Tag: Paul

Balancing Our Time…

The most valuable commodity we have is time. While we all have exactly the same amount of time each day, how we use our time makes the difference.

Paul instructed Christians to walk with wisdom making the most of their time (Ep. 5:15-16). How?

Contrast the amount of time spent over the past week in activities with a self-centered focus, others-directed focus, and spiritual focus. Is there a proper balance?

Check the balance of time spent in work and with family.

A few simple questions, a little evaluation, and refocusing our direction helps us use our time more wisely.

Redirecting Our Focus…

We are all molded by the events of the past, whether teaching, experience, or influence. Each of these take on both a positive and negative trait.

Paul’s family heritage, academic credentials, knowledge of scripture, and zealous attack against the church left a mark he did not forget from his past.

However, he did not allow the past to dictate the direction of his future. Paul had a new spiritual focus.

Leaders must learn from the past in order to prevent repeating areas that hinder our Christian influence.

The challenges of yesterday are past. We need to redirect our attention toward a spiritual future.

Strengthening the Weak…

When Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, he addressed the need for leaders to help the weak.

The idea simply refers to someone without strength. How fitting that leaders are to help strengthen those without strength. Leaders carry a responsibility to fulfill this incredible task.

They must consider the cause of the problem.

What resources will provide a solution?

Will leaders make the sacrifices needed to become that source of strength?

There comes a time when leaders must stop talking about the helplessness that exists and develop a strategy to provide the strength needed to overcome.

Glory Through Suffering…

An interesting connection exists between suffering and glory. Look through God’s word and see how they relate and their connection to the life of Jesus.

Certainly, we are all aware of how Jesus suffered while here on earth: His persecution, shame, and sacrifice at the cross.

No one longs for or anticipates suffering. We desire the glory to come, but we must realize the suffering related to that glory and lead with an understanding of such.

Paul identifies that the sufferings of this present life are not worthy to be compared to the glory to be revealed to us, but suffering does come first.

Leaders Who Excel…

To excel involves being exceptionally good at or proficient in an activity or subject. Paul encouraged the church at Thessalonica to “excel still more.”

Leaders should always strive to excel, to improve their character and influence.
Leaders need to encourage followers with an appeal to excel still more in their work.
Leaders should remember that striving for excellence does not mean they will be perfect.

We must desire to improve who we are and what we do, no matter how good we are or how well we are able to achieve any task.

We should always seek God’s help to excel.

Leading by Faith…

Paul told the church in Corinth, “We walk by faith and not by sight” (2 Co. 5:7). He emphasized the need to live a life guided by God’s word. His word provides direction, motivation, and a secure foundation upon which to stand.

When leadership is guided by God’s word, the results are significant.

There is confidence in knowing the direction is guided by God, Himself.

God’s word provides the greatest purpose for character formation.

Leaders know there is strength when grounded in the truth.

Let us always lead by the faith.

Strong Leadership…

Strength applies to physical, spiritual, emotional, and intellectual areas of life.

Challenges occur when our strength declines, especially in the spiritual realm.

Perhaps we have seen or experienced personal struggles to remain spiritually strong and faithful.

During these times, Paul encourages Christians to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God” (Ep. 6:10-11).

Each piece of armor reveals a close relationship to God’s word. Our strength comes from what God provides us through His word.

His word helps us find the strength to lead others to our Lord.

Leading with Confidence…

David wrote, “The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?” And Paul asked, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” 

When we understand this truth it changes the direction of our leadership.

Leaders need the type of confidence that is built upon a relationship with God. David and Paul understood there was no need to fear anyone or anything. 

Leaders should always know and be aware of their greatest Ally––God. 

When this relationship exists there is no need to fear, because God is with us and He is for us.

Leading for the Distance…

Paul often compares Christianity to distance running.

For distance runners, there is often the challenge of starting too fast too early. The result? Muscles become fatigued and one cannot go the distance.

Another challenge is the proper balance of fluids and fuel. Without the proper fuel, we do not have enough energy to sustain long distance running.

Running may not be for everyone. However, it provides a number of lessons that parallel with leadership.

Trying to accomplish too much too quickly leaves one tired and burned out. Remember, leadership is not about a sprint, but going the distance.

A balance of spiritual nutrition is vital to that kind of leadership.

Unconditional Love…

One of the greatest needs in our world and one of the greatest challenges involves love. Without understanding God’s love we face an insurmountable obstacle.

God’s love is unconditional and therein lies the challenge.

Paul writes that God demonstrates His love toward us (Rom. 5:8).

Notice Paul did not say demonstrated, i.e. past tense. The word is present active. God demonstrates His love now and there is no assessment of it ever ending.

To lead others to the love of God, we must demonstrate the nature of God’s love toward them. We must show love even when they are not always the easiest to love.