Tag: SIBI

Passionate

Are we consumed with work because we find value in the job, or are we passionate because of the difference it makes in the lives of others?

Our value comes from God. We are created in His image and covered by the blood of His Son.

Value based in work becomes an insatiable task.

Spiritually, if we are passionate about leading others to a greater relationship with God, the perspective changes.

When we have an intense desire and enthusiasm for the work of the Lord, there is a sense of love and joy in fulfilling the true purpose of life.

Spiritual leadership is worth being passionate about and loving.

Options

No one likes flight delays. When waiting for a storm to pass, what are the options?

Taking off in a storm risks the lives of all on board.

Returning to the gate risks unhappy customers.

Religiously, our world seems to offer many options. If we are unhappy with present decisions, we tend to go somewhere else.

The options are limited. We either follow the leadership of Christ or not.

As leaders, we are either for Him or against Him. We either lead others to build on the rock or sand.

The idea of multiple options in following Christ does not exist Biblically.

Direction

Direction takes on several definitions. Leaders must give and receive direction.

We receive direction from the One true spiritual leader, Christ.

In turn, our vision must be used to provide direction for others.

Spiritual leaders provide spiritual direction. We help others get on course and encourage them to stay on course.

Parents provide direction in the home.

Congregational leaders provide direction to congregations.

All of us as Christians must provide direction to the lost.

When we provide direction, we assist others in reaching the destination our leadership is striving to reach…heaven.

Think Big

Children know no limitations and, generally, no fear. Nothing seems too difficult or impossible.

Walt Disney once said, “If you can think it, you can do it.”

We should dream, believe, and plan what we want to accomplish. Jesus tells us nothing is impossible with God.

Paul reminds us that God has the power to do far beyond all we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.

Where might our leadership take us if we start on the foundation of these two thoughts?

Let us not limit God because we are convinced we cannot do it?

Think Big.

Be Present

Following on the heels of yesterday’s post, a thought presented by Jessica Lange seems significant to consider.

“Be present. I would encourage you with all my heart just to be present. Be present and open to the moment that is unfolding before you. Because, ultimately, your life is made up of moments. So, don’t miss them by being lost in the past or anticipating the future.”

How often do we miss the importance of the moment we are in because we cannot overcome our past or we live in anxiety over the future?

As leaders, nothing can be more relevant than being present in our leadership.

Live Holy

Far too many believe they cannot overcome their past. The failures and, at times, successes experienced tend to consume the whole of one’s focus.

When this happens, we are blinded to a better way for moving forward because we cannot think about anything but the past. We remain stuck and stagnant to greater growth possibilities.

Remember, past successes or failures do not define us, and the future is determined by how we direct today.

Today, I am all in.

Today, I will live holy.

Today, I will lead.

Teamwork

Growing up in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, basketball court practices were filled with efforts by players who coveted a starting position on the team.

We learned leadership based on teamwork. These memories laid a foundation for understanding spiritual leadership where the same is true, a leadership based on teamwork.

Leadership is often viewed as a lonely position. This is not true in relationship to spiritual leadership.

We are a team. We must work together as a team. If we are going to change the world, we need Christ and we need each other!

We should all strive to get involved on this team?

Trading Places

What would it be like to trade places with someone else? After all, others seem to have it so much better than we do.

The Psalmist questioned a similar thought when considering the prosperity of the wicked.

If our view of leadership is limited to what we can accumulate or accomplish in this life, we have misunderstood where the treasure really lies.

If our view of leadership is confined to what others think or say about us, we have lost sight of the value of this God given role.

It is time to lay aside the temptations of the world and recognize the urgency of the spiritual need that surrounds us.

Integrity

Integrity is more than honesty. It involves strong moral principles, a moral uprightness, wholeness.

There is an incorruptible nature to a spiritual leader who demonstrates integrity. They take responsibility for who they are and what they do.

Integrity displays an undivided and unshakeable character of Biblical soundness. This character exudes humility and follows a path of consistency.

Integrity is best taught to children at a young age. Leadership must exemplify integrity.

Integrity stands for, speaks, and lives truth. It will not change, even if one stands alone.

Christians are who we are “in the dark.” Think about it!

Delegation

One critical challenge for leaders plays out in the area of delegating.

Robert Half said, “Delegating work works, provided the one delegating works, too.”

The effectiveness of delegating must be accompanied by leading by example.

Jesus demonstrated this thought with the apostles.

The apostles followed by setting their own example.

Christians are instructed to do the same.

No one is above any task.
No one is too good for the lowest of jobs.
No one is so powerful they are beyond the need for help.

Spiritual leaders must delegate needed work. Delegating this work is never easy, but when we set the right example, enlisting others to help falls into place.