Tag: Jesus

Leading In Less Than One Second…

Jules Verne wrote Around The World In 80 Days. Traveling around the world in a hot air balloon was exciting and the adventure thrilling.

The 21st century has ushered in a few changes. The adventure no longer takes 80 days, or 80 minutes, or even 80 seconds.  In less than one second, with the touch of a button, this can all be experienced through the internet. Technology has changed everything.

Leading in such a time moves us to rethink our approach to every relationship.

For leaders, this is an opportunity to expedite the gospel to the world. How are we using these God-given tools to communicate the hope of Christianity?

The Human Soul…

Ralph Peters said, “The great paradox of the 21st century is that, in this age of powerful technology, the biggest problems we face internationally are problems of the human soul.”

I do not pretend to understand the big problems of the 21st century, technologically or otherwise. However, spiritual leadership does involve the human soul.

No problem of the human soul can be addressed apart from Jesus. The challenge is to seek, find, and know Him.

The problems of the human soul are not solved with worldly philosophy and the wisdom of men.

The power and wisdom of God, Jesus, make the difference.

A Motive To Lead…

People lead for different reasons. At times, the situation (crisis) demands someone lead.

However, selfish ambition motivates far too many. The desire to personally benefit from a position of power is appealing in both the secular and spiritual arena. 

When people lead with the right motives, the result is powerful.

Developing this motive consists of three components.

1) Personal and familial relationship with Christ. 
2) Understanding scripture, both the milk and meat of God’s word.
3) Compassion for people’s eternal condition, saved and lost.

These help us check and develop the motive godly leaders should possess.

The Grand Scheme…

Consider the “grand scheme” of things and our role as a leader in that scheme.

God’s mission is providentially guided throughout the history of Israel down to the coming, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. 

The power of this mission/scheme is God’s continued involvement in our lives today.

If not careful we get distracted and even drawn away by the trivial areas of life, resulting in distorted priorities.

We need to pray that God will open doors. We also need to pray for the wisdom to see those opportunities and for the courage to pursue what God places before us in His grand scheme.

Middle Leadership…

Over the years, much has been said about the middle child within family relationships. Some information fits, some not. We have learned that each child is unique in their own ways.

However, the idea of being in the middle develops an interesting thought for leadership…leading from the middle, influencing those who work below and above us. 

John Maxwell’s 360 Degree Leader shares a few principles.

1) Leadership influence works both ways, up and down.

2) Invaluable opportunities exist for the greater good from the middle.

3) The middle provides the greatest leverage for leading. 

As Christians, we all lead from the middle. Let us use this place well.

A Leading Parable…

The parables of Jesus often shed light on great leadership principles. One of those is the Parable of the Tares. Here is what we learn…

The enemy is working against spiritual leaders.

Patience is needed, even when evil grows in the midst of good.

Time will reveal the intentions of the heart.

Light always triumphs over darkness.

Take time to read the parable and think about these principles as they apply to leadership. Leaders must learn to approach and handle these areas with faithfulness to God. The result will strengthen their influence and leadership.

A Leader’s Temperament…

Temperament involves a person’s nature as it permanently affects their behavior. What kind of nature is permanently affecting our behavior? 

There is an obvious connection to the emotional drive in our lives. This emotional drive could be related to anger or patience, an attitude of discontent or one of contentment, etc.

With both Christian and nonChristian watching every move, it seems significant to consider why we must work to develop the kind of temperament that ensures a behavior of excellence. 

Jesus identified His disciples as the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We use our words and actions to provide an example of temperament controlled by God.

What Do Leaders Seek?

The Gospels reveal the idea of seeking on several occasions.

In Matthew, Jesus emphasized the need to seek first the kingdom of God.

In Mark, religious leaders sought for a sign from Jesus, but their motives were impure.

In Luke, we find areas that involve what we seek, either materially or spiritually.

John also indicates that Jesus was motivated to seek.

Jesus clearly sought to do the will of the Father, to glorify Him. As spiritual leaders, what will we seek to do or accomplish with our leadership?

We have been entrusted with a great responsibility and opportunity. What we seek makes all the difference in the lives we touch.

Others-Centered Leadership…

The world is self-centered and people often look out only for themselves.

Rare is the individual whose legacy is built upon doing things for others. Kalu Kalu wrote, “The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.”

Spiritual leaders stand out for this quality. Why?

Jesus taught and set this example. The final lesson before His death was the lesson of servanthood.

The apostles taught it to the early church. Unity and harmony are built on service.

When we follow, we leave a legacy that leads to a home with God.

Liberty Leaders…

The history of Independence Day is on the minds of most Americans as they remember the events from 1776. July 4th (243 years ago) brought freedom / independence from the rule of England.

The years that followed have been filled with highs and lows, victories and defeats. These events have shaped this nation and provided us with independence.

As spiritual leaders, we value the price paid by many to give us our freedoms and realize the need to help others understand and experience another kind of liberty found only in Christ. 

Time is too precious to delay. Let us be diligent to the task. Happy 4th