Tag: SIBI

Reputation

If the church where you and I attend were to disappear tomorrow, would anyone in the community know? Would anyone care?

Those two questions are chilling and convicting for me. I fear the answers and it directly relates to the impact we have in the world where we live.

Have we become so inward-focused that we no longer recognize the influence the church must have in the community?

Something may just be missing in our leadership and we need to consider what can be done, what must be done to lead God’s people in rebuilding the reputation of the church in our communities.

Unique Leadership

A number of individuals in scripture stand out as being unique. One in particular is Ehud, of which little is written. He was the only judge specifically identified as left-handed.

Our fingerprints are evidence of an all powerful, wise, and unique God. These fingerprints make us unique.

What makes our leadership unique, or is it unique? Is there a unique characteristic, ability, or approach?

In spiritual leadership, we have something unique to offer. Nothing else compares. Spiritual leaders today must think souls. Extend an offer unique and eternal. Read 1 Peter 1:4; 2:9 and rethink the concept of unique leadership.

Servant Leadership

What makes a great leader? Achievement? Financial independence? Educational degrees? Business accolades?

Consider the mindset of a servant leader. A servant leader…

…desires the benefit of others above self.
…focuses on the goal of the whole, not a select few.
…leads with passion and compassion.
…gives more than they take.
…sacrifices willingly and lovingly.
…understands the importance of a good example.
…focuses on every person they meet.
…values every second of every minute.
…follows the greatest leader who was the servant of all!

Leadership and Power

The thought of leadership and power often creates the temptation to use one’s power inappropriately.

It is tragic to read or hear of men who succumb to immorality or unethical business practices. In a moment of poor judgment, when power is abused, character is destroyed.

Consider the awesome God we serve.

Practice His presence… ALWAYS!
Never say or do anything we wouldn’t in His presence.
Remember that any leadership position is given by God.
Develop an open door policy.
Pray… without ceasing.

Perhaps these few suggestions will help us understand the proper use of the power entrusted to us by God.

Describe Your Leadership

We live in a world where we generally communicate with the use of words. Interestingly, what we hear and read is often presented with an incredible, spectacular, and unbelievable multiplicity of adjectives.

What adjective would you use to describe your leadership?

Godly! Spiritual! Righteous! Knowledgeable! Patient! Compassionate! Faithful!

Such descriptive terms have a nice ring. Today, let us strive to lead others in a manner that is described biblically.

Elijah

Spiritual leadership has its challenges. However, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. Consider four lessons behind the mountain top leadership experience of Elijah.

1) Elijah was God’s man. As such, he spoke for God.

2) Elijah was unrelenting when it came to making a choice. Neutrality was not an option.

3) Elijah knew his God, which translated into reliance and confidence.

4) Elijah understood the need to eradicate the influence of evil.

These lessons stand as an example of the mountain top leadership needed today as we strive to honor God and change the world with the power of His word.

Purpose

Where do we focus our attention? What purpose drives us as leaders? We can easily get distracted and lose focus and forget our purpose.

There are times we spend too much energy putting out “brush fires” and we lose sight of the goal. We must remember, and followers need to be reminded of, our purpose.

Be driven by it.
Determine to succeed.
Establish unity in the work.
Promote it at every opportunity.
Never quit.

Impossibilities disappear when we are driven by purpose, especially when that purpose has a godly foundation.

Think First

Think first. Two words. Simple enough to say and so difficult to do. Think before we speak, before we write, and before we act.

We live in a reactionary world. We tend to react to situations. Life deals an unfair hand and we react. Someone speaks inappropriately and we react. Others take advantage of us and we react.

Leaders must learn how to act. If we can stop the reaction through our words and actions, then maybe the fallout can be prevented.

The only way to learn this lesson is to “think first.”

Discouragement and Distraction

Satan carries many tools in his arsenal, all designed to distract leaders from the great task before them.

Nothing seems more distracting than discouragement. Nehemiah would not allow any amount of discouragement, abuse, or intimidation to distract him from completing the work.

The devil seeks to discourage and distract us, attempting to cause us to give up.

Nehemiah noted, “We doing a great work and [we] cannot come down. Why should the work stop while [we] leave it and come down to you?” (Neh. 6:3)

Fight the urge! Stay the course! Do not be distracted! Do not give the devil opportunity!

The Difference

Think about restaurants from fast-food to high-end specialty. Consider educational institutions from community colleges to Ivy-league universities. There is a difference.

The same is true in leadership. We have seen it politically, corporately, educationally, and spiritually. There is a difference.

When it comes to spiritual leadership, are we making the difference? Have we allowed the mindset of complacency to hinder our leadership? Are we victims of apathy and indifference regarding our leadership?

Just as there is a difference in every other area of life, we can make a difference if we choose to do so. Let us provide the leadership needed today for a better tomorrow and eternity.