Tag: Physical

Family

Spiritually, we are blessed by God to share in the fellowship of a spiritual family, His church. The beauty of this relationship is our oneness, regardless of the color, age, gender, nationality, educational background, or social status. In God’s family none of these matter. What matters is our relationship with God through Christ.

Physically, we are also blessed to have those we love and who love us. Our physical family is not always biological in nature. Whatever the bond that brings us together, there is something special about family. All of our relatives make us uniquely our own. We may not always agree, but we have each other.

Summary

If we were to summarize our leadership in a few words, what would we say? We need to take a few minutes and give some thought to the whole of our leadership.

Could we express it in a word or two, or maybe a sentence or two? Could we summarize our leadership at all?

Would it be “others-centered” or “self-centered?” Spiritually or physically based?

Would the summary be focused on the past, present, or future?

In reality, the fewer words we use the more challenging it can be to summarize our leadership, especially if we try to be accurate.

Transitional Leadership

Transitions build bridges between the various components of our communication. These bridges make it easier for people to follow what we attempt to express.

As leaders, our role is about transitions. We build bridges in three areas.

We build a bridge in relationships. Unless we establish and maintain quality relationships, our transition into spiritual matters falls short.

We build a bridge for future leaders. There will always be a need for leadership, now and the future. We must make this transition smooth.

We build a bridge to eternity. Ultimately, the task before us is to help make the transition from the physical realm to the spiritual.

Balanced Godly Focus

A healthy physical and spiritual approach to life provides a benefit to extending life. The benefit of this extension on a spiritual level is eternal in nature.

Paul phrased it this way, “bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Ti. 4:8).

Developing the habits for a godly life require at least three necessities: 1) constant nourishment in healthy and balanced teaching, 2) avoiding a worldly focus, and 3) discipline in godliness.

Physical and Spiritual

We need to take care of our physical health. Instead of a fad diet, be moderate. Learn to not eat beyond comfort. Add exercise. This is not a push to be in the gym five times a week, but taking small steps. Why not park further from the store and walk? Twenty to thirty minutes a day of brisk walking will bring surprising results.

Nothing takes greater precedence than our spiritual health. This is not about reading and praying more. Obviously, we all need to do so. However, spiritual health involves application of what is written. Instead of speaking in anger, think of the song “Angry Words.”

Knowing Who We Lead

Is it possible to spiritually lead others without knowing them? Leaders must know their dreams, aspirations, hopes, and personal goals.

Years ago, a former boss told me, “If you take care of those under you, they will take care of you.”

A leader cannot look out for the well-being of people without knowing them.

Nothing is more important than knowing the needs of others and providing for those needs.

The four basic needs include physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual. Our culture generally uses this order. However, spiritual leaders understand the necessity of reversing it.

We must be given to meeting the spiritual needs of others.

Transitional Bridges

When writing a speech, book, article, or other medium, one of the critical pieces is transitions. Transitions are bridges.

These bridges make it easier for people to follow what we express.

Our role as leaders is about transitions. We build bridges in three areas.

One, we build a bridge in relationships. We must establish and maintain quality relationships.

Two, we build a bridge for future leaders. As long as the world exist, the need for leadership exists.

Three, we build a bridge to eternity. Our task is to transition from the physical realm to the spiritual.

Are we building bridges with the right purpose and in the right direction?

Leading in Two Worlds

A leader must be a student. Obviously, there are many areas to study. From a spiritual leadership perspective, we live in two worlds.

We must know the world we live in physically. We need to know the challenges people face who live in this world. We need to know the struggles and trials encountered.

We must also know the world we live for spiritually. Because we have never been there, it can be difficult. We must rely on the information provided in God’s word. Therefore, we must be a student of His word.

All we say and do now is building a foundation for a world to come.

Reflection of a Leader

Have you looked in the mirror lately? The idea of looking into a mirror dates back to Biblical times.

Mirrors reflect the image standing before it. The concept can be literal or symbolic, physical or spiritual. James writes about the need to look into God’s word like a mirror and see how it is reflected in our lives.

Spiritual leaders need to desperately look into the mirror of their leadership. The image reflected helps determine the core of our existence and what we desire to accomplish.

Look intently. Examine beyond the surface. Make the changes needed. Lead with purpose based upon true reflection.

Live, Love, and Laugh

Live well – The application holds merit physically and spiritually. How well are we living? Are we simply living for the moment or living well with eternity in view?

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

Laugh often – A good sense of humor is a vital characteristic for leaders. It is easy to get wrapped up in the struggles of daily life and forget the importance of laughter.

With these three expressions, we find greater influence in our leadership.