Tag: Purpose

Vision and Mission

In an effort to develop a vision and mission statement, we often get the ideas reversed, and rightfully so, since they are interrelated.

The mission of an organization, specifically the church, describes “what to do.” The foundation is built on the purpose of our existence and the mission directs every decision for all related activities.

The vision describes what we desire to see as a result of the mission. The vision takes into consideration the image of the future that connects the long-term desires with achievable goals.

We must communicate both the vision and mission if we hope to achieve any level of success.

What Are You Looking For?

People generally find what they look for, or so we are told.

We find truth in this thought because when we look for the worst, we tend to find the worst. When we look for the best, we tend to find the best.

Occasionally, even though we look for the worst, or best, we find the unexpected. We find the opposite.

This is especially true when leading people.

Consider the outcome if leaders led with intentionality and a purpose driven by the desire to look for only the best in people, and create the highest expectations.

We might just be surprised at the incredible results.

Consistency

Leaders need to be consistent in every area of life.

When there is a purpose that drives our life, we then align our words and actions with that purpose.

From this point, we develop greater consistency because there is a purpose behind our thoughts, which become our words, which influence our actions.

In our homes, neighborhood, on our jobs, or anywhere we go, people recognize consistency.

Consider the definition: “An attribute of a logical system that is so constituted that none of the propositions deducible from the axioms contradict one another.”

I thought you might like to ponder that thought for a while 🙂

A Leader or Leadership?

What is the difference in leadership and being a leader?

Certain authors who write about leadership indicate 2-3% of people in the world are leaders. Another segment of authorship claims everyone has influence. Thus, we are all leaders to a degree. The exercise of our influence may determine the type of leader we are or are not.

Leadership, however, seems to indicate the use of power to direct a group of individuals toward an objective, purpose, vision, or certain goals associated with these areas.

If we make this distinction, then the number of those who possess the authority to direct is fewer. Additionally, few desire this authority.

Duality of Purpose

The concept of leadership involves two key components: 1) We follow someone else, and 2) We carry a responsibility to influence those who follow.

Without understanding what it means to follow someone else, we lack the humility needed to influence those who follow.

True success is not determined by the number of people who follow us, but by the one we choose to follow.

There are leaders who led masses to destruction because they followed a self-glorifying purpose.

Of course, there are those who led a few, but led them to victory because they followed God.

Knowing the duality of our purpose aids the direction of our choice.

What If…Part 3

What would life be like if we took out the “if factor”?

Think about the following questions.

Do we limit the power of God by the boundaries we create in our own mind?

Do we believe God has the power to do far beyond all we ask or think according to the power that works within us?

What do we hinder God from doing when we place limitations on Him?

What could God do through you and me as leaders if our faith was greater?

When we believe that God can and will accomplish His purpose, in spite of us, maybe we would stop thinking small and start thinking big!

Two Questions

Two words with three letters each. The most powerful questions to be considered.

The first is why? The implication is to determine the purpose behind decisions being made and actions taken.

Why does this task require leadership?
Why should we pursue this direction?
Why is this work important?
Why is this the best course of action?

The second is how? Once we understand the purpose, we must determine how we will fulfill it.

How do I become a better leader?
How will we accomplish the task?
How should we handle obstacles?
How can we get others involved?

Nothing could be stronger from a spiritual perspective.

Our Drive and Purpose

Start With Why, by Simon Sinek, discusses the importance of our WHY in life and leadership. Before we can explore HOW and WHAT in relationship to both, we need to understand WHY.

Mark Twain said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”

We recognize HOW leaders can inspire others to take action. When they know WHY, they possess a drive and purpose in life that is unstoppable.

If we truly want to eliminate the impossibility factor, then we need to communicate WHY to those we lead. When that happens, look out!

Joseph

Joseph endured adverse circumstances: rejection, slavery, temptation, false accusations, wrongful imprisonment, and forgotten.

HOWEVER, the entire account teaches us wonderful lessons about spiritual leadership.

No matter what happens, God is always with us. Throughout we find the phrase, “and God was with him.”

Remember God is always working toward a greater purpose. Joseph trusted God to be at work saving Israel, not just his own well-being.

Faithfulness will exult an individual and a nation. Joseph was eventually elevated to power over all of Egypt, which ultimately saved God’s people.

If we can learn these lessons, our leadership will move in the right direction.

A Divine Mission

A mission refers to an objective or purpose to be achieved. What is our mission? What is our objective or purpose? What are we really trying to achieve? Do we have a mission?

Sadly, as spiritual leaders, our mission often becomes more about what we want to achieve, rather than what God wants us to achieve.

Extremism occurs when dealing with party issues, petty ideas, or personal opinions. These become our focus and we lose sight of God’s mission.

Leaders must remain balanced. They must believe in the priority of God’s mission.

May we always lead God’s people in unity and work together to fulfill His mission.