Tag: Paul

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.

Lasting Leadership…

Blueprints provide specific dimensions for constructing everything from a tool shed to a mega complex or high rise.

A blueprint outline every detail to ensure the structure will last.

Where can leaders find a blueprint that will benefit them and ensure lasting leadership? The Bible.

Paul points out no human has the power to lay the kind of foundation needed for lasting leadership. Only Jesus can provide that kind of foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11).

From His example we learn the nature, qualities, and character of leadership that God desires for us today.

The Walk of a Leader…

Scripture figuratively uses the word “walk” to describe the behavior or conduct of one’s life. 

One of the most powerful descriptions that characterizes the Christian way of life is given by Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:7, “For we walk by faith and not by sight.” 

Leaders must set the example. There is no greater example than a life characterized by continually walking in step with the qualities described in God’s word.

Consider the influence of a leader who lives each day by faith. They walk with God. They put others above themselves. They seek things above, not of this earth.

Leaders, we need to keep on walking.

The Middle Group…

When Paul visited Athens, his message received multiple reactions. Some mocked, some wanted to hear more, and others believed. 

The middle group is interesting. We often miss this group. We tend to push for a conviction. We want people to respond and commit at that moment.

Leaders should be more receptive to the reality that some people need to hear us again concerning the message.

Some people need to digest the message. The message may be far different from what they expected. It may be convicting, but it may be self-condemning.

Reflect and ask if a return visit allows for revisiting the teaching and further study.

Entrusting Leaders…

The Greek word translated “entrust” carries the idea of placing something into the hand of another.

Paul reminded Timothy of what had been entrusted to him and instructed him to place it into the hands of those who are faithful so that they, in turn, would teach others also.

When something is entrusted to us, we have a responsibility to care for, guard, protect, cherish, and faithfully use it.

Considering what has been placed into our hands as spiritual leaders, we carry this same responsibility.

One day we will give an account for the stewardship of what has been entrusted to us, including the souls we lead.