Tag: Spiritual

Preparation

The disciples constantly questioned Jesus about matters of the kingdom, especially a physical emphasis.

One example involved their concern over the destruction of the temple, the sign of His coming, and the end of the age.

While Jesus addressed their concerns with information related to the signs prior to this event, He took them further into the events surrounding the judgment day.

He wanted them to know that something greater than the destruction of the temple was coming and the reason for teaching this truth was to prepare them for that day.

Our leadership is the same. We are to prepare others for that day.

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.

Dependence

Spiritual leaders are dependent upon God’s guidance, direction, strength, and provisions. Spiritual leaders are also aware that followers are dependent upon them for the same.

Guidance involves advice and instruction for the conduct and behavior of life.

Direction shows the way, primarily the way to the final destination.

Strength is needed to get up and keep moving toward the goal.

Provisions are given to continue the journey, even when all else seems to fail.

The role is never taken lightly. It is critical to building a solid foundation that supplies the basic components for growth in relationship with God.

Mentoring…part 1

Information about mentoring is unlimited and various approaches indicate there are options available.

Mentoring involves an experienced and trusted advisor who trains and counsels someone else. The mentoring relationship may extend from a few days to a few years depending on the nature and purpose of the relationship.

As a spiritual influence in the lives of others, we all want to pursue ways we can mentor someone in developing a mature faith.

While it is important to examine ways to get involved in mentoring others, we should also seek someone who can be a mentor. Pray about how to do both.

Adding Value

Leaders recognize that people are drawn to the idea of receiving something that adds value to their life.

From a leadership perspective, its serves us well to consider exactly what it is that adds value to the people we attempt to reach on a regular basis.

What areas add value in any culture or generation? Consider a few possibilities.

Physically: Regardless of the individual, providing for someone’s felt needs adds value.

Emotionally: When we demonstrate emotional intelligence toward others it adds value to their life.

Spiritually: The greatest value we add to someone’s life involves the spiritual connection with God.

Freedom

Nelson Mandela often spoke about physical freedom from oppression and poverty. He once said, “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

Note the spiritual application. Our freedom from the consequences of sin is not simply about casting off our own chains. We need to live in a way that will demonstrate respect for others and help them enjoy the same level of freedom.

Here is where our leadership will determined.

The death of Jesus is a foundation for all who will come to Him. Lead to that freedom.

Ambitious Leadership

Defining ambition is not difficult. The difficulty arises when we consider where our ambition lies.

Is our ambition driven by financial security, power, or authority?

Would our ambition be characterized by selfish and physical priorities, or a spiritual focus?

Paul identified an ambition that was spiritually and eternally developed, because we make it our ambition to please the Lord.

When our leadership is driven to please the Lord it changes our approach to every area of life, and the church will grow in the grace and knowledge of our Savior.

Hold the Helm

Consider a statement made by Publilius Syrus, “Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.” Perhaps we could say, “It is not difficult to have faith when life is going well.”

The challenge to faith (holding the helm) involves trusting that God is in control and engaged in life, that He looks out for your best interest even when life is not going well.

Spiritual leaders will face numerous storms, disbelief in the vision and goals often exists, jealousy that creates doubt in your motives, and gossip, slander, and malice spread discrediting you.

Hold the helm! Remain strong in the faith! Keep your eyes focused on Jesus! Continue to lead!

Conversations Worth Talking About

Do we have anything worth talking about?

Far too many conversations revolve around subjects of little consequence. Kin Hubbard says, ”Don’t knock the weather. If it didn’t change once in a while, nine-tenths of the people couldn’t start a conversation.”

When we consider our influence for Christ, it makes sense that we focus our conversations on spiritual matters?

When we consider eternity, our conversations change with those we encounter in life?

When we consider the condition of our world, do we ever wonder about our responsibility to others?

Our time on earth is more than the trivial pursuit of fruitless knowledge.

The good news of Jesus is something worth talking about!

Family

Spiritually, we are blessed by God to share in the fellowship of a spiritual family, His church. The beauty of this relationship is our oneness, regardless of the color, age, gender, nationality, educational background, or social status. In God’s family none of these matter. What matters is our relationship with God through Christ.

Physically, we are also blessed to have those we love and who love us. Our physical family is not always biological in nature. Whatever the bond that brings us together, there is something special about family. All of our relatives make us uniquely our own. We may not always agree, but we have each other.