Tag: SALT

Integrity

The Hebrew word translated integrity refers to “what is complete, entirely in accord with truth and fact” (BDB, 1977:1071). Integrity moves toward an application of the ethical uprightness of one wholly devoted to God (TWOT, 1999).

When integrity characterizes our leadership, imagine the impact. When people look to us and see an example of integrity, they see a leadership worth following.

The strength of our relationship with the others is based on character that emulates God as our Father. The desire to speak and act with integrity portrays a desire for truth, followed by an ethical uprightness of a heart wholly and completely devoted to God.

Lifelong Learning

People have long desired to find the fountain of youth. Countless numbers of people strive to eat healthy, exercise, and avoid risks. Others attempt plastic surgery to restore a youthful look.

Needless to say, no literal fountain exists. Imagine the disappointment of searching an entire lifetime, investing one’s savings, and exhausting every possible resource only to learn to secret to youth is not physical.

If you want to remain young, at least in spirit, be a lifelong learner.

Learning revives a tired, worn-out, complacent, and apathetic heart.

If we could revive this spirit within the church, imagine the impact on a society searching for youth.

Encouraging Words

We cannot measure the impact of an encouraging word spoken at the right time. Yet, we can see the fruit born in the lives of those who receive it.

People need hope. They want to know they can overcome the obstacles encountered on this journey through life.

People want to know they are loved. Communicating in a language they understand takes many forms, but one that always carries weight is a word of encouragement.

Take a moment each day to write a note, make a call, or stop and speak to someone who can use a little encouragement and watch the difference it makes.

Future of Leadership

While growing up it was common to hear, “Son, when I was your age I used to…” The idea spoke of fond memories from the past. Do you remember the good ole’ days?

We may look to the past with regret over words or actions, or we may look with hope to greater opportunities for the future.

Leadership is not about the past, but the future. Leaders do not lead people where they have been, but where they need to go.

Do not allow the past to dictate direction. Acknowledge it. Learn from it. Leave it where it is, and focus on the future.

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.

Faith

The writer of Hebrews highlights the faith of Abraham (He. 11:8-10, 17-19), and Paul uses Abraham’s faith as an example of how our faith is credited as
righteousness (Ro. 4).

The key to Abraham’s faith is the statement, “…with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief, but grew strong in faith…being fully assured that what God has promised, He was able also to perform” (Ro. 4:20-21).

The example of an unwavering faith points to our confidence and relationship with God. Doubt is eliminated and certainty in God’s promise is promoted.

Learning In Community

Few times are more exciting than sitting around a table with others to collaborate ideas. Discussing and planning every area of life serves to improve leadership.

These times provide inspiration by gleaning from the wisdom and experience of those closest to us. Here we find guidance from others who care most for us. They desire to see us succeed.

Spiritually, few opportunities are more important than to examine ways to strengthen the church and lead others to a greater hope.

The change in life that makes the greatest difference in who we are and what we do is born from the benefits of what is learned in community.

Navigating Rough Waters

No one likes leading during difficult times. No one seeks out rough waters to practice their leadership. For some, rough waters always seem to find them.

The true test of leadership occurs in these moments. They define who we are as a leader and the type of leader we become. What will help us navigate these waters?

Remember who we are at the core. Nothing should change our core values.

Trust in wise counsel. Others have sailed rough waters before us. Seek their counsel.

Be slow, diligent, and deliberate.
Defeat comes when we act before thinking and are slow to execute.

Morning Energy Boost

What gets you up and going in the mornings? Is it a 5 Hour Energy shot? Coffee? Exercise?

We all need a pick-me-up.

The challenge is learning what will provide it.

Start the day in prayer. Nothing helps the spirit more than talking to the Father. Speak from the heart. He is listening.

Follow up with listening. Amazingly, listening to what He has to say also provides a boost. David meditated on God’s word.

Help someone else. Few activities lift the spirit more than helping someone else. As we lift up others, our own spirit is lifted up.

Assessing Leadership Growth

How can leadership be accurately assessed for growth?

It is hard to determine a more difficult question to answer, but here are a few possible suggestions.

First, consider the activity of those who follow. If there is no activity, then our leadership may not be growing. Growth can be measured by application.

Second, examine carefully responses given in feedback. Positive and negative feedback have a powerful place when assessing our development.

Third, find a mentor. The value of having someone examine the growth and advancement of leadership is immeasurable.

Leadership development is critical to the growth of any organization.