? It is not uncommon to hear someone say they are not influenced by watching inappropriate movies, listening to vulgar or offensive jokes, or participating in worldly activities.

The more we are exposed to such, the more we drift from the solid foundation.

Maya Angelou concludes, “You are the sum total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot — it’s all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that I try to make sure that my experiences are positive.”

May we all strive for experiences that drive us to a more positive and godly life.

Influence…Part 1

Jesus described His disciples as salt and light. These terms identify influence in the realm to which they are applied. Thus, Christians are to be an influence in the world.

Our influence is determined by words, attitudes, conduct / behavior, and activities.

Christians have been known to get as close to the line of worldliness as possible in order to have this influence. Many have selected close relationships with non-Christians with this in mind. Sadly, the influence is often reversed and Christians can be drawn away from their convictions.

Let us be careful how we influence others.

Leadership Habits…

It takes 21 days to develop a habit. Working on a specific activity or trait for 21 days straight is all we need.

When something becomes a habit, it is more like second nature, or perhaps first nature.

The amount of time necessary to reinforce the activity or trait depends on the dedication required to develop the habit.

Some habits are good and some are bad. Our greatest challenges involve breaking the bad habits. Leaders must develop the kind of habits that promote an influence toward godliness.

Learning to Lead

A learning leader is open to learn from others, listening to what is said and how it is said. They constantly seek ways to improve who they are, what they are, and how they lead others.

When leaders are open to learn, opportunities abound for obtaining wisdom from others who have a depth of knowledge and experience that exceeds our own.

When leaders approach each situation with a learner’s heart, they demonstrate humility that understands the necessity of being a servant.

No leader will ever know everything, but when leaders are willing to learn they find greater influence.

The Principle of Leadership

A principle is defined as a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct.

We find that principles are foundational to leadership. The world around us measures what they see and hear by the profession of our faith.

If the principles by which we proclaim the gospel do not align with an example evidenced by word and deed, accusations of hypocrisy are rightly made.

When these principles do align, they breathe life into our character.

When this happens, lives change and souls are influenced for the cause of our Lord.

Change the World

Perhaps it is only a dream. Maybe it is a scam or an incredible sales pitch. Can it be true?

As long as we limit our thinking that the opportunity to change the world is an impossibility, we never will.

Change occurs one person at a time, but if we take that one person and guide them to do the same, we multiply our sphere of influence.

The power of possibility is magnified to incredible heights.

This is how we change the world and it all begins with you and me. May God use us to do so!

Missional Leaders

Being prepared is foundational to influence. When challenged or questioned, we must be ready.

Peter reminds Christians to always be ready (1 Pe. 3:15). Ask yourself, “Am I ready?

Preparation is connected to a few key principles.

1. Understand the urgency of the situation. Preparation can make the difference.
2. Recognize that answers are found in the Bible. God provided a tool to prepare us. Know it!
3. Ask others for assistance. The wisdom of others can improve who we are and what we do.

Are you ready? A few simple steps will help you get there.

Influential Leader

A word expressed or action taken can change a situation in ways that leave a lasting impression.

People always watch and listen. They measure the strength of our character by the consistency of our words and actions.

Before we speak, think about the consequences. Once the words are spoken we cannot take them back.

Our actions have a similar impact. Interestingly enough, we may participate in an activity that does not characterize who we are, yet when seen, the consequences are nearly impossible to correct.

Our influence is too valuable to give little thought to the consequences of our choices and influence.

Surveying Our Leadership…

I am not a fan of surveys. Every time I purchase a product, visit an establishment, call customer service, etc. I get a survey in my email. Ugh!
However, there are a few questions, we need to consider.

What would a survey say is the priority of our life? Quality of our work ethic? Consistency of what we believe and practice? The “type” of people we seek to influence?

The list of questions goes on. We need to understand the value of surveying each area of our life and measuring how we live by the example provided in Jesus.