Tag: SALT

Leading In Culture…

Do leaders shape culture or does culture shape leaders?

We might think the answer is both, and that is true. Certainly the culture has an influence on leadership and leadership has an influence on culture.

However, spiritual leaders cannot allow the culture to dictate the direction of God’s people, but they must shape the culture into the image of Jesus.

How can leaders do so?

First, we must learn and understand the culture.
Second, recognize the need of culture.
Third, provide an example for the culture.
And fourth, guide them to a better culture.

Just a few steps can shape the changes needed to direct a greater focus toward Christ.

Decisive Leaders…

One of the qualities of good leaders is decisiveness. Think about the doctors and nurses that work in Critical Care Units. Beyond their educational expertise, they must be decisive, especially in emergency situations.

Obviously, not every situation is an emergency for leaders. However, to hesitate can cost leadership severely.

While there are thousands of decisions with little or no consequential value, some decisions have eternal consequences.

Therefore, the decisiveness of spiritual leaders can change the eternal destination of others who follow.

Be decisive and lead with eternity in view.

Leading In Tragedy…

The recent tragedy in Virginia Beach is one of many situations where innocent people lost their lives to the rage of someone who placed no value on human life.

During these times, how can we lead, provide answers, or give solace?

Often times, there is comfort in silence, a gentle hug, and prayer. 

How God works to heal and comfort the hurting is often a mystery. For many, a hug and prayer make the difference. For others, nothing seems to help.

We may not find all the answers we seek, but knowing God is there and that He works in every situation provides hope beyond the present.

Let us lead with God’s compassionate love to comfort others in time of tragedy.

Effective Action…

Too often the thought of making changes involves a future time, the first of next week, next year, or some other date.

When it comes to changes we need to make, why put them off for another time? If we need to make them, then we should make them now.

Peter Drucker said, “We are creating tomorrow’s society of citizens through the social sector, everybody is a leader, everybody is responsible, everybody. Self-assessment can and should convert good intentions and knowledge into effective action – not next year but tomorrow morning.”

When we examine where we are and where we need to be, applying our knowledge into immediate effective action is where growth occurs.

Remembering Our Leadership…

We do not have the space to explore all the ways our mind works, or how much of the brain remains untapped.

It is fascinating just to think about the ability we have to remember. Spiritual leaders must consider that people remember what they see longer than what they hear. Therefore, how will our leadership be remembered?

Will it be remembered for our words or actions?
Will it be remembered for being a servant?

Leadership illuminates our lives and, sadly, our lives are lived under a microscope. 

Before we speak or act, it is worth the time to consider how we want our leadership will be remembered.

The Right Tool…

Although it is not my forte, I have tried to work on a number of mechanical items over the years, from cars to electronics. 

I might have enjoyed more success if I had learned the valuable lesson of getting the right tool(s) for the job and the importance of knowing my limitations.

I can see many similarities to leadership. Leaders do well to learn the importance of taking time to do whatever it takes to prepare properly and achieve the job successfully.

Being equipped with the right tools in leadership can make the difference now and eternally. Prepare and know your limitations!

Entrusting Leaders…

The Greek word translated “entrust” carries the idea of placing something into the hand of another.

Paul reminded Timothy of what had been entrusted to him and instructed him to place it into the hands of those who are faithful so that they, in turn, would teach others also.

When something is entrusted to us, we have a responsibility to care for, guard, protect, cherish, and faithfully use it.

Considering what has been placed into our hands as spiritual leaders, we carry this same responsibility.

One day we will give an account for the stewardship of what has been entrusted to us, including the souls we lead.

Hide and Seek…

Children often play the game “Hide and Seek.” 

When my granddaughter was younger, she introduced a little twist to the game. She told me where she was hiding and wanted me to find her. Hmmm. Of course, she expected the same in return.

While games are fun, it raised a thought about leadership. Are we playing a game of hide and seek when it comes to leading others? 

Do we inform people where we are and where we can be found, or do we leave them wondering, or perhaps, wandering?

Let us be clear in the direction we lead, so others can easily seek and find. Sounds biblical to me!

True and Lasting Leadership…

Leadership is about those who follow. General Douglas MacArthur said, “A general is just as good or just as bad as the troops under his command make him.”

Leaders can become so enamored with leading that they focus on themselves, forgetting their influence in the lives of others.

Interestingly, General MacArthur emphasized that a leader is just as good or bad as followers make them.

Listen to those who are led. What do they say or do? Careful observation reveals a great deal about leadership.

A true and lasting impact is built upon a leader who places emphasis upon others rather than themselves.

Real Leadership…

Real leadership involves authenticity, being genuine, even transparent.

While not always popular, it is essential.

A good friend once told me people want to see the same guy up front preaching that they greet at the back door.

Give this some thought.

We should not take on a different personality when we preach or teach, and we must not excuse such by calling it passion.

If our personality is not passionate outside the pulpit, then why would it become so in the pulpit?

Leading others brings many challenges and this one is difficult. However, if we want to lead others, then we need to BE REAL!