Tag: Life

Self-Evaluation

The challenge of taking time to examine our own character and see how it measures up can be frustrating.

Simon Fuller said, “What angers us in another person is more often than not an unhealed aspect of ourselves. If we had already resolved that particular issue, we would not be irritated by its reflection back to us.”

People who are critical of others often struggle with the same issues in their own life.

When we correct the unresolved issues in our lives, we can see more clearly how to help others. Please read Matthew 7:1-5.

Best Day Ever

What is the “best day ever?”

From a spiritual leadership perspective, the idea has a whole new meaning. The best day ever occurred at the resurrection of Jesus.

Here is where Jesus defeated Satan. Here is where the fear of death was removed. Here is where hope of something better beyond this life was given.

Christianity is based on this fact! Without the resurrection, Paul describes the tragedy that exists in being a Christian (1 Co. 15:12-19).

The resurrection changes everything in how we lead others.

There is something worth living and dying for, something worth leading for…because He lives!

Influence…Part 2

What are the greatest influences in your life? It is not uncommon to hear someone say they are not influenced by watching inappropriate movies, listening to vulgar or offensive jokes, or participating in worldly activities.

The more we are exposed to such, the more we drift from the solid foundation.

Maya Angelou concludes, “You are the sum total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot — it’s all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that I try to make sure that my experiences are positive.”

May we all strive for experiences that drive us to a more positive and godly life.

Time to Lead

Our life exists within this span known as time.

Since we have this measure and moment of time, it should concern us to consider how we use our time.

We can use our time for ourselves, selfishly using every minute for pleasure. The book of Ecclesiastes informs us this is vanity.

The alternative is to use our time for others. The greatest fulfillment and satisfaction in life are found when we use our time for others, helping them both physically and spiritually reach their potential. Herein lies the purpose of our life and leadership.

If everyone focused on this, imagine what our world would look like.

Where There Is No Leadership

Two times in the book of Judges, we learn that where there was no leadership, “every man did what was right in his own eyes.”

Looking around at the world today indicates that far too many people live as though there is no leadership.

While leadership is not always what it should be, our influence as Christians must be different.

Christians are not following leadership in the secular realm. We are following the leadership of the almighty God.

As we measure up the example of our life before others, perhaps leading with such intent will instill hope for a better tomorrow.

The Speed of Leadership

Life often goes by at “break-neck” speed and we struggle to keep up. Occasionally, a slower pace would be nice.

Life, however, is not always as easily planned as we might like.

Such is true in leadership. There will be days we accelerate the pace to accomplish certain tasks or reach specific goals. Other days move us to slow everything down.

The key is to prioritize what must be done today, be flexible – fast or slow, never hesitate to ask for help when needed, and trust in God’s providence.

It is amazing how and where God is working.

The Path of Leadership

All of us walk one path or another. Jesus taught there are only two possibilities. Where do these paths lead?

The narrow path implies challenges that make the path difficult.

The broad path implies a level of ease and no difficulties.

However, we must also consider the end result. Where does the path we walk on lead? The narrow path, even though challenging, leads to eternal life. The broad path, as appealing as it seems with its comfort and ease, leads to eternal destruction.

Leadership increases the responsibility to consider an important question. Where does the path lead for those who follow our leadership?

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.

Messengers of Hope…

Life is filled with highs and lows. At times, we are on top of the mountain, and other times we walk through the valley.

David understood this when he wrote the twenty-third Psalm.

He understood what was ahead of him, not behind. Even though he walked through the “valley of the shadow of death,” God was with him and he would dwell with God forever.

As leaders, we are messengers of hope.

Better days are ahead, maybe not in this life, but God holds eternity.

Reason or Excuse?

Is there really a difference between a “reason” and an “excuse?” We have all heard or said, “I’m not making an excuse, there is a good reason why…”

When considering the use of our time, do we have a reason for not using it wisely?

When we examine how we live, what reason do we have for the choices we make?

When it comes to allegiance, is there a reason God isn’t the priority He should be?

Our time, life, and allegiances all need greater consideration, because one day we will give an account for each.