What is apologetics? How does this study impact our Christianity? What do leaders need to know about apologetics? Today, we are joined by Dean Meadows, who serves as the Executive Director of The Daily Apologist. Dean’s background and education make him uniquely qualified as an apologist, and what he shares in this discussion will show you why this study is so needed.
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Leaders need to stop looking at the negative, discouraging, and depressing nature of situations, and step up with some enthusiasm that will take action.
Steve Harvey says, “Catch fire today! Make today the day you stop complaining and do something!”
Nothing is more significant to the development of solid leadership than “catching fire.”
Somehow, leaders must present an example of moving away from the individualistic / humanistic philosophy that characterizes so much of our world.
Imagine a world where leaders spent their time focused on developing others to reach their greatest potential.
Now there is a vision worth catching fire to achieve.
May it be so!
Is it possible for failure to provide benefit or value when developing leaders?
Winston Churchill is credited with saying “success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
No one wants to fail, yet it is necessary to help grow our leadership in ways that benefit the good of God’s kingdom.
While no one desires failure, or looks for it in order to benefit, knowing that failure can and will occur helps prepare us with an expectation that when it happens we can approach it from a posture of learning its value.
At times, it is extremely difficult to make a decision that involves taking steps in a direction that may go against the grain, challenge tradition, or ruffle someone’s feathers.
When this happens, it is critical to have the confidence of knowing the proper due diligence has been done to ensure the decision is right to direct the future development of the work.
To be critical involves an evaluative and analytical approach to various situations. Leaders who evaluate with a critical eye will analyze the situation in ways that provide possible solutions for overcoming challenges.
The next step should be a critical one.
There is no doubt we all face obstacles in this journey through life. The difference is made in how we choose to deal with those obstacles.
I appreciate Zig Ziglar’s thought, “When obstacles arise you change your direction to reach your goal, you do not change your decision to get there.”
At times, obstacles arise and create situations that cause us to feel as though we have no choice but to quit, and many do.
The greatest challenge, however, is realizing that the direction can be changed and still reach the goal without changing the decision to get there.
Jesus reshaped the way the Samaritan woman at the well saw Him. She began thinking Jesus was an ordinary Jew, but before the conversation was over, she recognized Him as the Messiah.
Jesus then helped the apostles look at the multitude of Samaritans from a different perspective, a harvest needing to be harvested.
There is an interesting lesson here – How we see Jesus changes the way we see others. As leaders we desperately need to see Jesus from a biblical perspective and recognize that all people deserve to be seen in need of His grace.
This is the vision godly leaders need.
Walt Disney once said, “I don’t want the public to see the world they live in while they’re in the Park (Disneyland). I want them to feel they’re in another world.”
The world we live in seems to have an insatiable desire to avoid reality. The real world brings challenges to our families, financial problems, personal health difficulties, and the list goes on. Getting away from this “realness” is tempting, but is it possible?
Everyone needs time to rejuvenate, but the world of leadership is not one that exists in the “virtual” realm. It requires an understanding of reality to address the various challenges presented in life. Let us lead accordingly.
Regardless of how long someone has been involved in leadership, there will always be times when leaders need to retreat to a place of refuge, a place of solitude where they find peace.
Also, leaders need a style of leadership that allows others who follow the opportunity to find that place of safety, a place where they can trust in their leadership to provide security.
Even Jesus knew the value of a refuge.
Let us focus on these truths as the foundation for our own leadership.
What is the “best day ever?”
From a spiritual leadership perspective, the idea has a whole new meaning. The best day ever occurred at the resurrection of Jesus.
Here is where Jesus defeated Satan. Here is where the fear of death was removed. Here is where hope of something better beyond this life was given.
Christianity is based on this fact! Without the resurrection, Paul describes the tragedy that exists in being a Christian (1 Co. 15:12-19).
The resurrection changes everything in how we lead others.
There is something worth living and dying for, something worth leading for…because He lives!
What are the greatest influences in your life? It is not uncommon to hear someone say they are not influenced by watching inappropriate movies, listening to vulgar or offensive jokes, or participating in worldly activities.
The more we are exposed to such, the more we drift from the solid foundation.
Maya Angelou concludes, “You are the sum total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot — it’s all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that I try to make sure that my experiences are positive.”
May we all strive for experiences that drive us to a more positive and godly life.