Tag: Spiritual

Circle of Safety

Mark Twain expressed the following idea, “Great things can happen if we don’t care who gets the credit.”

John Maxwell took this idea to another level saying, “Great things can and actually do happen when we give others the credit.”

We know from a biblical perspective that spiritual leadership will not allow a self-centered attitude to exist. Instead, scripture indicates over and over the need to seek after the well-being of others.

Jesus provided this example for us and He desires we pursue the same direction. The result might just develop what Simon Sinek refers to as a “Circle of Safety.”

The Right Motive

People become leaders for different reasons. While there are those who lead from a place of selfish ambition, there are those who lead with the right motives, and the result is powerful.

Spiritual leadership is about leading with the right motives behind every thought, action, and decision.

Developing this motive is a process that consists of three key factors.

1) A personal relationship with Christ, but not separate from the collective body.
2) An understanding of Scripture, both the milk and meat of God’s word.
3) A compassion for the eternal condition of others, saved and lost.

These can help us check and develop the motive required for godly leadership.

The Future of Leadership

Leading is about the future. From a spiritual perspective, nothing is more important than what the eternal future holds.

However, on a more pragmatic level, leaders need to consider what the future of their leadership looks like.

Will the future hold growth and development for the church or will we be stagnant?

Will our vision point to a future where leadership is stronger or will leadership decline?

Asking questions can be unending. Yet, in the end, we must consider the necessity of planning today to ensure the future of growth and stronger leadership.

To do so, requires us to have a vision for it!

Spiritual Growth

We want our children to learn how to read and write, understand history, and gain a perspective of math and science. Of course, there are other subjects.

However, do we grasp the urgency of a spiritual education?

We must take a more serious look at the situation and how to better equip God’s people.

We are responsible not just to teach, but to teach others how to learn from God’s word in order that they might teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2).

If we value what we learned from someone who took the time to teach us, then we must imitate their faith (Hebrews 13:7).

Two Questions

Two words with three letters each. The most powerful questions to be considered.

The first is why? The implication is to determine the purpose behind decisions being made and actions taken.

Why does this task require leadership?
Why should we pursue this direction?
Why is this work important?
Why is this the best course of action?

The second is how? Once we understand the purpose, we must determine how we will fulfill it.

How do I become a better leader?
How will we accomplish the task?
How should we handle obstacles?
How can we get others involved?

Nothing could be stronger from a spiritual perspective.

Near and Far Sighted

The eye is an amazing part of the human body, but there is not enough space to cover its complex intricacies.

However, as we age, our arm does not often extend quite far enough to read the print on a page.

Two conditions normally occur: 1) nearsightedness – the ability to see things up close, but not far away, or 2) farsightedness – the ability to see things far away, but not up close.

Spiritually, leaders must avoid both conditions. Leaders need the ability to see needs that exist up close (present), and they must see what will happen far away (future).

Seeing both near and far makes it possible to address current needs and plan for the future.

Test of Leadership

Abraham is a great example specifically identified with the testing of his faith. “God tested Abraham” is how the text begins with the command from God to offer his only son, Isaac, as a burnt offering.

James speaks to the purpose of testing as a way to produce endurance which ultimately results in completeness.

How should we respond to tests within our leadership?

Prayer is the best place to begin.
Hold fast to the word of God.
Seek the counsel of spiritual and godly leaders.
Remember to trust God is working to prepare us.

A Spiritual Workout Plan

Workout programs are a dime a dozen. Millions of routines are available that guarantee results. Each individual or organization promotes their product(s) as part of the optimum workout with the intent of enticing people to buy-in.

However, it is not just about starting the program, but how to motivate people to continue it.

Imagine the spiritual difference if leaders appeal in similar ways to improve the spiritual lives of those who desire to be better.

How do we encourage people to get started and motivate them to continue? The optimum level results in lives that are changed now and forever. How are we doing?

Planning for Success

We’ve all heard that “those who fail to plan, plan to fail.”

Success and quality are the results of intentionality and planning with a dedication to persevere.

When a plan is in place, foresight has already formulated direction for those unexpected or untimely challenges.

This does not mean we will never have to deal with challenges, but if we negotiate a plan before we are in them, we know better how to handle those times.

Leading requires a plan. This is more significant when the spiritual application is connected. Whatever time is given to develop a good plan, it will produce success and quality.

Selfless Leaders

Sports fans around the world often celebrate the thrill of victory but also endure the agony of defeat. Sporting events bring out the best and worst of athletes.

When seen, we cheer the selfless character of those who understand true sportsmanship.

Perhaps the most thrilling part is demonstrated in the leadership roles among team events. The impressive way leaders step up and motivate their teams to give more than they imagined challenges all of us to take note.

Spiritual leaders must step up and motivate others to run a race far more significant than one to win a gold medal that eventually fades away (1 Co. 9:19-27).