Tag: Jesus

A Righteous Leader…

Righteousness is a biblical word that speaks to our relationship with God and others.

David addressed the character of one who understands both relationships when he said, “He works righteousness” (Ps. 15:2).

We must hunger and thirst for righteousness (Mt. 5:6), our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees (Mt. 5:20), and we must seek first His righteousness (Mt. 6:33).

The guide for life, food for our soul, ethical character, and our priorities are framed by Jesus.

God should trust and the world should know that our choices are righteous. Start by asking, “Is it right with God?”

Ontogeny and Leadership…

Ontogeny is the process of an individual organism growing organically.

Thinking of the church as an organization goes against the living and growing organism God intended.

We understand the need to care for, protect, provide, and strengthen plants, animals, and human life because they are organisms that are alive, and proper growth only occurs when we practice the right care.

How much more so would God want us to demonstrate the same toward His church?

Even if we never see the word “ontogeny” again, let us practice the necessary areas to produce growth of the one organism that required the life of Jesus.

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.

Words and Influence…

One of the great principles of leadership, simple and overused, involves the nature of our influence. Jesus said we are the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” (Mt. 5:13-16).

Throughout the letters written to specific individuals and the various churches of God’s people, the word salt is used twice (Col. 4:6; Jas. 3:12). In both the use of salt is connected to the tongue.

Words spoken carelessly and without thought can destroy our influence and once destroyed it is difficult, if not impossible, to regain.

The precedent of our words establish a leadership influence worthy of following.

Leadership Opportunities…

An opportunity involves circumstances presenting possibility, either to be gained or lost. If we are unable to see the possibilities, we will not take advantage of the opportunity.

Leadership requires us to see the possibilities and take advantage of the opportunities when they arise.

Few people turn down an opportunity to double an investment in a short period of time. We know we have to strike while the iron is hot.

The same is true spiritually. Unless we see the possibilities and take advantage of the opportunities, the urgency of sharing the message of Jesus fades to indifference.

Seek, Ask, and Knock.

Fearless vs Less Fear…

The word “fearless” conjures up several thoughts, primarily to be without fear. However, reverse the word – “less fear.”

Various events in our leadership will always create times of fear. Fear is not eliminated, but we can demonstrate less fear, but how? Read Hebrews 11:1 – 12:3.

Faith!

Enduring life’s challenges is strengthened by victorious faith. Others have also overcome; see the great cloud of witnesses.

Trust in God’s promise; run with endurance the race set before you.

Even the greatest of obstacles, at their best are still temporary; keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.

Four Words…

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

Teach: People will only do what they are learn to do. When application is taught, we all learn how to fulfill the task.

Encourage: When criticism is tempered with encouragement, people change.

Admonish: Warning, advising, or even reprimanding others is needed to prevent harm from occurring in their lives.

Equip: Providing the necessary tools to fulfill the given task and responsibility is vital to the success of followers.

Light…

Light represents far more than “a source of illumination,” especially for spiritual leaders.

We could say that light is simply the absence of darkness: “God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all.”

Our light needs to shine forth the example of Jesus as it revealed throughout the Gospels.

A good study of light can be found in the Gospel of John. The next time you read through it, highlight the word “light.” Consider how the word is used in context and how it applies to casting a vision built on faith for leaders.

Suffering Leaders…

Jesus suffered on numerous occasions. He suffered verbally and physically.

The religious leaders were intent on eliminating this threat to their position and power.

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

His suffering demonstrated the greatness of His leadership.

John Maxwell said, “The higher one goes in leadership, the greater the sacrifice.” Will suffering demonstrate the greatness of our leadership today?

Preparation…

Great leadership knows how to address matters of greater importance.

Jesus was masterful at directing one’s focus toward the spiritual. One example involved the disciples’ concern over the destruction of the temple, the sign of His coming, and the end of the age.

Jesus addressed their concerns, but He then took them further into events surrounding judgment.

He wanted them to know something greater than the destruction of the temple was coming, and the reason for teaching this truth was to encourage preparation for that day.

Our leadership is the same. It’s about preparing others for that day.