Category Archives: Leadership

Christian Success: Where Are The Role Models?

One of the ways we are motivated is by wanting to be like someone we admire. We recognize someone’s positive traits or that they have achieved certain goals that are appealing to us. So we reason that if we can do what they do we can also achieve similar goals or traits. This is a normal expectation; Christians should be able to identify role models that exemplify dependence on the Father. This is one of the reasons Jesus came in the flesh, and dwelt among us. And Paul encouraged his readers to follow him as he followed Christ; to examine his life, to see where he was depending on his God.

Unfortunately, in many, if not most cases, Christian role models in leadership positions or public ministry are either not exemplifying dependence on the Father, or they have isolated themselves from the people in such a way that we really don’t know what’s going on behind closed doors. It’s interesting that it took Jesus 30 years to learn and practice being dependent on His Father in private in order to minister publicly for three and a half years.

As we truly learn how to depend on the Father, we want to also be aware that there will likely come a time when we will be used as a role model in some capacity. We just don’t want a public ministry to be our measure of success.

When you recognize the peace, rest and confidence that comes from dependence on the Father, don’t be shy about asking how to do it. If a person is truly depending on God, His nature is flowing to and through him. Since God’s nature is, basically, to give, anyone depending on Him will be willing to mentor and instruct on how to enjoy the freedom that comes with this relationship.

Another way to test true character, especially of those in public positions of religious authority, is to check with those closest to them. Do their family, friends and co-workers feel unconditionally accepted? Loved? Valued by that person? The successfully dependent Christian will be freely giving of him or herself to those around them, according to spirit, and allow them the freedom to be who and where God has them at any given moment. (This does not mean all behavior is accepted.)

Remember though that we only truly live the Christian life as we depend on God. It is only Spirit character, flowing to and through that person’s spirit, teaching that individual on a moment by moment basis, that is to be emulated. Remembering this keeps us from putting others on a pedestal, and frees them to make mistakes as well.

[Leadership] Up and At ‘Em

There is a time for planning and a time for action. Your plans and strategies will never be perfect, never be complete. Don’t wait until you have everything in perfect order. You will find you will be able to complete any area of preparation quickly as you take action.

Let others in on your plans. As a Leader they will learn from your example as well as from your wisdom.

Ask the Lord for the okay, then —

Get Started!

[Leadership] Taking Charge

As a spirit being you will have to learn to rule and reign over both the supernatural and natural realms and the beings who abide there. Look at each day’s events as an opportunity to command God’s spiritual reality to appear in all realms.

Whatever hardship or challenge you are facing, there is already an answer available. Your job is to command it into being.

For instance, many are facing layoffs and job loss with the financial strain that comes with it. See this as an opportunity for the Lord to prosper you by stirring up desires and ideas that will financially support you and your family independent of other resources (of course, without incurring debt). Do the work in the natural and supernatural realms; spend 20 hours a week on your financial goals (desires, innovations), at least 40 hours a week on meeting your current financial needs.

I know, I know, that’s 60 hours a week. A lot of time, yes, but this may be your greatest opportunity to impact your future. Take advantage of it forcefully.

Ask God how you should be spending your time.

Dream Big!

[Leadership] Judging Judgment

Part of learning to Rule and Reign is developing the skill of evaluating others’ judgment. Often this just takes a little time and practice — observe your boss, your spouse, your kids, your friends. What CHARACTER traits are they exhibiting? List at least 5 positive traits for each negative trait you notice. [For now leave yourself out of it.]

This exercise will help you develop objectivity, the first step in developing the skill of sound judgment.

Helpful? Hard to do? Leave a comment.

[Leadership] Praying for More

Amidst the confusion of today’s economy, political upheaval and personal uncertainty, many Christians look for a tried and true formula to find their way with as little disruption as possible. We look for “at least”s — “At least we’re praying for God’s will to be done” — “At least we’re praying for our leaders” — “At least we know we’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing” — “at least we’re all in the same boat — God won’t let us ALL sink”…

But what if God has More for us now than the Least? To discover More, we will have to leave the formulas and the Leasts behind. More is hearing God specifically and directly, and with certainty, even when More doesn’t line up with what we think, feel or want to do, regardless of the times and seasons we live in…Dare we wait expectantly for More, and climb out of the boat?

______________________________________

Daddy, we know that in our spirit we know all things, past, present and future, and we know and celebrate what each day holds. We know that we are in full agreement, cooperation and confidence in our plans. So Daddy, if there is anything in the soulical or natural realms that we need to be working on, that we may be distracted from by the BIG stuff that’s happening, do whatever is necessary to draw our attention to our true present task so that we may make the most of this great opportunity. We thank you in advance, and we love you.

…Thanks, Your Beloved.

[Leadership] Knowing Your Name

What is your name? When the Lord calls you, what does He call? Embrace what He says is true about you. Recognize and be thankful for those characteristics that He has placed in you and is bringing forth in due time.

“Brave Heart.”

“Patient Listener.”

“Compassionate Giver.”

“Faithful Lover.”

“Beloved”

[Leadership] Authority

It takes practice to exercise authority confidently. Look for opportunities to d-e-l-i-b-e-r-a-t-e-l-y make decisions and provide direction. Notice your thinking, feeling, and deciding — are you depending on God? Or “doing” it your self?

God is practical and will teach you how to rule and reign — now.

[Leadership] Out in Front

We have to change our idea of Leadership from being primarily related to having followers, in ministry of some kind, to primarily related to setting an example. We embrace the knowledge that we are going first — trailblazer, pilgrim, mistake-maker and risk-taker. Though we may never see who comes behind, we leave a clear trail for others to follow, knowing some, or one, will, one day, follow.

We are all leaders because we are all of His Spirit. Be deliberate in leaving a trail, in setting an example for others to follow. As you depend on God, He will make His way clear.

[Leadership] Choose Wisely

There will be many times that, even depending on God for wisdom and guidance, there will be no perfect solution or choice. These are the times of testing, not in making the choice or decision, but in standing by your decision. Know that the outcome is what it is, and will not always be ideal. Your confidence to stand quietly by your decisions will come from dependence on God and having developed, tested and tried your own judgment.

Be still and choose.