Tag: Reflection

Adversity

Few people like adversity. Actually, no one enjoys it. However, adversity challenges us to reflect on who we are, why we are here, and how we will endure.

Walt Disney once said, “All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me… You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”

Reflection can lead to doubt and negativity, but it can also remind us of how God is working to strengthen and shape us.

Leaders who understand this are better equipped to help others when they face adversity.

Learning Leaders

Everything that is learned about leadership simply indicates that there is always more to learn. It is amazing to consider the amount of information readily accessible.

Where do leaders turn?

First, turn to God. The best leadership book available is the Bible.

Second, turn to other godly leaders. Seek their help and learn from their wisdom.

Third, turn inward for reflection. Many answers can be found by reflecting on how God has worked throughout the journey to bring us where we are as leaders.

This does not exhaust the possibilities, but it does provide a few steps in benefiting from each learning moment.

Test of Character

John W. Holt, Jr. said, “The true test of character is not how much we know how to do, but how we behave when we don’t know what to do.”

Testing one’s character is powerful and needed.

The main thought here is specifically about how leaders behave when they don’t know what to do.

The qualities of patience, understanding, thoughtful reflection, and being cautious are important. Rashly made decisions without the proper foundation often result in serious consequences which could be avoided.

Learning to seek the counsel of others who have walked the same paths can open leaders up to greater wisdom, possible alternatives, and new angles of consideration.

The Gift of Today

What exactly does each day provide for our leadership? We have an opportunity to:

…reflect on yesterday and decide how to make changes for the day ahead.

…focus on today’s priorities realizing this may be the only day we are given.

…prepare ourselves for the day the Lord returns or we are called to Him.

…share the gospel with others who may never have another opportunity.

…share the depth of our love with those we often take for granted.

Each day is a gift from God. Recognize it and seek ways to live a fulfilling life in service to Him.

Reflection and Correction

Maintaining good physical health does not come easy. We need strong determination and discipline in areas of physical activity and healthy eating habits. Maintaining good spiritual health requires the same determination and application of discipline.

People need to see the message as well as hear it. How do we make this alignment possible?

Reflection: Each night, look back over the day and consider conversations, actions, attitudes, etc. Do they reflect what we want as an example of Christianity?

Correction:
Do not make excuses, make changes. Each day is a new opportunity to start fresh and work on the areas of our conversations, actions, attitudes, etc.

Reflective Leaders

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?

While the literal thought may seem ridiculous, have we looked in the mirror lately? The idea of looking into a mirror dates back to Biblical times.

The concept can be literal or symbolic, physical or spiritual. James writes about the need to look into the mirror of God’s word and see if His word is reflected in our lives.

Sadly, mirrors have often become a tool of vanity.

Spiritual leaders need to desperately look into the mirror of their leadership.

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

Where to Turn

Everything learned about leadership simply indicates there is more to learn. The amount of information readily accessible is overwhelming.

There is no end to the books, articles, blog posts, and classes available on the subject.

Where will leaders find the help to grow in their leadership?

Turn to God. The best leadership book available is the Bible.

Turn to other godly leaders. Seek the help of others and learn at their feet.

Turn inward for reflection. Reflect on how God continues to work throughout the journey.

These do not exhaust the possibilities, but they do provide benefit from each learning moment.

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.

Perseverance

A common phrase to encourage perseverance is “hold on.” Holding on a few more minutes can make the difference in securing hope, gaining a measure of strength, finding the answer, or reaching the goal.

When we consider giving up, the question becomes, “hold on to what?” Success seems elusive and passion has dwindled to little more than an ember. What can we hold on to?

Reflect on the past.
The past holds a key to how we move forward.
Remember we are not alone. Avoid the Elijah syndrome. God is there.
Realize faith in the vision. Without vision, there is no direction.

Habit of Reflection

Out of the depths of silence, we find the power of developing the habit of reflection. Reflection allows leaders to think deeply and carefully about their leadership.

Reflecting on areas of our leadership increases our ability to learn from the past, gain perspective for the present, and adjust for the future.

Every decision deserves careful reflection as to the implications and consequences of making that decision.

A time of reflection helps give perspective. Reflecting on the strengths and weaknesses of our leadership and interrelationship with others promotes growth.

Just to accompany our 21 days of silence, end the day with 10 minutes of reflection.