The ultimate deliverance was accomplished by Jesus at the cross. The result brought deliverance from our bondage to the consequences of sin.
This deliverance is identified as salvation, forgiveness, grace, and the indescribable gift.
It is the result of God’s immeasurable patience and love. Consider the lengths taken by God to provide for our greatest need and think for just a moment.
Our spiritual leadership is defined by it. The souls all around us depend on it.
The ability to be self-aware and self-evaluate is easier said than done. The difficulty exists in recognizing the inward truths that often escape reality.
Marianne Williamson said, “Take stock of your thoughts and behavior. Each night ask yourself, when were you negative when you could have been positive? When did you withhold love when you might have given it? When did you play a neurotic game instead of behaving in a powerful way? Use this process to self-correct.”
When we ask the kind of questions that challenge painful answers, we find ways to improve the influence of our leadership and help others follow with confidence.
Love is one of the most misunderstood words in the English language, yet one of the most powerful.
Franklin P. Jones once said, “Love doesn’t make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.”
Love is the perfect bond of unity.
Love is the greatest among faith, hope, and love.
Loving your neighbor as yourself is the fulfillment of the royal law.
Perfect love casts out fear.
Love covers a multitude of sins.
Love is to be demonstrated above all to God, toward a friend, spouse, brother, and enemy.
When love is the foundation, formation, and finishing of our words and actions, godly leadership is exemplified.
Improving others is one of the greatest keys to successful leadership.
Jim Rohn said, “A good objective of leadership is to help those who are doing poorly to do well and to help those who are doing well to do even better.”
The quality identified in this act is simple. We are talking about genuine love.
When leaders care for and demonstrate love for others they will always work to serve, placing the needs and desires of the other person above their own.
This attitude was beautifully exemplified in the life of Jesus and, as Christians, we have a responsibility to help the world to see Him in us.
Bring out the best in others. Isn’t that what we all desire?
Although the author is unknown, this quote is amazing. “In life, you will realize there is a role for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you, some will love you, and some will teach you. But the ones who are truly important are the ones who bring out the best in you. They are the rare and amazing people who remind you why it’s worth it.”
As leaders, may we always remember that our task in this life is to bring out the best in other people.
The character of love, as defined by God, is a love that is unmerited, steadfast, suffering, and knows no bounds. It should move us to consider that there is nothing we can do to make God love us more, and nothing we can do to make Him love us less. His very essence is love.
Love is always divinely defined by what is done for others, in this case, you and me.
In a marketing environment that is based on self-interest and one that puts a price on everything (and everyone), cultivating love will require a devotion of our time in building relationships.
This is the essence of leadership.
Being observant is essential in leadership. The power of observation is deeply connected to its definition.
Alert: When leaders are alert, they are quick to notice anything unusual or potentially dangerous.
Watchful: Leaders who are carefully watching others and the situation lead out of concern.
Aware: When there is a knowledge or perception of a situation or fact, leaders are aware.
Attentive: To be attentive, leaders must pay close attention to someone or something.
The basis for successful leadership is found in being observant, and this kind of leadership is not easy. It requires diligence, time, patience, and great love.
Biblically, love involves seeking the highest good for the other person. Love cannot be self-directed or direct the actions of others.
When leaders do this, it is generally because of selfish motives.
When leaders truly understand and lead out of love for souls, we find sacrifice and determination to see that others find a way to heaven. A couple of ideas about leading out of love.
Love gives without expecting to receive something in return.
Love seeks opportunity to serve in all situations.
Love desires the best for others, even at the cost of personal comfort.
Lead out of love and know the power it brings to leadership.
When our speech (spoken or written) is filled with personal pronouns, e.g. “me,” “myself,” and “I,” then leaders need to step back and evaluate what, or perhaps more appropriate, who they are promoting.
The strength of spiritual leadership must be focused on the good of others, even at the expense of self.
Jesus taught the need of being a servant (Jn. 13), He used the term love regarding a new commandment.
This type of leadership testifies to our discipleship of Jesus.
How do we demonstrate love if our words and actions are self-serving?
Leadership is filled with its challenges, not the least of which is serving self.
People seek a leader who is genuine, or authentic.
Several hindrances challenge the genuineness of a leader, most of which stem from self: personal agenda, money, power, position, etc.
These areas do not mean an individual cannot be genuine. However, they do hinder the development of genuineness.
How can genuineness in leadership improve?
1) Think about the influence of your words and actions before you speak or act.
2) Use knowledge, commitment, and ability to lay the foundation for decisions and actions.
3) Deliver honest criticism in a spirit of love and concern for the well being of others.