Tag: SIBI

Compassionate Leaders

One of the qualities Jesus demonstrated, instrumental in drawing others to Him, was compassion.

Several times throughout the gospels, scripture points to the compassion of Jesus. He was compassionate to those in need both physically and spiritually.

His compassion, however, was more than a feeling of sympathy over their distress; it moved Him to act in ways that met the need.

Leaders who follow the example of Jesus realize the value of a compassionate approach. An awareness of someone’s needs is an important component, but compassionate leaders seek ways to get involved to help meet the need.

Step Into Greatness

Life is filled with events. These events can be good or bad. The perspective of one person toward an event may not be the same as another person facing a similar event. The difference is often affiliated with someone’s attitude and worldview.

Robert Tew said, “It doesn’t matter what happens to you. What matters is, what are you going to do about it? Are you going to complain and shrink or are you going to step into your greatness?”

We need leaders who step into greatness motivating us to see beyond the present and consider the power of changing lives.

Prepare Future Leaders

Too many congregations struggle with poorly equipped and, at times, unqualified leaders, or no leadership at all. Most leaders have no idea who will fill this needed role in the days ahead.

Each congregation needs a plan for training, equipping, and developing leaders to prepare for the spiritual warfare facing the church.

God’s people need to recognize the challenges before us and the current leadership must rise up to prepare leaders for tomorrow.

We currently suffer the consequences of past generations that failed to plan. We need a vision related to who we can be as the Lord’s kingdom in the next generation. This will impact our children!

Sign of the Times

Are we able to see the signs of our times? Are we aware of the cultural changes developing almost by the minute?

The direction of our world is frightening and exciting at the same time. The opportunities have never been greater and the needs more pressing.

We must consider the need to move out of a dated methodology that may no longer be effective.

The message never changes, but our methods require attention. If the methods we use are outdated, effectiveness will be limited.

Can we see the signs of the times, or are we doing the same things in the same ways expecting different results? Give it thought.

A Godly Image

We live in a society that thrives on image. There is great concern for the appearance of things, how others see us.

Sadly, many people render service only to an earthly image. The concern is limited to doing the least possible rather than excelling beyond what is required.

The beauty of godly leaders is demonstrated when they constantly strive to please the Lord.

People always watch: our families, people at work and our neighborhood, as well as fellow Christians. They all watch.

When we consider our conduct before others, is it because we want to please those who are watching or is our motive to please God?

The Perfect Picture

Each day we are given an opportunity to live on the stage of life. Others witness every move and listen to every word. Images are embedded in their minds from what they see and hear.

As they recall days gone by, they remember these images and the impact left by them.

David Nicholls framed it like this: “I want to live life in such a way that if a photograph were taken at random, it would be a cool photograph.”

What would the photograph others take of us look like?

We may only have one moment for others to take that perfect picture that changes their lives forever.

Moment of Truth

The moment of truth is not measured by what a leader hopes, desires, or thinks might be needed.

The moment of truth is measured by what a leader does, the stand that is taken, and the demonstration of character when it is unpopular with the majority.

The time comes in every person’s life when they must decide how they will act or react to the environment or circumstances before them.

In that moment, the decision they make determines the effectiveness of each leader.

No pleasure, monetary prize, popularity, or status of prestige is worth compromising the truth and the principles of character that stand behind it.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Happy Thanksgiving
May your hearts always be filled with gratitude.

The Right Leader

A study of leadership reveals a plethora of information that presents a daunting task of determining what is right and who is the right leader to follow. God revealed information sufficient for both.

Dedicating ourselves to learning the truths provided by God and studying the example of Jesus will result in a godly leader.

There is no better way to honor and glorify God than by leading with our eyes focused on Jesus and our hearts devoted to following the depths of His word.

When followers have this example in earthly leaders, they will follow the right leader.

Culture

Culture was originally connected to cultivating, or gardening.

Among many technical definitions, basically, culture is the way things are done around here.

Our world is a multi-cultural place, even sporting cultures within cultures: work cultures, educational cultures, religious cultures, age and gender specific cultures, etc.

Leaders can work to understand the culture, but changing the culture is far from easy, if not impossible. The idea has been presented that leaders must create new cultures to draw people into a new way of thinking, believing, or behaving.

Jesus followed this approach to a first century culture, leaving us to consider how we will lead in a twenty-first century culture.