Tag: Jesus

Pointing to Jesus

Is it too much to ask for directions?

Jesus said, “I am the way.”

John the Baptist pointed people to Jesus. Why do more not point to Him?

Looking into the eyes of people around the world, including our own country, reveals the same.

We often see physical needs. We provide food, clothing, transportation, housing, or training to develop work skills.

No one is opposed to helping others with physical needs. Jesus provided an example.

However, there is a great imbalance in our approach to the physical versus spiritual.

We need to show people the way to spiritual and eternal life. This is the task of spiritual leadership.

Stand Out

Following the crowd, latest fad or trend are familiar ideas.

What is our leadership all about? Do we seek to fit in with what appears to be the latest and greatest?

When we lift up the Light of the world, we should stand out in a world of darkness.

Why is it important when it seems easier to follow the crowd?

Following the majority can have great consequences. Jesus teaches this principle in the Sermon on the Mount.

Our path is a matter of choice. The choices we make influence others. If it helps others get to heaven, then standing out in or from the crowd is worth it.

Extraordinary

What makes leadership extraordinary?

Jesus put together a group of extraordinary men and entrusted them with a message that changed the world.

It was not their educational level, charisma, social standing, economic strength, or immeasurable talent that made them extraordinary.

They were selected because they believed in Jesus as the Christ and they were willing to submit themselves to His Lordship.

We need leaders today who do the same. We need leaders who willingly give their lives to the cause of Jesus, who will stop at nothing to carry out the work entrusted to them (us).

The result will be extraordinary leadership.

Elegance and Precision

Elegance and precision are not often used to characterize leadership.

Elegance involves grace and style.
Precision is described as exact and accurate.

Yet, these two words should characterize the uniqueness of our leadership.

Jesus epitomized elegance and precision. Every word was exact and accurate. Every demonstration of power was intentional and purposeful.

Spiritual leaders must constantly work to perfect their leadership.

We need to think, plan, and execute with elegance and precision every aspect of leading others to and for Christ. Every word should be carefully chosen. Every action should be purposed on God’s will. Doing so ensures unique leadership.

Survey Says

Family Feud, a popular game show, hosts the famous line, “Survey Says…”

Contestants provide answers to questions nearest the most popular answers given by people who were surveyed.

When we consider our influence within our homes, what would the survey say is the priority of our life?

When we examine our character on the job, what would the survey say about our work ethic?

When we take into account our outreach to others, what would the survey say about the “type” of people we seek to influence?

There is value in surveying every area of life and measuring it by the example provided in Jesus.

Enduring Trust

Enduring life’s challenges is an ability strengthened by victorious faith. Understand that others have also overcome. See the great cloud of witnesses, biblically, historically, and personally.

Trust that God will keep His promises. He will see you through every trial. The adage claims, “If He brings you to it, He will see you through it.” Run with endurance the race that is set before you.

No matter how great the obstacle, at its worst it is still temporary. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus who for the joy before Him endured the cross, despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God.

The Odds

What chance is there, out of all the people on the planet who have never even heard the name of Jesus, you and I heard it?

Why were we so blessed to hear the Gospel when many in the world hear an altered version if they hear it at all?

We need to recognize the responsibility that comes with this opportunity.

Should we keep it to ourselves? Can we really go through each day without considering those who walk through life unaware of what awaits in eternity?

We are blessed among all people. This blessing is one meant to be shared, leading others to a hope of something beyond.

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.

Lead Like Jesus

Jesus taught, encouraged, admonished, and equipped twelve men in preparation for the work He commissioned them to fulfill.

Teach: Teaching often falls short when it comes to application. Information is good, but how to use that information is better.

Encourage: The power behind encouragement motivates people to work harder than before. When criticism is tempered with encouragement, people change.

Admonish: Warning, advising, or even reprimanding others is needed to prevent harm. The attitude behind admonition determines the reception.

Equip: Providing the necessary tools to fulfill a given task and responsibility leads to the success of followers, especially as they are prepared to lead.

Suffering Leaders

At the hands of Rome, Jesus would encounter suffering beyond imagination, as He was beaten, ridiculed, mocked with a crown of thorns, spit upon, scourged, and nailed to a cross.

Suffering is not often seen as greatness, but rather a stumbling block and foolishness. However, to those who are saved, it is the power of God.

The purpose of His suffering makes this an act of great leadership.

As leaders today, the higher we go in leadership the greater the sacrifice we must make. What leaders willingly suffer becomes a mark of great leadership today also.