Tag: SIBI

Leading by Faith…

Paul told the church in Corinth, “We walk by faith and not by sight” (2 Co. 5:7). He emphasized the need to live a life guided by God’s word. His word provides direction, motivation, and a secure foundation upon which to stand.

When leadership is guided by God’s word, the results are significant.

There is confidence in knowing the direction is guided by God, Himself.

God’s word provides the greatest purpose for character formation.

Leaders know there is strength when grounded in the truth.

Let us always lead by the faith.

Practical Leadership…

When something is practical, action is required. If something is practical, it is suitable for a particular purpose. Practice, which comes from practical, indicates a discipline to improve the quality of the activity.

Application within leadership is an area that deserves attention.

Consider how leadership changes the involvement of those who follow when there is a practical approach to programs.

Leaders are needed who think, act, and lead practically.

Followers are needed who know how to make practical application.

Several spiritual disciplines (prayer, study, fasting, etc.) point to the character of leadership and promote a practical approach for developing others to leader.

Seeking the Mind of Christ…

Biblical leaders seek the mind of Christ.

Paul’s letter to Philippi expresses a number of key thoughts in relationship to the mind of Christ.

A Christlike motive, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit.”
A foundational attitude, “With humility of mind.”
A concluding activity, “Regard others as more important than yourselves.”

These three thoughts help us understand what Paul meant by the mind of Christ that must be emulated by all Christians. However, understanding the mind of Christ must be coupled with seeking the mind of Christ.

Biblical leaders are dedicated to understanding the mind of Christ and following His example.

The Responsibility of Service…

Jose Marti said, “Talent is a gift that brings with it an obligation to serve the world, and not ourselves, for it is not of our making.”

We all have opportunities to develop our abilities. Through education or experience, we can develop natural gifts and use our talent to serve others.

To use our talent only for ourselves is narcissistic. Do we realize that our talent is not of our making?

Our responsibility is fulfilled by serving others.

Godly leaders illustrate the most significant form of biblical love when they demonstrate this service.

Leading to Glorify God…

Psalm 96 is one that emphasizes numerous areas about our God, who He is and all He has done. Specifically, two verses highlight the glory of the Lord.

Notice the word “ascribe,” which indicates what God’s people attribute to Him. Ascribe glory to the Lord. How?

Three thoughts: “Bring an offering, worship in holy attire, and tremble before Him.”

If worship is an intentional meeting with and bringing a gift to God, then He is glorified in our worship. It seems fitting that leaders set the example and remind others of all that belongs to the Lord.

A Leadership Masterpiece…

A masterpiece refers to outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship.

These terms relate to everything from art to mechanics. However, one of the most fascinating is humanity.

The Greek word is poiema, the workmanship of God. Paul paints a beautiful picture of what God creates in Christ Jesus. Poiema means “to make happen.” God makes a new creation happen through Christ Jesus (cf. 2 Co. 5:17).

As God’s poiema, we have an opportunity to make the greatest work on earth happen––leadership.

Knowing God…

Biblical leadership involves qualities, traits, virtues, and principles that guide character formation. As such, a biblical leader is one who desires to know God.

Scripture is filled with passages that emphasize the need to know God. Jesus said eternal life is aligned with knowing God and the One who was sent by Him.

Paul counted everything as loss for the “surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:8). His heritage, material possessions, academic achievement, and religious position were worthless when laid alongside this knowledge.

Biblical leaders are driven by a passion to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.

Positive and Godly Influences…

The world is filled with negativity. We cannot escape a negative and toxic environment. However, we can choose to allow or not allow these negative and toxic elements to take up residence in our mind.

A few suggestions might help when considering what to do.

Avoid as much negativity as possible.
Learn to walk away or turn it off.
Find positive people to spend time with daily.
Be the most enthusiastic person you know (Pro. 23:7).

The choice is ours, but leadership thrives when the mind dwells on positive and godly influences (Phil. 4:8).

A Godly Leader…

The Bible often speaks of being set apart, or holy. David emphatically claimed we should “…know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself; the Lord hears when I call to Him.”

This is such a powerful thought. God has taken action toward the godly for Himself, which highlights a special relationship between God and the godly. The result is followed by activity.

Tremble…and do not sin.
Meditate…and be still.
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness.
Trust in the Lord.

The combination of these four areas provides a powerful foundation for the success of a godly leader.

Better Leadership…

If something is better, there is improvement from a previous condition or situation.

One of the key words in Hebrews is better. We live under a better covenant, based on better promises, because of a better sacrifice. The result is a better hope.

When we examine our character, attitude, work ethic, practice, or presence, can we say it is better than before?

Would we say the development of those who follow is better today than yesterday?

Perhaps the appropriate question is, “Will we do what it takes to make it better?”

Leaders make things happen, and what they make happen should be for the better.