Tag: Spiritual

Abnormal Spiritual Leaders

Normal in one culture will certainly be different in another culture. As well, normal in the mind of a child will not be normal in the mind of an adult.

Regardless of how we might think about a normal life, there is nothing normal about spiritual leadership.

Spiritual leaders…

are concerned about the nature of their influence.
live consistently with what they believe.
know the mission.
work for a cause far greater than themselves.
share the planning and development of the goals.
produces results that glorify God and fulfill His will.

Look at how the first word of each thought develops a spiritual leader.

Knowing God

God’s people rejected a knowledge of God, His law, statutes, and commandments. Every time this occurred they were punished.

Jesus claimed that eternal life was based on knowing God and knowing the One sent by Him, Jn. 17:3. Peter reminds us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ,” 2 Pet. 3:18. One of the most significant references about knowing God was written by Paul to the church at Philippi, Phil. 3:7-11.

Spiritual leadership is built on the foundation of knowing God. While I cannot fully address every area related to the subject, this lifelong journey challenges us to focus on that goal.

Transitional Bridges

When writing a speech, book, article, or other medium, one of the critical pieces is transitions. Transitions are bridges.

These bridges make it easier for people to follow what we express.

Our role as leaders is about transitions. We build bridges in three areas.

One, we build a bridge in relationships. We must establish and maintain quality relationships.

Two, we build a bridge for future leaders. As long as the world exist, the need for leadership exists.

Three, we build a bridge to eternity. Our task is to transition from the physical realm to the spiritual.

Are we building bridges with the right purpose and in the right direction?

Focus

When athletes fall short of achieving success, it is generally attributed to a loss in focus.

Leaders cannot afford to lose focus.

Distractions pop up everywhere and usually when we least expect. When distractions arise, we must maintain our focus and not lose sight of our priorities.

Focus is a matter of choice.

People need leaders who help them maintain focus. When our focus is on spiritual life and maturity we help others focus on making the right choices.

Amazingly, when we do so, our focus enables us to handle the distractions with a gracious heart of gratitude.

Learning In Community

Few times are more exciting than sitting around a table with others to collaborate ideas. Discussing and planning every area of life serves to improve leadership.

These times provide inspiration by gleaning from the wisdom and experience of those closest to us. Here we find guidance from others who care most for us. They desire to see us succeed.

Spiritually, few opportunities are more important than to examine ways to strengthen the church and lead others to a greater hope.

The change in life that makes the greatest difference in who we are and what we do is born from the benefits of what is learned in community.

A Matter of Learning

We learn by observation, teaching, personal study, and experience.

We learn from teachers with academic credentials and others who simply have experience.

Learning is not the issue. We learn something everyday. We cannot help it and we cannot resist it. Everything we see with our eyes, hear with our ears, smell with our nose, and feel with our hands creates a learning situation.

However, the importance of what we learn really makes the difference.

Learning matters that are spiritual in nature provides a foundation for lasting leadership. When considering the importance of learning, remember it is what we learn that carries the greatest importance.

Leading in Two Worlds

A leader must be a student. Obviously, there are many areas to study. From a spiritual leadership perspective, we live in two worlds.

We must know the world we live in physically. We need to know the challenges people face who live in this world. We need to know the struggles and trials encountered.

We must also know the world we live for spiritually. Because we have never been there, it can be difficult. We must rely on the information provided in God’s word. Therefore, we must be a student of His word.

All we say and do now is building a foundation for a world to come.

Leading Through Difficult Times

Life presents difficulties, challenges often too great to handle. No problem, just push the “easy” button.

While an easy button might help in the purchase of office supplies, life and leadership do not work this way.

Challenges often occur when the path is the smoothest, and when one challenge begins, another sits down beside it.

Everyone wants an easy button, a do-over, a chance at a fresh start.

Leaders must recognize that when difficulties arise it is time for them to lead.

No one is exempt. Spiritual leaders face the task of helping those who encounter struggles in life with confidence and assurance.

Reflection of a Leader

Have you looked in the mirror lately? The idea of looking into a mirror dates back to Biblical times.

Mirrors reflect the image standing before it. The concept can be literal or symbolic, physical or spiritual. James writes about the need to look into God’s word like a mirror and see how it is reflected in our lives.

Spiritual leaders need to desperately look into the mirror of their leadership. The image reflected helps determine the core of our existence and what we desire to accomplish.

Look intently. Examine beyond the surface. Make the changes needed. Lead with purpose based upon true reflection.

Making a Difference

Italian TV dinner, Fazoli’s, Macaroni Grill, Massimino’s Cucina Italiana: There is a difference.

Community College, State University, Harvard, Oxford: There is a difference.

Regardless of where we eat, receive our education, or worship, we all know there is a difference.

The same is true in leadership. We see it on every front politically, corporately, educationally, and spiritually. There is a difference.

When it comes to spiritual leadership, are we really making a difference? Have we become complacent, apathetic, or indifferent?

Let us provide the leadership needed today for a better tomorrow and eternity because, in the end, it makes all the difference.