Tag: Purpose

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.

Showing Up

At one time or another, we all feel a little less than our best. During these times our energy levels are lower and we are not on top of our game. We do not feel well and we are unmotivated to work

Jerry West once said, “You can’t get much done in life if you only work on the days when you feel good.”

How can we show up when we do not feel as good as other days?

Remember our purpose.
Put one foot in front of the other.
Focus on the goal.
Remain dedicated to finish.

Leadership motivates us to show up everyday!

Finish Well

Endurance is a powerful sentiment for leadership. Endurance also points to the nature in which one finishes.

Yes, we are all aware it is not about finishing first, but it is about finishing well. Years ago the phrase was coined, “Finish like a runner.” No matter how slow the pace is during the race, when it comes to finishing the race, finish like a runner, finish strong.

In leadership circles, the idea of finishing well is used to indicate the need to avoid the point of abandoning the faith and the purpose for which we lead.

Let us finish, but let us finish well.

Finding Value

The world finds meaning, value, and purpose in what we do (success, acts of kindness or generosity, etc.), what others think or say about us, and what we have (health, good family, material possessions, etc.).

The challenge is recognizing the balance of thinking too highly or too lowly of ourselves. We need proper perspective.

Our value comes from God. We were created in His image. We are His beloved. When we understand this, we will stop looking for value from any other source.

Leadership requires an ability to find the right perspective on self-value, but also to help others gain the needed perspective of their own value.

God’s Narrative

A narrative is a representation of a particular situation or process in such a way as to reflect or conform to an overarching set of aims or values.

This definition reflects a connection of our leadership within the sphere of God’s overarching aims and values.

Our narrative is written within the greater narrative of God, His design and purpose for our lives.

When we connect these events and see the providential working of God throughout the activities of our life, we understand more fully the need to plug in, and allow God to work through us for His greater purpose.

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.

The Promise of Leadership

I once heard someone say, “Never make a promise you do not intend to keep.” This is true in every area of life, especially leadership.

The word promise is used throughout scripture. Peter referred to the benefits of obeying the gospel as a “promise for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”

Because of God’s promise, our spiritual leadership has purpose. We are leading souls to Christ to receive a promise made by God, an eternal promise worth giving and living our life to receive.

Purpose

Having a “rule of life” gives you meaning and hope for what the future holds.

A rule of life changes the way you see God, develop family, and influence others.

Remember, your rule of life should incorporate your understanding of God, His working in your life, and your desire to glorify Him.

Have you ever considered writing a rule of life?
Have you considered why you pursue what you do in life?
What do you want to achieve and get out of life?

At some point share your rule of life with others and think about how it can benefit you and your family.