Tag: SIBI

Scars to Remember…

Most people have scars, maybe the result of surgery, an accident, or some foolish activity. At times we have emotional, mental, and spiritual scars left for the same reasons.

What do scars leave behind?

First, they remind us of what created the scar.
Second, scars remind us of physical, emotional or spiritual pain.
Third, scars show the incredible wisdom and power of God.
Fourth, scars remind us to be cautious about developing future scars.

However, the greatest reminder for leaders involves those left in the hands and feet of our Savior. These scars should always remind us of what our leadership is all about.

Primal Leadership…

Primal comes from a Latin word meaning “first.” The idea relates to beginnings, first things, primary, essential, and foundational elements of all that is connected to life.

For leaders, it is essential to understand the primary / first elements that must be in place in order to achieve success.

These building blocks for spiritual leaders include integrity, honesty, strong work ethic, passion, confidence in God, discipline, and balance.

Additional elements may exist, but these are the “primal” ones of leadership.

When leaders build on this foundation, their strength of character provides hope for everyone who follows.

Leading by Love…

Leaders must exercise caution when it comes to their influence when leading others.

When our conversations focus on “me, myself, and I,” we need to evaluate who we promote.

Spiritual leadership turns its attention to the good of others, even at the expense of self.

Jesus taught about the powerful nature of love. The lesson is that all people will know we are His disciples when we have love for one another. If our words and actions promote self, then we teach a different lesson.

Leadership may be challenged by this battle, but love wins every time.

Actions and Motives…

Leaders give of their time and ability. They possess a willingness to help others reach their greatest potential for God and His church.

Leaders are also selfless. While the ideas are interrelated and it can become difficult to distinguish them, the difference is the action of one and the motivation in the other. 

Effective leadership makes the sacrifice, but the reason they make it is the selfless heart of God’s servant.

William Barclay once said, “Always give without remembering; always receive without forgetting.”

The thought speaks to actions and motives. It should motivate us to lead this way.

Leading with Hope and Help…

The despair in our world over COVID19 makes for an interesting read from David. Consider the application for leadership today: “Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.”

Two thoughts:

1) Hope is only found in God. When hope is misplaced, the result is despair, disappointment, and discouragement.

2) Help comes from God’s presence. We find comfort and confidence in knowing God is ever-present. He knows and cares.

Leaders need to communicate a hope that is found in God and take comfort in the help of His presence.

Genuine Interest…

Leaders must have a genuine interest in others, which is often easier said than done, because we tend to have more interest in some than others. We are aware of emotional vampires, individuals who suck time and energy out of our existence.

A genuine interest in others requires a few key components.

Ability to listen. We must listen with our ears, but also our eyes and heart.
Eye contact. Without eye contact, we communicate a lack of interest.
Appropriate questions. Appropriate questions show care about the lives of others. 

Consider these few steps toward an effective leadership.

Confidentiality and Leadership…

Leaders should always remember that confidentiality is about a sacred trust. Followers need to know they can place their feelings, their very lives, into the hands of those who lead them.

1) When leaders keep confidentiality, relationships build resilience of character.
2) The ability to keep a confidence makes leaders more approachable.
3) Confidentiality is a privilege that helps develop greater leadership.
4) Keeping a confidence exudes a more Christlike nature.

Confidentiality is critical for leaders. They must guard what has been placed into their sacred trust. When they do, the resulting development of character builds a leadership worth following.

A Choice of Leadership…

Colin Powell once said, “You can’t make someone else’s choices. You shouldn’t let someone else make yours.”

When leaders make choices for others, it can lead to resentment. An increase in certain expectations develops when leaders make decisions for others. Making choices for others also leads to an unhealthy dependency.

Leading is about relationships and leading others involves helping them make the right choices, not making choices for them.

Leadership has the potential of influencing others for a greater purpose. Let us always lead with the desire to help others see and make the choice of heaven.

Leading with Confidence…

David wrote, “The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?” And Paul asked, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” 

When we understand this truth it changes the direction of our leadership.

Leaders need the type of confidence that is built upon a relationship with God. David and Paul understood there was no need to fear anyone or anything. 

Leaders should always know and be aware of their greatest Ally––God. 

When this relationship exists there is no need to fear, because God is with us and He is for us.

Catalyst Leadership…

When leaders serve as catalysts amazing developments occur.

In their book, The Starfish and the Spider, Brafman and Beckstrom researched several areas concerning leadership and the qualities of a catalyst. 

Consistent with each was their desire to help others. The examples reflect something of a spiritual catalyst in nature.

Spiritual catalysts provide powerful influence because they desire to help others. 

Catalysts help others see their potential in the Lord’s kingdom.
Catalysts help others implement plans to reach their potential.
Catalysts help others connect with people to assist them in reaching their potential.

The need for catalysts is significant in the development of the Lord’s kingdom.