Tag: Spiritual

Deep Work

Cal Newton’s book Deep Work provides amazing insight into the disruptive nature of distractions to a deeper level of work that matters.

He expressed this thought, “Clarity about what matters provides clarity about what does not.”

Leaders need to be clear regarding what matters. With this clarity it is possible to eliminate other matters that tend to distract us. Then we can focus on a deeper work that is critical to the spiritual purpose God desires.

We need extended time without the constant barrage of social media, email, texting, and phone calls. The result is time that allows us to challenge our minds to think more deeply.

Intimate Relationship

Moses experienced an intimate relationship with God that was “face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.”

Is it possible for us to develop an intimate relationship shared between the closest of friends?

We can if we learn from the example of Moses.

He desired to know God more than anything else.
He sought the favor of God through obedience.
He communicated with God daily.
He loved God’s people with an incredible intercessory love.
He led with a passion to fulfill God’s will.

The New Testament teaches us to walk with our God based on several parallel levels. Spiritual leaders should not only desire this intimate relationship, but strive to achieve it.

Purpose

What is our purpose? We cannot lead effectively without purpose.

God had a purpose in sending Jesus.
Jesus had a purpose in laying down His life.
The apostles had a purpose in their preaching.

What is our purpose, yours and mine, in our day to day existence?

Spiritual leadership has but one purpose: leading others to heaven. The reason we strive to live a godly example is to fulfill this purpose.

For this reason we develop relationships with others. Nothing is more important. Nothing is more rewarding. Fulfilling our purpose makes the difference.

Legacy

What legacy do you want to leave? Have you given thought to your legacy?

From a spiritual perspective, when you and I depart this physical world we should leave others in a position to do great things for the Lord without us. This is the heart of true legacy.

Choose who you want to carry on your legacy.
Pass on what you want carried on.
Don’t forget to model your legacy.

Leadership is not about the here and now, but the hereafter. If you build your leadership around this idea, the legacy you leave will have lasting rewards.

Two Worlds

A leader must be a student of two worlds.

You must know the world you live in physically and spiritually.

You need to know the challenges people face in this world, the struggles, trials, and events on the national and international scene.

You must also know the world you are living for spiritually. Therefore, you must be a student of God’s word.

All you and I say and do now is building a foundation for what is to come. Our task involves helping others in this world reach the right destination in the next.

Actions

Sometimes, it only takes a few words to describe leadership. Donald McGannon said, “Leadership is action, not position.”

In the past, people were elevated to a position of leadership. Position did not make them a leader. They wore the title, but their leadership went no further.

What is it that indicates leadership? Simply stated, it is about action!

When the best interest of others is met by the action of spiritual leaders, leadership will not be about position.

Let the intent of our words be built on the foundation of our actions.

Power

Why does power appeal to so many in the role of leadership?

Does it involve authority?

Is it control?

Could it be decision-making?

Spiritually, the answer is, “NO!”

Power involves the ability to do something or act in a specific way that influences the behavior and direction of others.

Power is about God’s ability to direct and influence the behavior of others.

The word of the cross is God’s power to save. It will save you and me. Our only power comes by sharing it with others?

Focus on the Future

We often view the past with great fondness.

We may look to the past with regret over words or actions we cannot change.

We also learn from the past with hope of greater opportunities for the future.

Our leadership must focus on the future. We do not lead people where they have been, but where they need to go.

Paul knew the regret of words and actions from his past, but he chose to focus on what lies ahead.

We, too, must remember the work of spiritual leadership. When it comes to the past, acknowledge it, learn from it, and leave it where it is.

Focus on the future.

Passionate

Are we consumed with work because we find value in the job, or are we passionate because of the difference it makes in the lives of others?

Our value comes from God. We are created in His image and covered by the blood of His Son.

Value based in work becomes an insatiable task.

Spiritually, if we are passionate about leading others to a greater relationship with God, the perspective changes.

When we have an intense desire and enthusiasm for the work of the Lord, there is a sense of love and joy in fulfilling the true purpose of life.

Spiritual leadership is worth being passionate about and loving.

Direction

Direction takes on several definitions. Leaders must give and receive direction.

We receive direction from the One true spiritual leader, Christ.

In turn, our vision must be used to provide direction for others.

Spiritual leaders provide spiritual direction. We help others get on course and encourage them to stay on course.

Parents provide direction in the home.

Congregational leaders provide direction to congregations.

All of us as Christians must provide direction to the lost.

When we provide direction, we assist others in reaching the destination our leadership is striving to reach…heaven.