Tag: Life

Hold the Helm

Consider a statement made by Publilius Syrus, “Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.” Perhaps we could say, “It is not difficult to have faith when life is going well.”

The challenge to faith (holding the helm) involves trusting that God is in control and engaged in life, that He looks out for your best interest even when life is not going well.

Spiritual leaders will face numerous storms, disbelief in the vision and goals often exists, jealousy that creates doubt in your motives, and gossip, slander, and malice spread discrediting you.

Hold the helm! Remain strong in the faith! Keep your eyes focused on Jesus! Continue to lead!

Enthusiastic Leadership

How we approach life comes down to a choice. No one knows how long they have left on this earth.

Doesn’t it make sense that we choose to live each moment to the fullest God intended.

Roald Dahl said, “I began to realize how important it was to be an enthusiast in life. If you are interested in something, no matter what it is, go at it full speed. Embrace it with both arms, hug it, love it and above all become passionate about it. Lukewarm is no good.”

Leaders must demonstrate the choice to live enthusiastically. It is contagious and it changes all who follow.

A Childlike Perspective

Try these steps to make a difference in your leadership.

1) Worry not about tomorrow, it might not come anyway.

2) It is okay to get angry, but make up quickly and play as if it never happened.

3) Stop thinking about the clock. We cannot measure the value of time by it.

4) Live life with anticipation of what we get to do each day.

5) Value the security of knowing someone else is in charge. Thank you, Father.

6) Remember, a good night’s rest depends on living with truth and honesty.

7) Nothing is better than cookies and milk to put a smile on someone’s face.

Opportunities

Life is filled with opportunities. We may choose to pass or act on an opportunity. The possibility also exists that we will neither pass or act on an opportunity because we fail to see it.

Whether we see an opportunity or fail to see it, what a blessing to know God works in our lives daily. He provides us with opportunities to grow closer to Him, recognize the beauty of His handiwork, develop a stronger faith, help and encourage others, love family and friends, work and earn a living, remember those who changed our lives, and the list is unending.

Opportunities abound if we look.

Potential to Grow

The following expression is significant: “Every conversation is important. When a specific wording is missed or an inappropriate judgment made, it can temporarily or permanently stunt another person’s potential to grow in leadership.”

If we understood how our words might promote or hinder the leadership potential of another person, would we give more careful thought to what we say?

Solomon reminds us that the power of life and death are in the tongue. With our words we either build up or tear down.

We must not allow anything to influence our words in such a way that it would discourage someone from reaching their leadership potential.

Leadership Regret

At times, we all regret our participation in something we’ve said or done.

However, the bigger picture is not painted by the few moments we experience regret, but rather the whole of life.

Zig Ziglar once asked, “Will you look back on life and say, ‘I wish I had,’ or ‘I’m glad I did’”?

The bigger picture of leadership influence is shaped by how we answer this question. Looking back, our leadership should never be identified by what we wish we had done or said. Rather, our joy and hope of a better tomorrow rests in the fact we were glad we did it.

Complex vs Simple

Depending on the individual, there is some subjectivity. On one hand, an older generation recalls the simplicity of dirt roads, no cell-phones, growing what was eaten, and a life without technology.

Adding technology, a black-top/concrete way of life, cell-phones, and then eliminating the garden, life can become a bit more complex.

On the other hand, a younger generation recognizes these advances as a means to simplify life and increase health and wealth.

Imagine leading people with both mindsets. We should remember that both mindsets exist in the world and the church.

Our task is not to place one above the other, but lead with both in mind.

Becoming More

Do we see life as a gift? If so, what stewardship goes with the gift?

Since there is a privilege, opportunity, and responsibility attached to this stewardship, what will we do? Are we content with the status quo? Will we strive to excel in using our God given abilities to the fullest potential?

Life is not an opportunity to focus on self. In fact, when we focus on ourselves, our view of life is biased and we are more about taking than giving.

We have a great gift and it is up to us to do something that benefits the lives of others by becoming more.

Finding Answers

When I observe my children and grandchildren, I understand the idea of looking for and awaiting answers related to trials experienced in life.

Fear, anxiety, and frustration can take control quickly. How can we eliminate these concerns and find the needed answers during such times?

Where do leaders go to find answers when adversity occurs, questions arise?

Leadership involves providing guidance, direction, encouragement, support, and knowing how to give answers to help others overcome their fears, anxiety and frustration. Where can a leader go to find the answers?

Pray.
Listen to God’s word.
Seek counsel.
Learn the value of trust.
Admit mistakes.
Never miss the opportunity to grow.

Walk

Take a moment in a crowded place and watch people walk. Some walk slower or faster than others and most carry something.

Where are they walking? What do they think about as they walk?

Figuratively, walking is a way of life that characterizes the whole of leadership. Leadership is not about a one time event or activity. It must be a way of life demonstrated in our conduct, lived in a way that influences the direction of others.

When someone tells us to go for a walk, perhaps we need to consider changing our conduct of life to lead as God wants us to lead.