Tag: Nelson Mandela

Optimism

There are many challenges to remaining positive and optimistic in a world filled with the kind of hatred that fosters negativity and pessimism.

Nelson Mandela said, “I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.”

Dark moments will come, but biblical leaders understand the hope in Christ that endures despair.

We must not give up.

Freedom

Nelson Mandela often spoke about physical freedom from oppression and poverty. He once said, “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

Note the spiritual application. Our freedom from the consequences of sin is not simply about casting off our own chains. We need to live in a way that will demonstrate respect for others and help them enjoy the same level of freedom.

Here is where our leadership will determined.

The death of Jesus is a foundation for all who will come to Him. Lead to that freedom.

Win or Learn

We live in a competitive world and winning dominates every sport. Individuals and teams desire to be winners at all cost. Losing is not an option.

Nelson Mandela said, “I never lose. I either win or learn.” Imagine this mindset. The concept of losing doesn’t exist, but rather learning.

When we think in terms of losing, we miss the opportunity to improve. We can easily fall into the trap of compromise in order to win. We cut corners, minimize relationships, and view people as objects to our own end.

We must learn, improving who we are and what we do for the benefit of God’s church and His glory.

Passion to Think Bigger

What could happen if leaders knew how to think big.

Nelson Mandela said, “There is no passion to be found playing small — in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”

Settling for less than what we are capable of limits what God is capable of doing through us…if we only let Him.

We often believe God will not do something because we are convinced we cannot do it.

There must be a passion that is driven by and for greatness, a greatness that is only measured by the power of God to work in amazing and powerful ways.

Optimistic Leadership…

Nelson Mandela said, “I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.”

We are challenged to remain positive and optimistic in a world filled with the kind of hatred that fosters negativity and pessimism.

Dark moments will come, but biblical leaders understand the hope in Christ that endures despair.

The victory Jesus achieved must keep us focused and moving forward.

Passion for Thinking Big…

Imagine what would happen if leaders thought big. The passion that drives greatness can be nothing short of global.

Nelson Mandela once said, “There is no passion to be found playing small––in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”

Far too often, we place limitations on what God can do through us, because we have settled for less than our capabilities.

Avoid the “grasshopper syndrome” demonstrated by the spies in Numbers 13:33. The way they saw themselves directly influenced the way others saw them. Think about it! 

Leaders must not fall prey to this limited, small-thinking mindset. Think Big!

Lead to Freedom…

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Nelson Mandela

Mandela spoke about the physical freedom from oppression and poverty, but consider a spiritual application.

Our freedom from the consequences of sin is not about casting off our own chains. We need to live in a way that demonstrates respect for others and assists them to enjoy the same level of freedom.

This is leadership.

The death of Jesus is foundational for our life and for all who come to Him. Let us lead others to the true freedom.