Tag: SALT

The Map…

Where are we going? Do we know? What is needed to get there? How will we know when we arrive?

We make application of this daily, but spiritual matters tend to be a completely different story.

The spiritual approach must be no different. We know the destination and we desire to get there. We anticipate the arrival, but do we know what we need to get there?

Since our destination is heaven, the map God has provided is laid out through the pages of His word.

If we know how foolish it is not to follow a map into unknown places, imagine how much more foolish it is when the eternal destination is far more consequential?

Blessed Opportunity…

Of all people, why were you and I blessed with the opportunity to hear the Gospel when so many in the world have never heard it at all?

Maybe this is the first time we have considered this question. However, we need to recognize the responsibility that comes with the opportunity.

Should we keep it to ourselves? Can we really go through each day without considering the numbers of those who walk through life unaware of what awaits in eternity?

As Christians, we are blessed among people. This blessing is meant to be shared, leading others to a hope in something beyond.

Extending Our Comfort Zone…

Success in leadership depends on the ability, or maybe the flexibility, to recognize the limits of our comfort zone and how life begins at that point. Neale Donald Walsch said, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. So if you’re feeling uncomfortable right now, know that the change taking place in your life is a beginning, not an ending.”

Leadership operates the same. We are not talking unscriptural changes, but when ideas and plans are introduced that make us uncomfortable, maybe life is just beginning.

God’s Glory and Presence…

The “glory of the Lord” is found throughout the Old Testament. The expression is generally connected to the tabernacle or temple.

The appearing of God’s glory indicates the desire of God to dwell among and with His people. The greatest representation of this is found in the incarnation of Jesus.

John records, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth” Jn. 1:14.

It is beautiful to consider how God will work through us to be present in leading others.

Power of Change…

Why are people apprehensive to change?

1) Fear of loss (something valuable from the past).
2) Fear of the unknown.
3) Fear of uncertainty.
4) Fear of losing control.

However, the nature of change brings several positive qualities.

Becoming more Christ-like requires change.

Change creates firsts we have never experienced which bring enjoyment and satisfaction.

Additionally, change brings an air of excitement and enthusiasm.

Sticky Leadership…

Authors, Chip and Dan Heath, wrote Made To Stick.

It raises two questions. Why are some books, articles, people or situations remembered vividly, while others are forgotten? Why do we remember one situation so easily and readily forget others?

Leaders need to learn how to communicate the message, vision, and goals in ways that are sticky, helping others easily remember them along the journey.

The six ideas shared by the Heath’s indicate that when the communication is simple, unexpected, concrete, credible, emotional, and built in story format, people tend to remember. Give it a try.

Four Words…

Jesus taught, encouraged, admonished, and equipped disciples in preparation for the work He commissioned them to fulfill.

Teach: People will only do what they are learn to do. When application is taught, we all learn how to fulfill the task.

Encourage: When criticism is tempered with encouragement, people change.

Admonish: Warning, advising, or even reprimanding others is needed to prevent harm from occurring in their lives.

Equip: Providing the necessary tools to fulfill the given task and responsibility is vital to the success of followers.

Wisdom and Courage…

Wisdom and courage warrant discussion on many levels and have for a long time. These two qualities or attributes are critical to the development of leaders.

Mark Amend says, “Wisdom is learning to let go when you want to hang on. Courage is learning to hang on when you want to let go.”

Learning to let go even when our emotions are telling us something contrary and learning to hang on when the appearance of letting go makes sense are foundational components to demonstrating wisdom and courage.

Spiritual leaders today need to learn the potent combination of both.

Decisiveness…

Decisions are a daily part of life. Sometimes decisions are quick and easy to make. At other times, they are difficult and require a great deal more thought.

Many decisions have little consequence, while others carry great consequence.

There is one decision that is extremely consequential, the decision to follow Christ. This one decision should be the foundation for all other decisions.

When thinking through a decision, take a moment to determine how that decision will influence others and if it fits within our responsibility as a leader for Christ.

Reason or Excuse?

Is there really a difference between a “reason” and an “excuse?” We have all heard or said, “I’m not making an excuse, there is a good reason why…”

When considering the use of our time, do we have a reason for not using it wisely?

When we examine how we live, what reason do we have for the choices we make?

When it comes to allegiance, is there a reason God isn’t the priority He should be?

Our time, life, and allegiances all need greater consideration, because one day we will give an account for each.