Tag: Life

Pursuing Excellence (part 2)

People often want to not only have the best, they want to be the best. We hear thoughts like, “Be the best you can be,” or “Do the best you can do.”

The challenge comes in how we define “best.”

Pursuing excellence is a different mindset, yet one worth pursuing.

The pursuit of excellence provides consistency to leadership.

Pursuing excellence acknowledges the present situation and need. It demands that we strive to learn and improve. And pursuing excellence strives to constantly make proper application.

We should give thought to the direction of our leadership.

Making a difference in our life and in others is an excellent pursuit.

Fear-Less

All of us, at one point or another, face fear. While we would love to be fearless, to possess an attitude or mindset of having no fear, or the absence of fear, the challenge is daunting.

We need to consider, however, a possibility as it relates to leadership.

Reverse the order. Think about having less fear.

There is an element of doubt when thinking that a leader will have no fear or even eliminate fear. Life and leadership will always present times of fear. During those times we can demonstrate less fear, but what makes it possible to do so? Read Hebrews 11:1 – 12:4.

Reason or Excuse

Is there a difference between a reason and an excuse?

When we examine how we live life (words we use, attitude we display, places we visit, how we treat our family, and our attendance to worship) would we have a reason or excuse for the choices we make?

When we think about our allegiances to friends and family, would we give a reason or excuse for placing those allegiances above our loyalty and faithfulness to God?

More questions could be asked.

Our time, life, and allegiances all need greater consideration as we must one day give an account for how we prioritize them. Let us lead with the same consideration.

Picture of a Leader

Each day we are given an opportunity to live on the stage of life. Others witness every word and deed. Images are embedded in their minds by what they see, just like a photograph.

As they recall the days gone by, they remember these images and the impact left by them.

We do the same with others we see every day.

Consider the following question: What would the photograph others take of us look like?

There are times the perfect shot can only be taken in a moment of time. We may only have a moment for others to take that perfect picture that changes their lives forever.

A Blessing or Curse

Examining the life of Moses indicates the preparation of a godly leader who represents wisdom, strength, and tenacity.

Notice his appeal in the last sermon of Deuteronomy.

As Moses addressed the nation of Israel he presented them with a blessing and a curse, life and death. He urged them to choose life that they might live.

Amidst the challenges of leadership in this postmodern, excessively individualistic world, perhaps the simple approach to the choices offered by Moses can redirect our attention to the heart of the matter.

As leaders, our task is to appeal to choose wisely, choose life that they might live.

Primal

Do leaders think from a primal perspective? Before we drift into the early stages of evolutionary development, primal carries the impetus of something that is essential or foundational.

Nothing could more essential and foundational to eternity than spiritual leadership.

How does the idea of primal apply to the surroundings of leadership?

The idea relates to the beginnings, first things, primary, essential, and foundational elements of all that is connected to life intellectually, physically, emotionally, and physically.

These elements are the building blocks of all leaders and include integrity, honesty, strong work ethic, passion, confidence in God, discipline, and balance.

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.