Tag: Present

Leading into Tomorrow

More than a few people struggle with past mistakes. Guilt makes us wish we could return to the past and make corrections, even though we know it is impossible.

The challenge is overcoming the desire to live in the past and not allowing the mistakes of the past to dictate our future.

We must learn from the past and realize that our future is determined by the choices we make today to shape a better tomorrow.

If we make decisions built on a spiritual foundation, the direction of tomorrow is one that ensures a future with eternal significance.

Leading in the Present…

Where have we been? Where are we now? Where do we want to go?

Nido Qubein once claimed, “Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.”

Yesterday’s choices often determine our present circumstances. The choices we make today determine the consequences we live with tomorrow.

As we consider our present circumstances, we must make a choice, but make the choice understanding the impact it will have on tomorrow.

The starting point we have today can make all the difference in how we move into the future and prepare for a greater life, physically and spiritually.

Memories…

Memories are good and bad. There are times, events, and people we remember fondly because of the joy experienced. There are also times, events, and people we want to forget because of the negativity experienced.

It would be wonderful if our only memories were positive and fond. However, we know it does not work this way. Memories serve to help us if we learn to do a couple of important steps.

Repeat what works and is successful.

Avoid the consequences experienced and overcome.

If we do so, the future holds greater memories when we recall them.

Learning from Yesterday…

I am aware we cannot live in the past, nor can we return and change it. If we all had a chance to live yesterday over I am sure there are areas we would change.

Yesterday provides a benefit to our leadership in several ways.

1) We learn from the successes and failures.
2) We plan a better future based on history.
3) We establish measures to prevent duplicating mistakes.
4) We lead others on a straighter course.

I know we all strive to survive the present with an anticipation of the future. However, we also need to stop occasionally and benefit from the past.

Disturbing Leadership…

Numerous leadership resources abound in quotes screaming to be heard. One such quote is from Catherine Booth, who said, “There is no changing the future without disturbing the present.”

Think about this thought for a moment. 

The opposite involves maintaining the status quo. Such practices are a death sentence to the development of God’s people.

Too many congregations hold onto methodologies, which were good and helpful in previous generations, but are ineffective in our world today.

Leaders who know how to disturb the present are needed to implement strategies that will change the direction of the church to ensure a solid future for God’s kingdom.

Leading in the Present…

The idea is about being present in the moment. It is challenging to provide good, spiritual leadership if we are not there when needed. 

But, we need to see something deeper in this idea of being present. 

Beyond the physical, the thought is one of being engaged intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.

Leaders must be present, focused on the person and/or situation. To be physically present, but unengaged leaves the impression we do not care, we are distracted, or our priorities are not in the best interest of those we lead.

Be present, in that moment and give undivided attention to the other person.