Monday, September 15, 2014

Leadership: A Challenge to Grow

Man, woman, or child all have the potential to continue to grow as leaders!
There are many called to leadership. It is apparent at times to see some kind of leadership in young children and how they will tell other children what to do and when to do it. But the leadership I write about is that which influences others. You may tell me that you are the President of the Women's Committee for such and such........and that means nothing to me. I will be more influenced by what problem you have solved for that committee or what you have accomplished to lead others by your influence.

A leader is faithful to what they have been given. A leader always looks out for the team!
Leadership always involves us being problem solvers.
Thinking of it as our assignment, we are called to solve someone else's problem.

As a leader for prayer meetings, I spend time searching scriptures, reading & studying, and praying for the Lord's plan for each meeting. My hours vary daily on the amount of time I spend, but I rarely go a day without searching the scriptures for something the Lord has given me in my thought process.
As I do, I prepare in praying over the Prayer Meeting and those attending. I pray and expect women to go away with a nugget from God's truth and to be encouraged to pray in their homes, on the job, in the car or in the quiet time with the Lord!
Like Jesus, our days can be very busy. He was teaching, traveling and also preaching. He had time to mentor those who wanted to learn. Jesus always went to the quiet place to spend time with His Father. Jesus, I believe, came away from that prayer time, being refreshed and rejuvenated. Jesus showed a diligence to continue to seek the Father for His plan and purpose for His life.

Leaders are those who walk in integrity. Jesus always spoke and did what He saw His Father speak and do. Those who truly desire your success will always deal with you in truth. If anyone does lie to you, understand that it may take weeks, months or years, but it will surface. We are told in Proverbs 28:13....that "he that covereth his sins shall not prosper."

Communication is always key to being a good leader. A leader will always reach out to others. Many times people stop trying to connect with others just because they have the fear of rejection. But our dream is greater than any rejection. When finding that fear thing appearing, it is time to find that one person who desires to grow. In our communicating with others, we should be looking for those who go beyond their own skill, talent and ask questions about why you do what you do!
Today, make a plan to communicate with others. Send them a note, or write an email and give them an encouragement. Make a plan to touch someone's life and make a difference. We may not know they are going through something, but it may be just the word, or scripture they need to make it through the day and actually see the Lord in you.

When thinking of a Leader, I always think of champions. When you think of world champion boxers, they spend much time with the opponent within a confined area. My dad loved boxing and when I was a child, we watched it every Saturday night. Wow, that takes me back! It was not till the Rocky movies came out that I saw the real life fights and battles of a boxer. Although this was a movie, I could see how the two things had to work together. One thing I saw was the discipline to exercise, and have the morning workouts plus hours of running. Ready to sign up for that program? A boxer has much to prepare for not only training his body, but to face the opponent. The boxer could not hurry his program. It was a step-by-step plan to get to participate in the championship event!
When our daughter and son-in-law were expecting their first baby a few years ago, our son-in-law called our daughter "the champion" and sometimes just "champ"! I really thought that was awesome and although some may think it unusual, I think how appropriate it was at the time. Our daughter was preparing herself for the birth of a baby. She prepared in excellence in eating the right foods, and exercise. She got her rest and she traveled less often to prepare for the birth. She showed passion and desire to see that this baby got the right start in life. She got the Bible on CD and such other teachings, so the baby could hear the Word of God. Even today, I think our grand-daughter knows God to sound a lot like Johnny Cash. Our daughter planned with passion that empowered her to go the distance. At birth time, and a C-section ordered, our daughter had no birth pains, although her body was registering birth pangs on the Dr.'s equipment, she felt no pain! Our daughter put out the honest effort to trust God and His Word. As she put forth to care for her unborn child, God went ahead of her to prepare the way with no pain for her to experience. Today, our grandchild is a few years older, and loves to sing worship to the Lord. She gathers with family to pray for others. From the day of conception, she was planned on and  today, her parents teach her daily how to lead!  She still hears her dad call her mom "Champ".I believe she has a good start, yes a good foundation, on that leadership program. I believe she will be a problem solver.

Leaders will know their opponent. They will know when to avoid conflict and when to address a situation. In conflict, the flaws are revealed, but in dealing with others, we always look for their potential. What has God placed in them? What is God's desire for them and especially if they truly love the Lord with all their heart?
Leaders will know when to confront and when to rise above those who are critical. When Jesus was being prepared for His crucifixion, He was silent. Matthew 26:63...states "but Jesus held His peace." Like Jesus, we would do well to refuse the critics.

Like Jesus, we as leaders are to teach others. Activate the gift in you and use it for the kingdom of God. It  is important that you mentor someone today. Teach your children, and find those who stand out in the crowd, who love the Lord, and would excel in the excellence of the Lord. Mentor and instruct a teenager, a friend, or an employee. Jesus was the Master Teacher! He needed NO microphone, but He taught. He motivated them to come out, He gave them instruction in relationships and how to lead others.
Spend time today and find those you can nurture in their vision. We can all grow and mature in leadership.
I was inspired by my son-in-law when he spoke the words of "champion" and I speak them to you today.
I call you out to mentor those God has placed around you.
Who are you encouraging and teaching today?
What are you doing to prepare someone to succeed?
Just like the lamp needs to be plugged in to the light the living room, you need to connect. Seize the day and create that connection............that causes someone else to succeed in leadership!


You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at (http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV

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