Reshaping Our Thinking…

The Sermon on the Mount is the greatest sermon ever preached. So many truths are found in these three short chapters we could never cover it all in one post.

A number of key words are found throughout this exposition of our Lord. However, an important thought can be seen to help us in our leadership.

One of the key words to the gospel of Matthew is the word Father. Seventeen times Jesus will use the phrase “our Father,” “your Father,” and “My Father.”

Throughout the sermon Jesus is trying to reshape the thinking of the Jews and us regarding God. He is our Father. He desires to have a close, personal relationship with us as a Father and child. Perhaps one of the most important thoughts expressed is His character: His watchful eye (all seeing), gracious care to our needs (all knowing), consistent actions (all powerful), and justice, like a Father.

We need to reshape our thinking and build our relationship with others on the solid foundation of God as our Father. This relationship will allow our Father to work through us in leading others to Him.

The Bottom Line…

It is basic. It is where we look first. It is the motive behind the action. It causes hesitation. It can be frustrating, but it all comes down to the bottom line.

What is the bottom line in our leadership?

Are our goals self-serving, or are we striving to bring about what is best eternally for the souls of others?

Do we make decisions because it is going to give us an advantage for our career and future, or because it will better equip someone else?

Is there an agenda behind our actions, or a simplistic, pure love for the betterment of God’s kingdom?

When we study various subjects, are we striving to learn the truth, or find a way to justify our position?

I wish there was an easier way to reach the bottom line, but there isn’t. Personally, I do not like answering these questions, but it must be done.

As spiritual leaders, we have to ask hard questions, examine ourselves honestly, admit mistakes, act Christ-like, and pray for God’s strength to do what is right. This is why it’s called the bottom line!

What Would You Change?

If I had it to d0 over, I would _____________. You can fill in the blank, but we have all, at one point or another, thought or said these words.

What would we change, if we had a chance to do it over?

Would we change our words? Would we change our attitude? Would we change our actions?

There are two truths about our past: we cannot live in the past and we cannot change it.

However, the way we approach the changes we wish we had made will play a significant role in our leadership.

As spiritual leaders, we must learn from the past and make the changes we need to make in the present. Upon making these changes, we can move forward.

Never excuse or justify mistakes. Instead, acknowledge a change needs to be made and make it.

It is not the past we need to change, but the future. Whatever change comes to mind, now is the time to fill it in our lives and change our course.

Timeshare Leaders…

Perhaps you have seen the ads: “For only $99, you can spend an entire week in a beautiful resort condo.” There is a catch. You must be willing to sit through a one hour presentation that somehow becomes three.

Many have been lured into the trap only to buy what they do not need with money they do not have, in hopes of what never seems to materialize.

“Timeshare” property involves purchasing an amount of designated time at a vacation area. One does not actually “own” the property, but time. The property is shared with other families.

From a leadership perspective, we need to guard our time. While the amount of time in each day is the same, we need to be careful.

Leaders have many demands on their time. It is not uncommon for leaders to share so much of their time with others, they lose sight of the time needed with family.

Some sage wisdom was shared with me years ago: “you can save the whole world, but if you lose your family, it will not be worth it.”

Do not fall into the timeshare trap as a leader.

Devoted…

Being devoted brings to mind the commitment of a marriage vow, the thought of a relationship.

This word runs deep in its application to relationships.

The Greek word translated “devoted, continually devoted, etc.” is found ten times throughout the New Testament. The primary use is found in the book of Acts. What this word means, and where it is used, is significant to our leadership.

To be devoted is to “insist on staying close to someone or something.” Think about the association with the activity of the early church insisting on staying close to God and each other. These Christians did so through a dedication to the Word, time with each other and with God, and in worship of, God.

Spiritual leadership must consider several questions.

1) Are we devoted to those who are following?
2) On what basis do we determine and develop our devotion?
3) Are we leaders because we are devoted or devoted because we are leaders?

When leadership is built on our devotion to the Lord and His people, our decisions and actions will seek to do what is right.