Tag: Love

Others-Centered

We cannot emphasize enough the necessity of an others-centered, servant-style leadership. In an effort to establish the point, Victor Cousin said, “Men are governed only by serving them; the rule is without exception.”

While there are many leadership styles, spiritual leadership succeeds by service.

Jesus said, “By this all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” In the context, Jesus taught the necessity of being a servant.

If we understand the true definition of Biblical love, we cannot fulfill the new command given by Christ without being a servant that is others-centered.

Live, Love, Laugh

There is an expression I’ve seen in several homes, “Live well, love much, and laugh often.”

Live well – How well are we living? Are we simply living for the moment or living with eternity in view?

Love much – Leadership will only succeed when those we are leading know we love them. Seeking their highest good will be seen in our words and actions.

Laugh often – It is easy to get wrapped up in the struggles of life and forget the importance of laughter. We need to find joy throughout life.

When these expressions find root in our existence, we will see a difference.

Live well, love much, laugh often!

Reward Program

Most businesses offer some type of rewards program. The intent is gain the loyalty of customers.

God has a rewards program also.

However, we cannot fly enough miles, buy enough electronics, eat enough food at the same restaurant, or burn enough gasoline to earn what God has given through His Son. The power of God’s grace is about receiving what we do not deserve or earn.

From a leadership perspective, we simply strive to help others see the magnitude of God’s love. The natural result should be our desire to follow Him.

Consider His reward, “Well done, good and faithful slave. Enter into the joy of your master…”

Respect

Respect is often a two-way street, but the challenge involves earning respect.

A few simple ideas can help leaders approach this subject with greater success.

Be dedicated to the Lord: Focus on Christ and make the souls of others a priority.

Be consistent: Posner and Kouzes say, “The video needs to match the audio.”

Love people: A deeper understanding of love might help us understand why it covers a multitude of sins.

We could argue whether respect is earned or demanded. However, applying a few simple principles to our leadership will answer the questions.

Deliverance

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.

Self-Awareness

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

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

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.

Best in Leadership

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.

Leading with Love

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.