Tag: Spiritual

Passionate Leaders…

What are we passionate about? Do we find ourselves involved in activities for hours without any thought to the time? What drives our lives?

Howard Thurman said, “Don’t worry about what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

Spiritual matters must breathe passion into our lives. When seeking God’s kingdom is a priority, when reaching others with Jesus is the purpose of each breath, when worshiping God is at the heart of our activity, and when a love for truth drives us deeper into His word, we have the building blocks for passionate leadership.

People…

Leadership is about people. Not just any people, but people searching for a promise from God.

People are young and old, male and female. They are tall and short, large and small, and everywhere in between.

People come from different racial, educational, emotional, religious, and financial backgrounds, all of which influence their words and actions. Even when people live within the same neighborhood, there are differences.

The task before us involves determining how to lead such diversity.

The direction people follow depends on the ability of leaders to provide a combination of both physical and spiritual influence.

Redirecting Our Focus…

We are all molded by the events of the past, whether teaching, experience, or influence. Each of these take on both a positive and negative trait.

Paul’s family heritage, academic credentials, knowledge of scripture, and zealous attack against the church left a mark he did not forget from his past.

However, he did not allow the past to dictate the direction of his future. Paul had a new spiritual focus.

Leaders must learn from the past in order to prevent repeating areas that hinder our Christian influence.

The challenges of yesterday are past. We need to redirect our attention toward a spiritual future.

Spiritual Leadership…

The heart of a spiritual leader has resolve. Consider the following.

Spiritual leaders are determined, unwavering in the decided course of action.

Spiritual leaders are purposeful. Nothing is done by accident. They are intentional.

Spiritual leaders are adamant. They cannot be persuaded or distracted by trivial matters.

Spiritual leaders make the decision of courage when they must lead in moments of fear.

Spiritual leaders are unshakable. Leaders are pulled in many directions. However, they cannot be shaken from their foundation.

Leading with Eager Anticipation…

Although it is October, amazingly enough, people are already counting down the days until Christmas.

Something special exists in the mind of children that creates an eager anticipation for this specific day each year.

As leaders envision the future, they must encourage the same eagerness and anticipation for what is to come spiritually.

Think about Israel’s anticipation for entering the land God promised to give them. God has promised a land far greater for you and me. As we consider entering this glorious place, how much anticipation exists?

We need to eagerly look forward to that day. Let the countdown begin!

Spiritual Choices…

The journey through life is filled with choices. As amazing as it sounds, there is one choice that determines all others, both consequential and inconsequential: the choice of Christianity.

The choice of Christianity informs every decision, our career, who we marry, raising children, where we live, and more.

When leaders provide an example by their choices, spiritually, as demonstrated in their physical choices, they are taking a step in the right direction of leadership as God intends.

Now is the best time to start making the kind of choices that will change the direction of our lives and the influence we have with others.

Leadership Awareness…

Leadership awareness involves a knowledge or perception of the situation or fact.

Self-awareness, i.e. personal strengths and weaknesses, who we are, where we are going, and how we plan to reach the destination.

Others-centered awareness, i.e. the strengths and weaknesses of those who follow, how to help others reach their greatest potential and achieve the goals of the organization.

Environmental awareness, i.e. available resources, obstacles, the reality of progress, and open doors of opportunity.

Spiritual leaders must lead from a dual-world mindset: physical and spiritual.

Dealers in Hope…

Leaders deal in hope. This does not mean controversial challenges or issues are eliminated from leadership. Also, it does not mean problems in relationships disappear.

If anything, these will always continue to plague the lives of leaders and followers.

The difference is found in hope.

Do not be quick to rebuke.
Do not be the first to look at the negative.
Do not condemn.

Spiritual leaders have the privilege of providing the greatest answer for the ills so characteristic of humanity!

Hope lifts the spirit out of the pits of despair.
Hope provides a promise of something better.
Hope strengthens the will to survive.
Hope encourages the oppressed.

Self-Differentiated Leaders…

Edwin Friedman is one of several who discuss concepts associated with a self-differentiated leader. Three main areas stand out.

1) They know who they are: There is clarity about life-goals and they possess strong self-awareness.

2) They are part of the system, but not controlled by it: They rarely get lost in the anxious emotional processes around them.

3) They are able to take stands at the risk of displeasing others: They have the ability to deal with the super responsible and vulnerable.

Spiritual leaders face situations where leadership maturity is needed. The process of developing into self-differentiated leader is a journey to that maturity.

Independence…

Tomorrow, our country celebrates its independence.

There is a beautiful comparison between our physical freedom and the spiritual freedom enjoyed in Christ.

The willing, loving, and gracious sacrifice of Jesus demonstrates the value of our freedom.

The greatest joy of celebrating our independence is to willingly, lovingly, and graciously help others celebrate the same by introducing them to the way, the truth, and the life. 

The abundant life promised by Jesus is one of freedom from the consequences of sin.

Our leadership should always help others understand the price paid for this celebration, physically and spiritually.