Tag: Suffering

Suffering Leaders

December 6, 2023 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Jesus suffered on numerous occasions at the hands of religious leaders who sought to eliminate this threat to their position and power.

The ultimate suffering, however, did not come at their hands, even though they instigated the procedure.

Jesus would encounter suffering beyond imagination, as He was beaten, ridiculed, mocked with a crown of thorns, spit upon, scourged, and nailed to a cross at the hands of Rome.

Suffering is not often seen as greatness, rather a stumbling block and foolishness. To those who are saved, however, it is the power of God.

The higher we go in leadership the greater the sacrifice we must make.

Lifelong Development

August 1, 2023 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Much has been said about leadership development as a lifelong process. Among the ideas expressed several are worth considering, such as the following:

Leadership is developed over time. God works throughout our lifetime to train us and give us the experience needed to develop our leadership.

Developing a leader can involve periods of suffering. Events occur throughout life that may involve periods of isolation designed to help us reflect and prepare for greater leadership.

Proper perspective is the goal of leadership development. As challenging as periods of suffering can be, they help shape our perspective to see God’s hand in the events of our life.

Epaphras…

December 21, 2022 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Epaphras is only mentioned three times in the New Testament. Two of those three are located in Colossians. The third location is Philemon.

However, when we examine these three references, we find why he is a wonderful example of leadership.

Epaphras was a beloved, fellow bondservant of Christ, indicating he was loved, faithful, and a devoted follower of Christ.

He is noted as a fellow prisoner in Christ, indicating he suffered persecution for the sake of Christ.

Epaphras was one who labored earnestly (wrestled) in prayer on behalf of these Christians.

Leaders need to be faithfully devoted to Jesus, willing to suffer for Him, and wrestle in prayer for others.

Lead Like Jesus

April 2, 2021 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Peter clearly points out that Jesus suffered, leaving an example to follow in His steps.

Peter’s first letter is one that acknowledges the need for Christians to prepare for suffering, not to be surprised when suffering occurs, and to know that when they suffer as Christians they are blessed.

Would we think differently about the words of the song, “Oh To Be Like Thee,” if we knew that we were asking to suffer as Jesus suffered?

We often hear, “Lead like Jesus.” Will our leadership involve suffering for the cause of the Lord? Are we willing to lead like Him?

Imitating Christ

March 16, 2021 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Scripture instructs us to be an imitator of Christ. Peter identifies that Jesus left an example that we should walk in His steps.

What exactly does that mean? In context, Peter’s statement to Christians related to suffering.

Hopefully, we possess a conviction to walk in His steps, even when suffering.

Our prayer is that we draw closer to our God, understand more fully the example left for us to follow, and then live our life as a reflection of His example.

Where will it take us? If we follow it through, we might just find an amazing path before us.

Suffering Leaders…

January 20, 2021 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Jesus suffered on numerous occasions. He suffered verbally and physically.

The religious leaders were intent on eliminating this threat to their position and power.

At the hands of Rome, Jesus encountered suffering beyond imagination. He was beaten, ridiculed, mocked, crowned with thorns, spit upon, scourged, and nailed to a cross.

His suffering demonstrated the greatness of His leadership.

John Maxwell said, “The higher one goes in leadership, the greater the sacrifice.” Will suffering demonstrate the greatness of our leadership today?

Glory Through Suffering…

September 18, 2020 bobturner Daily Leadership, Uncategorized 0 Comments

An interesting connection exists between suffering and glory. Look through God’s word and see how they relate and their connection to the life of Jesus.

Certainly, we are all aware of how Jesus suffered while here on earth: His persecution, shame, and sacrifice at the cross.

No one longs for or anticipates suffering. We desire the glory to come, but we must realize the suffering related to that glory and lead with an understanding of such.

Paul identifies that the sufferings of this present life are not worthy to be compared to the glory to be revealed to us, but suffering does come first.

Joy…

August 5, 2020 bobturner Daily Leadership, Uncategorized 0 Comments

Joy exceeds simple pleasure. Kenneson claims joy is the byproduct of our desire for something more outward.

The other-directedness nature of joy shows why it is so closely connected to love. If love be related to God’s grace, the gift exemplifies a significance between these two Greek words: charis (grace) and chara (joy).

Scripture connects suffering with joy, and “living joyfully despite persecution and affliction does not require one to deny the reality of suffering or pain” (63).

We cultivate joy when we rejoice in the opportunity to worship God, nurture contentment, and learn to enjoy children.

This is only the beginning.

The Power of Passion…

July 9, 2020 bobturner Daily Leadership, Uncategorized 0 Comments

What is it that drives our lives, especially as leaders?

Steve Jobs once said, “It [what you choose to do] has got to be something that you’re passionate about because otherwise you won’t have the perseverance to see it through.”

While we associate passion with excitement or enthusiasm, there is much more involved.

Passion is from a Latin word associated with suffering or sacrifice.

When leaders are passionate, it is seen by what they are willing to suffer, sacrifice, or give up in order to achieve the goal. 

When passion is present, leaders persevere to see it through.

Lifelong Leadership…

September 2, 2019 bobturner Daily Leadership, Uncategorized 0 Comments

Leadership is a lifelong process. Here are a few lessons to consider. 

Leadership is developed over time. God works to develop our leadership over a lifetime. He trains by giving us the experience we need. 

Developing a leader involves periods of suffering. These times may result in isolation, which helps us reflect and prepare for greater leadership.

Proper perspective is the goal of leadership development. When we recognize God’s hand in our life, our perspective changes, even when we suffer. 

If we trust in God’s working, we become the masterpiece He desires of us.

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