A few key facts about change.
First, we generally fear change. The older we get the more we dislike change.
Second, not all change is bad. Sometimes change is good.
Third, change is biblical. Repentance means change.
Fourth, change is part of growth.
Where we need to focus is on changing ourselves. Jesus addressed this in Matthew 7:1-5. Most of the world knows verse one, but the idea is we need to look at ourselves and make the needed changes before attempting to help others change.
Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth….you are the light of the world.”
Salt and light make a difference when present. The analogy for Christians indicates that our influence should make a difference for good.
Outside of the Gospels, the word salt is used only twice and both times (Col. 4:6; Jas. 3:12) it directly speaks to the influence of our words.
The use of light addresses our conduct (Mt. 5:16). Peter spoke about the type of conduct that contributes to the salvation of others (1 Pe. 2:12).
Let us use our influence (words and conduct) to lead others to Him.
Various cultures around the world view or define success differently than other cultures. Oddly enough, even within the same culture, success is often defined differently.
Exploring the way God defines success is a bit more challenging, yet far more important to consider.
The most common factor defining success is quantitative. An increase by a specific number determines the measure of success achieved.
If we examine the Bible, we will find that the success is measured by those who followed the word of the Lord.
When it comes to defining success, as God defines it, a good place to start is 1 Samuel 15:22-23.
Think about the implications of a thought expressed by Rumi, “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”
Most people associated with spiritual leadership desire to change the world. However, an unending list of questions would need to be answered to even consider the task.
The idea of changing others cannot be achieved by compulsion or coercion. If change is achieved by such means the results will not last.
When we focus on changing ourselves we provide a living testimony for the world as to the benefits that come from implementing such change.
How many times in the political arena do we hear the thought expressed of someone being extreme left or extreme right?
Being extreme, however, is not limited to the political arena. We quite often find the beast of extremism within the church.
Brethren often become extreme in their approach and teaching, which leads to division in the church.
Our responsibility is to learn the difference between Biblical teaching and personal opinion.
In a time where we need to prevent the world’s influence on the church, let us not become so extreme that our actions portray what we are trying to prevent.
A leader must be a student. Obviously, there are many areas to study. From a spiritual leadership perspective, we live in two worlds.
We must know the world we live in physically. We need to know the challenges people face who live in this world. We need to know the struggles and trials encountered.
We must also know the world we live for spiritually. Because we have never been there, it can be difficult. We must rely on the information provided in God’s word. Therefore, we must be a student of His word.
All we say and do now is building a foundation for a world to come.
Does leadership influence culture, or does culture influence leadership? There is a great deal of controversy over the answer.
There are times when it seems the culture influences leadership. At other times, leadership influences culture, as with Harry Truman during World War II.
Amazingly, the definition of leadership often changes in relationship to the culture and the current leadership.
While we may never have a definitive answer, one thought is clear: God intends spiritual leaders to influence the culture and not the reverse.
The task before us is to be the influence in our world. We must arise and accept the challenge with courage and boldness.
“Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come.” Henri Nouwen
Imagine a congregation where, at the end of the day, everyone took the time to answer these questions affirmatively. If we focused on putting the needs, concerns, cares, worries, and desires of others first, the church and this world would sure be a different place.
Potential is an ability or capability with the possibility of being or becoming something.
In his book, 9 Things A Leader Must Do, Dr. Henry Cloud wrote, “One of the worst things you can die with is potential.”
What is our potential? How do we achieve our greatest potential? Reaching our potential requires risk, and that can be a bit uncomfortable.
Cloud also claims that “potential is something to be realized, not guarded or protected. So, dig it up! Invest it!”
Maximizing our potential enables us to help others reach their potential. Spiritually, when the potential of God’s people is unleashed, we will change the world.
Paul’s words to the church at Corinth identify a spiritual leader, “Who is led into sin without my intense concern.”
Spiritual leaders are focused on others, it is an outward position of seeking the best for others, above self. No one knew or demonstrated this better than Jesus. From giving up the glory He had with the Father to giving up His life on the cross, Jesus was concerned about sin: yours and mine.
Consider the impact on people around us when we demonstrate concern for the sinful activity that permeates our world.
The task is not easy, but one that makes a lasting and eternal difference.