Tag: Sunset

Improvement

To improve is to make someone or something better.

Athletes practice daily to improve their skills.

Professionally, people take continuing education classes to improve their abilities.

Religiously, we renew ourselves daily because it improves our ability to fulfill God’s will in our lives.

As leaders, we strive to improve ourselves by improving others.

We improve others when we:

…share the hope found in Christ,
…point to the reward of heaven, and
…teach application in word and action.

Everyone needs to improve. The challenge is learning that the greatest way to improve ourselves is by improving the life of others.

Make a Decision

It goes without saying that leaders must make sound and timely decisions. There are two key elements we need to develop with this thought.

The first is the idea of “sound” decisions. From a spiritual leadership perspective, the soundness of one’s decisions is based on a Biblical compass.

The second involves the word “timely.” An impatient, or even impetuous, approach to decision-making can create more difficulty in our leadership. Learning God’s timing helps us greatly.

We build credibility when decisions are made on this basis.

Leading Self

When we examine our day to day activities we need to ask ourselves, “How well do I lead myself?”

Thomas J. Watson Sr. said, “Nothing so conclusively proves a man’s ability to lead others as what he does from day to day to lead himself.”

Have we established specific plans for the last few months of this year?

Are we disciplined enough to use each day to finish, and finish strong?

We all influence others. We are leaders.

Now is the time for us to understand the power of our influence and make proper application to leading self.

Change

Why are people resistant to change? Perhaps they are comfortable with the status quo or fear drifting from the truth.

Obviously, not all change is good, but not all change is bad either.

The challenge we often face with change is in areas of tradition expressed as, “That’s how we’ve always done it.”

The message never changes, but our methods may need to change. This is not about change for the sake of change. But, if change increases interest and involvement, and does not violate scripture, then why would we resist?

It may just be good food for thought.

Time

We have all heard someone say, or perhaps said ourselves, “Wait just a second.” Usually, we use this phrase when we are busy and someone else (generally our children) want our attention.

The value of time is priceless.

For adults, all we know and comprehend is time. The value we place on it is generally based on what we can earn in a space of time.

However, a time is coming when the existence of time will no longer exist. We need to understand that how we use our time now determines our eternity.

Make the most of time.

Devoted

The English and Greek word translated devoted have similarities, but there is a powerful difference.

The English speaks of love and loyalty, but the Greek involves “insisting on staying close to someone or something.”

Spiritually, devoted leaders insist on staying close to the following.

People: They learn the needs of the people and help guide them to meet those needs.

Plan:
The plan is the map. Leaders must not deviate from it, or the goal is unreachable.

Lord:
Leaders know the true source of their strength is not in themselves, but the Lord.

Through a leader’s devotion, a foundation is laid to great achievement.

Responsibility

Leadership involves responsibility. Several have said, “The greater the responsibility, the fewer the rights.”

We live in a culture where taking responsibility is not a common practice. We could also say we live in a culture where the common practice is one of blaming others.

Quality leaders seek responsibility and take responsibility for their actions.

Leaders give credit to the team when there is victory, but take full responsibility when there is a defeat.

Rarely do we find such integrity and leadership. Yet, when we do, influence grows. The result? People follow!

Worst or Best?

What do we look for in others?

If we look for the worst, we find it quickly. The same is true when we look for the best.

Although the author is unknown, it has been said, “If you want to get the best out of someone – you must look for the best that is in them.”

How will you answer the question above? 

Consider two key thoughts. 

Humility. The way we look at ourselves affects the way we look at others.

Compassion.
When the distress of others touches our heart to act with mercy, let us look through the eyes of Jesus.

In the Middle

Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase “caught between a rock and a hard place.” Paul expressed this thought to the church at Philippi. He felt torn between going to be with the Lord and remaining in the flesh to help these Christians.

There are those who are caught in the middle between two friends.
There are children who are born in the middle between two siblings.
There are Christians who religiously walk in the middle of the road.

However, Paul wasn’t, nor can leaders today, be in the middle of the road regarding Scripture. Leaders need dedication and confidence to move others from where they are to where they need to go.

Stretching

The value of stretching cannot be overstated. Stretching aids the overall recovery of muscles used in exercise or work.

By definition, stretching is the ability to make longer and wider without tearing or breaking.

The best approach is to stretch a little at a time, hold for a few seconds, and relax. Repetition allows for the development of flexibility and relief.

When leaders stretch with regards to vision, goals, and the development of a team, the results bring recovery, growth, strength, and flexibility. Repeating the process increases the benefit.

Stretching is one way to develop quality leaders.