Tag: Jesus

The Language of Jesus

Languages are not a strong suite for most of us. Imagine the difficulty of listening to the multiplicity of languages around the world.

However, the key to communicating effectively is understanding.

The ability to communicate so others understand is vital to our leadership.

Goals must be communicated so everyone understands.

Plans must also be communicated effectively.

Roles and responsibilities must be understood.

Above all, leading others to Jesus demands communicating the message of the cross in ways others understand.

What Shall I Do?

Nearly 2,000 years ago this question was asked by a governor with the power to deliver or destroy. Sadly, the influence of the Jews and fear of allowing a threat to Rome go free, Pilate sentenced Jesus to crucifixion.

Our answer becomes a foundation for our influence in several areas of life.

Family: Let us lead our family to heaven.
Job: Work to please Christ, not men.
Worship: Meet with God and bring a gift.
World: Be the influence our world needs.

What will we do? Our answer makes the difference in others seeing the influence of Jesus.

Authorized Personnel Only

Nearly everywhere we look we see signs with the disclosure “Authorized Personnel Only.” Who are these people? Would we recognize them if they walked by us?

We may not know them specifically, but we do know if we are authorized or not.

If Jesus has been given “all” authority, then only those given authority by Him may enter. Is this not what Jesus proclaimed? “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

Our job is to lead others to Him, because He alone grants entrance into the eternal home. How are we doing at our job?

Anticipation

The anticipation of an event makes it special.

This idea was expressed by Paul for us as Christians. Several times in his letters to the church, Paul used the phrase, “eagerly anticipating.” Christians eagerly anticipate dwelling in God’s presence eternally.

Our spiritual leadership is built on the foundation of helping others anticipate this same event.

Imagine the moment we first see our God and Savior. Consider the sound of His voice. Think about how incredible it will be when we realize we are there.

I cannot wait! Can you?

Our anticipation is what will make the event so special. It is worth sharing with others.

A Beginning

Plato is credited with saying, “The beginning is the most important part of the work.”

The way leaders begin the work has a far greater impact on reaching the overall goal(s) than we might care to admit.

It applies to how we begin a family.

It applies to how we begin each day.

It applies to how we begin a conversation with someone about studying the Bible.

It applies to how we begin a class, sermon or an article / post.

How important was the beginning when God created?

How important was the beginning when Christ came to this earth?

How important was the beginning of the church?

Developing Others

Spiritual leadership should be based on a thought expressed by Harvey S. Firestone, “It is only as we develop others that we permanently succeed.”

We must equip and train others to lead. Who will replace you and me? Are we preparing them for the work?

From a worldly perspective, leadership is inward focused. One must be self-centered in order to make one’s own way.

Jesus developed the apostles for a task that was quite different. The success of their work continues today.

The success of our leadership, and the future of the church, rests on developing others.

Know, Go, and Show

Jesus often pointed out how the Pharisees and Sadducees could read the obvious signs in the weather, but were blind to the signs from heaven?

Leadership needs to be about both. We need an eye for the obvious, tune in to the environment and present circumstances around us.

However, we also need a vision for the future. We need to see where we are going and what it will take to get there.

No creative and crafty approach will produce the kind of spiritual leaders God needs today. We need leaders who, as John Maxwell says, “Know the way, go the way, and show the way!”

Getting Out of the Rut

The rut is easy, comfortable, and expected.

We never seem to find the time to talk to a neighbor about Jesus. We are busy with a variety of family and work activities. Starting a Bible study would fill up another night. When we get home at night we are tired and we just want to sit down and relax.

However, our neighbors, the grocery clerk, bank teller, those in sales,and the waiter or waitress, still need Christ.

We have to get out of the rut, get uncomfortable, and start thinking souls. We are spiritual leaders and our task on earth is to lead others to Him.

Hope

For Christians, hope speaks of a desire that includes expectation. When considering the promises of God, Christians know there is fulfillment.

Spiritual leadership is about hope. Our leadership must be characterized by a strong desire with expectation.

Listening, confident, learning, and conscientious leaders provide hope.

The very idea of “spiritual” leadership should exemplify the hope Christ came to provide all who would follow.

Deliverance

The ultimate deliverance was accomplished by Jesus at the cross. The result brought deliverance from our bondage to the consequences of sin.

This deliverance is identified as salvation, forgiveness, grace, and the indescribable gift.

It is the result of God’s immeasurable patience and love. Consider the lengths taken by God to provide for our greatest need and think for just a moment.

Our spiritual leadership is defined by it. The souls all around us depend on it.