Tag: Opportunity

Position

Too many leaders have the mindset that they cannot lead unless they have a position, or once they have a position then they will be able to lead.

While having a position does not make one a good leader, position identifies a responsibility. Spiritual leaders are positioned with a responsibility to help others. 

It is about helping others…

…understand there is hope for the future.
…reach their full potential in spiritual maturity.
…obtain the promised eternal inheritance.

Several years ago, I heard this equation: ability + opportunity = responsibility. After some thought, doesn’t it sound like a good position?

Privilege to Lead

We are all aware of the challenges of racism and the problems resulting from such. Apart from the fact it is Biblically wrong and sinful, there are a number of elements that make it socially wrong also.

However, true privilege today is spiritually twofold.

The first is the privilege God has given us to be His children, regardless of race.

Second, we find privilege in the opportunity given to lead, again, regardless of race.

While many think there is privilege related to the color of one’s skin, let us focus on the responsibility we have because of the true spiritual privilege given each of us.

For Life

Recently, my wife and I attended the wedding of a dear friend. Weddings are exciting. A great deal of work goes into making about 25-30 minutes a special half hour in the lives of two people.

As vows are exchanged, “for life” takes on a new significance.

We all know that challenges come, family problems arise, and health difficulties occur. However, we can face and overcome them all when we understand what we mean by “for life.”

Leadership is the same. It must be “for life.” It is an opportunity, not a chore. It is a privilege, not drudgery.

We can make a difference when we know it is for life.

Contextual Leadership

Context is an interesting word with a variety of meanings and applications. From a particular written document to specific circumstances or statements, the context should determine the approach.

What is the “context” of our leadership?

By examining the circumstances surrounding our opportunity to lead, what approach do we take when it comes to leading others?

Do we find ourselves out of context?

We need to serve within the context which God has given us to serve.

The context of our Lord’s leadership was one of serving others, placing their needs above His own. Our leadership must be in the same context.

A Student Leader

There is something special about the opportunity to learn from others, either from a book, in a classroom, experience, or one on one.

Some lessons are easier to learn than others. There are some lessons we do not like learning, even though they must be learned.

Being a student is one of the vital needs in leadership.

We never want to reach a point where we think we have made it, there is no need to learn anything more.

Throughout life there will be numerous lessons to learn. We need to take advantage of every opportunity to be a student. Doing so will improve our leadership.

Influence

Do we ever consider the far reaching nature of our influence on a global level?

The influence of one person can move a nation, lead an army, direct a revolution, carve out a place in history, or change the life of one person.

Too often we underestimate what can be done with our influence on one person.

Instead of thinking how we can start a worldwide revolution, think about changing the life of one person. Who knows how God might work through the person we influence to make a global difference.

Perhaps we need to start with opening the door of opportunity.

Changing Influence

Think about your leadership. How will your influence be remembered in the church and community where you live and serve?

Harry Truman said, “Men make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.”

Will you be remembered because you made a change for the better?

Will your leadership impact the eternal good of others?

If it seems the world stands still around you, maybe it is time you stood up to lead. Seize the opportunity to change things for the better. Lead as God would have you do!

Big Thinking

Leadership must not be about small thinking. Leaders must think big!

William Arthur Ward once said, “Nothing limits achievement like small thinking. Nothing equals possibilities like unleashed thinking.”

Big thinking always sees opportunities.
Big thinking empowers the abilities of others.
Big thinking creates a “possibility” mindset.
Big thinking will not place limitations on God.

If the church is to see the power of God at work through her to accomplish His will, we must start thinking big. God needs leaders who think and plan big, work incessantly, and trust God to empower and deliver.

Apathy

Sadly, words which often characterize much of a society or culture begin to characterize the church. Examining the world and culture we live in reveals the great problem of apathy.

Our leadership must find ways to prevent and overcome the characteristics of apathy in the church.

It means…

We must fan the flame of enthusiasm.
We must energize creativity.
We must strengthen the hands of others.
We must lift up hearts.

When leaders see the opportunity, prepare themselves to improve, persevere through challenges, they can overcome the impact of apathy.

Responsibility

We live in a culture much like other cultures in generations before us. People desire greatness, but avoid responsibility. Yet, we find several unavoidable applications to this idea of responsibility. Sir Winston Churchill said, “The price of greatness is responsibility.”

Responsibility involves duty over someone or something.

Responsibility brings accountability.

Responsibility indicates an obligation.

Responsibility provides an opportunity to act independently and make decisions.

Responsibility determines greatness.

When leaders are responsible, and willing to take responsibility, it inspires others to follow.

Responsibility is the price to be paid. Greatness is the prize.