Tag: SIBI

A Chance in a Lifetime Leadership…

Numerous statistics exist related to being a leader.

One report claims that 70-80% of people think they are a leader, yet only 2-3% actually are a leader. Another report claims that 2-3% ever see themselves as a leader.

Leadership is the chance of a lifetime, not because of the glory, glamour, power, or prestige that may be affiliated with leading. More accurately, it is for opposite reasons.

We know the blessings found in Christ. We also know the responsibility of leading others to Him.

When we lead someone from darkness to light and experience the joy of salvation, now that is a chance of a lifetime!

The Human Soul…

Ralph Peters said, “The great paradox of the 21st century is that, in this age of powerful technology, the biggest problems we face internationally are problems of the human soul.”

I do not pretend to understand the big problems of the 21st century, technologically or otherwise. However, spiritual leadership does involve the human soul.

No problem of the human soul can be addressed apart from Jesus. The challenge is to seek, find, and know Him.

The problems of the human soul are not solved with worldly philosophy and the wisdom of men.

The power and wisdom of God, Jesus, make the difference.

The Leader Within…

The activity of leading is often determined by or connected with what a leader does.

While the word “activity” identifies some nature of doing, the basis for doing must be connected to being; it is the leader within.

Learning to understand who we are at the core determines what we do externally as leaders. How do we determine the leader inside?

1) Evaluate core values: integrity, honesty, work ethic, etc.

2) Consider motives behind the current direction.

3) Make decisions based on Biblical principles.

Take a moment to consider how best to examine the heart and develop our leadership from the inside out.

Heart of a Leader…

The Bible speaks a great deal about the heart. When it comes to leadership, heart is vital to our approach and development.

What benefits accompany a leader with heart?

With heart leaders dream of the future and what can be accomplished.
With heart leaders hold true to the integrity of their relationship with God and others.
With heart leaders invest in the lives of others to help them reach their potential.
With heart leaders plan with diligence and confidence.
With heart leaders step out with trust in God’s guidance and providential working to achieve His purpose and will.

Let us lead with heart!

Lifelong Leadership…

Leadership is a lifelong process. Here are a few lessons to consider. 

Leadership is developed over time. God works to develop our leadership over a lifetime. He trains by giving us the experience we need. 

Developing a leader involves periods of suffering. These times may result in isolation, which helps us reflect and prepare for greater leadership.

Proper perspective is the goal of leadership development. When we recognize God’s hand in our life, our perspective changes, even when we suffer. 

If we trust in God’s working, we become the masterpiece He desires of us.

Leaders Who Learn…

The truly successful managers and leaders of the next century will be determined not by what they know but by how fast they can learn! ~ Strategy & Business

The nature and speed of change in our world should not deter us from pursuing effective leadership.

We should not become discouraged when making decisions.

Also, we must avoid dwelling in the past, frustrated by technology, and give up.

We should be motivated to learn and learn quickly.

Our purpose must be driven by this desire, because learning helps us discover greater ways to influence others for Christ.

A Motive To Lead…

People lead for different reasons. At times, the situation (crisis) demands someone lead.

However, selfish ambition motivates far too many. The desire to personally benefit from a position of power is appealing in both the secular and spiritual arena. 

When people lead with the right motives, the result is powerful.

Developing this motive consists of three components.

1) Personal and familial relationship with Christ. 
2) Understanding scripture, both the milk and meat of God’s word.
3) Compassion for people’s eternal condition, saved and lost.

These help us check and develop the motive godly leaders should possess.

The Pressure of Leading…

What creates pressure? Confrontation? Health problems? Finances? Family issues? Spiritual conflict?

Why do we feel pressure? Fear? Guilt? Regret? Conviction?

Leaders will always face pressure. Spiritual leadership further increases this pressure because of the eternal consequences weighed in the balance of each decision.

However, when the fear of pressure prevents us from dealing with issues, we are only delaying greater pressure with graver consequences.

As the song encourages, “Rise up O men of God! Have done with lesser things. Give heart and mind and soul and strength to serve the King of kings.”

Accept that pressure exists, but address it with biblical focus.

The Grand Scheme…

Consider the “grand scheme” of things and our role as a leader in that scheme.

God’s mission is providentially guided throughout the history of Israel down to the coming, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. 

The power of this mission/scheme is God’s continued involvement in our lives today.

If not careful we get distracted and even drawn away by the trivial areas of life, resulting in distorted priorities.

We need to pray that God will open doors. We also need to pray for the wisdom to see those opportunities and for the courage to pursue what God places before us in His grand scheme.

Suffering Leadership…

A leader with passion and little talent will always out perform a leader with talent and little passion. E.M. Forster said, “One person with passion is better than forty people merely interested.

However, our modern definition of passion leaves much to be desired, because we often limit our thinking to enthusiasm or excitement.

The word is originally derived from a Latin word that means “to suffer.”

Leaders need enthusiasm. They need to be driven to achieve their goals, but when leaders are passionate they willingly make sacrifices.

Leadership is never easy, but the results of passionate leadership are always life-changing.