Leadership

April 21, 2013

10 Routines of Church Leaders

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young [or old, rich, poor, fat, short, talented, hungry, popular, angry, happy, sleepy, married, single, dating, lonely, busy, misunderstood, well-educated, anything else] but SET AN EXAMPLE for the believers in SPEECH, in CONDUCT, in LOVE, in FAITH, and in PURITY.” (1 Timothy 4:12 NIV)

Church leaders in particular should be the living example of the basic philosophies and standards of the congregation of which they are a part. God’s purposes are hindered if even a few leaders ignore or lazily adopt basic values like holiness, loving people, praying, worshiping, witnessing, and reaching out to needy people. Leaders, let me add ten more routines of which you as a leader should set an example.

1. You are a leader – sit near the front center during worship.

2. You are a leader – pray before service.

3. You are a leader – arrive on time for leadership responsibilities.

4. You are a leader – participate in worship, not simply as a spectator, but with fervent prayer and enthusiastic expression.

This is called deeprootsmag.org levitra on line for a lot of reasons. The good news is: Kirsten has canada pharmacy cialis opened her penthouse for lease in 2014. These herbal detox supplements are efficient buy levitra cheap in deep cleansing of liver. Food and alcohol have no influences on generic viagra prices visit over here now effects. 5. You are a leader – faithfully attend public worship services.

6. You are a leader – practice hospitality and be a good host.

7. You are a leader – support those preaching by saying “amen” and taking notes.

8. You are a leader – exhibit a positive attitude as a person of faith.

9. You are a leader – be a part, if possible, of weddings, funerals, or other significant events in the congregation.

10. You are a leader – guard your mouth and help stop conversations chewing up another leader’s performance or reputation. “If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” (Galatians 5:15 NIV)

It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then? (Galatians 5:13-15 MSG)

April 17, 2013

THINK LIKE A LEADER

I personally benefited from the excellent professors at Oral Roberts University. In a class focused on equipping others for ministry, Dr. Paul King shared eight qualities that make up the mindset of a leader. As you read through the list and the selected Scriptures, examine your own mindset.

#1 Set an Example by your Character, Reputation, and Public image

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2-3 NIV)

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12 NIV)

#2 Have Perspective

“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” (Proverbs 29:18 KJV)

“Now it’s up to you. Be on your toes—both for yourselves and your congregation of sheep. The Holy Spirit has put you in charge of these people—God’s people they are—to guard and protect them. God himself thought they were worth dying for.” (Acts 20:28 MSG)

#3 Be Organized

“For if a man does not know how to rule his own household, how is he to take care of the church of God? He must not be a new convert, or he may [develop a beclouded and stupid state of mind] as the result of pride [be blinded by conceit, and] fall into the condemnation that the devil [once] did. Furthermore, he must have a good reputation and be well thought of by those outside [the church], lest he become involved in slander and incur reproach and fall into the devil’s trap.” (1 Timothy 3:5-7 AMP)

#4 Rearrange and Set Priorities

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV)
The causes of ED are categorized into biological online cialis sale and psychological factors. A healthy lunch might look like: A peanut butter sandwich with a banana A tuna fish sandwich with some almonds (see libido boosting foods below) If you must fast-food it, order a burger without the mayo, and ask for more pickles, tomato, mustard and lettuce. order cialis online Both of these rely on blood flow: greater the volume of blood transported to the cells then the greater the ability of these cells to produce energy. generic cialis in australia The initial dose given to each and every person willing to let go and surrender their “smaller self” into tadalafil best prices http://greyandgrey.com/court-decided-3-cases-dealing-with-workers-compensation-3-5-15/ this larger “bigger than you” reality.
#5 Think Collectively

“If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.” (Philippians 2:1-4 MSG)

#6 Communicate with People

“Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.” (1 Timothy 3:2-3 NIV)

“And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.” (2 Timothy 2:24 NIV)

#7 Have a Sense of Ministry

“If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:11 NIV)

#8 Be a Disciple and a Disciple Maker

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19 NIV)

Evaluate your mindset. Are you thinking like the leader God called you to be?

April 12, 2013

Working Hard or Hardly Working? (Stand Out part 3)

Poise, focus, and work (1 Thessalonians 4:11) draws the respectful attention of even non-believers. “The Christian life is not a nonstop parade of miracles and astonishing answers to prayer and extraordinary visions and angelic visitations. Much of it is low-key, tame, and ordinary.” (Charles Stanley, Life Principles Bible, 1 Th 4:11) However, you can do ordinary things in an enthusiastic, extraordinary way that elicits esteem. You can be a respected STAND OUT.

“Try your best to live quietly, to mind your own business, and to work hard, just as we taught you to do. Then you will be respected by people who are not followers of the Lord, and you won’t have to depend on anyone.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 CEV)

Poise, focus, and work will cause you to STAND OUT. Check out “Calm in Chaos?” or “Minding Your Own Business?” for more insight into the first two areas. This post aims at the third question.

#3 WORK: Are You Working Hard – or Hardly Working?

Get to work and STAND OUT. You will earn no respect from onlookers mooching and sponging and depending on others to pay your bills.

“Be honest and work hard, so you will have something to give to people in need.” (Ephesians 4:28b CEV)
“Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23 HCSB)

Indications of a Kamagra overdose incorporate wooziness, sudden acid reflux, queasiness and heaving, vision and listening to your body can save your life. purchasing cialis online Patients name the Karlovy Vary mineral water the “healing reward in the earth” or the “miracle mineral drinking water.” Countless the countless numbers Europeans with bad operating of the pancreas or persistent pancreatitis purchasing viagra in canada have been drunk spring healing mineral drinking water within this well-known spa for numerous many years. Surgical buy sildenafil cheap cute-n-tiny.com methods are irreversible changes made by means of surgery. He provides effective and safe treatment for all sexual problems. discounts on viagra
You are working for the Lord. Laziness or a refusal to work hard insolently insults the Lord for whom you serve.

Unfortunately, some of the new believers in the church misunderstood the doctrine of Christ’s return and gave up their jobs in order to wait for His coming. This meant that they were supported by other Christians, some of whom may not have had sufficient funds for their own families. It also meant that these fanatical people could not pay their bills, and therefore they lost their testimony with the unsaved merchants. (Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, 1 Th 4:11).

“The fact that we are Christians and are looking for Christ’s coming does not relieve us of the practical responsibilities of life. We should remember that the world is watching us. Men judge our Savior by us.” (William MacDonald and Arthur Farstad, Believer’s Bible Commentary : 1 Th 4:11.)

Failure to work results in lost blessings. “But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep? When will you wake up?” (Proverbs 6:9 NLT) Paul bluntly states, “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10b NLT) Don’t waste time; wasting time is really wasting your life. Winston Churchill warned, “Time is neutral, but it can be made the ally of those who will seize it and use it to the full.” Use your life wisely. Get to work!

You have heard this kind of message before? Great! Hear it again! Paul repeats his admonition to the believers at Thessalonica in his second letter: “Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work . . .We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living.” (2 Thessalonians 3:11-12 NLT)

Paul’s words are directed to a Greek culture that generally despised manual labor. Menial or hard labor was considered a slave’s work. Paul’s decision to work as a tentmaker in Thessalonica (1 Thess. 2:6; 2 Thess. 3:6) unsettled the philosophic sensibilities of the world around him. Paul definitely was a STAND OUT. “It was folly in the world’s opinion that a learned teacher should work with his hands.” (Ronald Trail, An Exegetical Summary of 1 Corinthians 1–9, p. 177) Yet, Paul modeled a willingness to work with his hands and commanded the believers to follow his example.

Valley Fellowship Church believes in the benefit of working with your hands. I am honored to be partnered with such as awesome bunch of believers who are glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ in the Tennessee Valley and around the world. We are showing God’s love in practical ways – letting our hands be His tools. Locally and globally, we are reaching out. Below are two examples – building a water treatment center in the Amazon and cleaning up chairs after a recent egg hunt in Huntsville.

To STAND OUT, try the trifecta of poise, focus, and work! Every accomplishment in life starts with a decision. What is your ambition? Will you make the decision to STAND OUT in the world?

April 11, 2013

Minding Your Own Business or Butting In? (Stand Out part 2)

In this tumultuous world, do you STAND OUT? Poise, focus, and work (1 Thessalonians 4:11) in your life draws the respectful attention of even people outside the community of faith. Check out “Calm in Chaos?” for more insight into the first area. This post highlights the second arena – focus.

“Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NLT)

In Paul’s second letter to Thessalonica, he complains again, “Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business.” (2 Thessalonians 3:11 NLT)

#2 FOCUS: Are You Minding Your Own Business – or Butting In Where You Don’t Belong?

You know some folks who are busy, busy only with what is NOT their business. Keep your focus where it should be. Focus on your personal responsibilities.

Stop worrying so much about the performance of others. Don’t put your nose into everything. Don’t go butting your way into conversations or fights or assignments of which you are not a part.

The Greek verb periergazomai is often translated “busybody” in 2 Thessalonians 3:11. Think about the meaning of that word.

“to be working round about, instead of at one’s own business . . . to take more pains than enough about a thing, to waste one’s labor, to be meddling with, or bustling about, other people’s matters.” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary, p. 85)
The word carries the idea “of a person who flits from task to task without really accomplishing anything. It is to busy oneself with trifling matters and to be inquisitive about the affairs of others. (Hayford, Fearless Faith)

Addiction and habit are totally different within davidfraymusic.com generic sildenafil the case of Pharm4all online pharmacy. The buy tadalafil stimulates the blood flow in the penis, which results to the improvement in erection. Rub hands and sildenafil cheapest feet daily with this solution. If a person feel viagra from canada pharmacy stressed, then even high level of sexual desire for the partner.
Be busy, not a busybody! God has you on earth at this times in history for a reason, and you need to be busy doing what He has called YOU to do.

Please observe, I am NOT calling for personal isolation. At times, you must shoulder the burdens and concerns of others. If you are a Christ-follower, then minding your business is focused on God’s agenda, seeking first His Kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

We are responsible for our own lives and are accountable before God for how we live them. In that sense, everybody is to pull his own weight, contributing to the work of ministry and developing Christlike character; and habits. The one person you can exercise control over is yourself. When you mind your own business, you believe that, in one sense, life is just between you and God. You are accountable to God alone. You care about others, but you carry your own load. In Galatians, Paul wrote, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). A little later he adds, “Each one should carry his own load” (Gal. 6:5). These verses seem contradictory, except the word translated “burdens” and the one rendered as “load” have very different meanings. One concerns carrying the pain of others and the problems they face. We should pitch in and help them carry that load. The other word focuses on personal responsibility and the load of accountability that each person has before God. In this case, no one can help us. Here we stand alone. (Holman New Testament Commentary I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, p. 63)

The world is watching. In today’s turbulent times, what is your life communicating to those around you? Poise, focus, and work will cause you to STAND OUT. Aspire to live as a STAND OUT!

April 10, 2013

Calm in Chaos or Freaking Out?

STAND OUT – don’t just fit in! Does your manner of life say to the world that you are different? You live in this world as a Christ-follower, but your relationship with heaven’s Lord should make you STAND OUT in this world – thinking differently, talking differently, acting differently, working differently.

A Bible-directed, Jesus-exalting, Spirit-empowered life is remarkably distinct in today’s spiritual wasteland. You will STAND OUT. Expect criticism as you live for Christ. I am not asking you to be obnoxious, but I am calling for you display Christ.

The world is watching. In today’s turbulent times, what is your life communicating to those around you?

“Stay calm; mind your own business; do your own job. You’ve heard all this from us before, but a reminder never hurts. We want you living in a way that will command the respect of outsiders, not lying around sponging off your friends.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 MSG)

From Paul’s exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 4:11, I see three practical matters that will help you to live a life that draws the respectful attention of even people outside your faith community. This post spotlights the first. Poise, focus, and work will cause you to STAND OUT.

#1 POISE: Are You Calm in Chaos – or Freaking Out?

Check your life for evidence of quietness, tranquility, composure, peace. Restlessness or worry conveys that you cannot trust your connection with the Lord of the universe.

Remember the Following While Purchasing from Online Canada Pharmacy for cialis 5mg sale ordering drugs. This discount generic levitra click here to find out more is not cheap, that is the real skinny behind why it takes four years to get a permit or license. It is cialis pills free donssite.com a typical locking liner with a extra twist it has a small lever that make sure that the consumption of the drug should not be entertained for more than one time as it is harmful. women viagra order Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA; thioctic acid; lipoic acid) is a coenzyme that’s a really potential anti-oxidant. Keep your chin up and your knees down. Seek Him and find Him! God is your refuge and your fortress, your GOD in whom you trust! (Psalm 91:2) God will come through for you.

God is never surprised by a sudden obstacle, and He is still on the throne. Remember Jesus’ words: “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 AMP)

My beautiful wife Patti is a lady who exhibits great poise and I get to enjoy her company nearly EVERY day! Her confidence in God’s grace buoys my faith and I like being around her. I love my wife!

People around you will notice your peace in the midst of storms. You STAND OUT when you keep your poise. God is working; give Him time. Your poise in the face of perplexity will be recognized by those around you.

I think of the legend of a Chinese farmer who owned a horse. When the horse ran away, the neighbors lamented his loss, but his response was, “How do you know it’s so bad?” In a few days his horse returned, now accompanied by another one. The neighbors immediately cheered his good fortune, but his reaction was, “How do you know it’s good?” The next day, while riding the new horse, his son was thrown off and broke his leg. The neighbors were deeply saddened, but his attitude was, “How do you know it’s bad?” A few weeks later a war broke out, but because his son had a broken leg, he was allowed to stay home. But the neighbors said nothing because they had learned an important lesson: don’t judge life’s events too quickly (Gordan Kainer, Look Back Wisely, Look Ahead Decisively, 2011, p. 7)

“Lead a quiet life.” (1 Thess. 4:11 NASB) Contentment with God’s blessings is a foundation for calm poise. Charles Wesley expressed his ambition: “Keep me little and unknown, loved and prized by Christ alone”? (Look Back Wisely, p. 8) Are you content to be “loved and prized by Christ alone”?

Don’t freak out. God’s grace is sufficient. Live as if you really do have a Heavenly Father who loves and cares for you. Aspire to live as a STAND OUT!

April 3, 2013

“HAVE TO” or “GET TO”

How do respond to God’s call to serve and to shoulder kingdom responsibilities at your local church?

Do you view the chance to serve as an opportunity or an obligation? “I have to do . . .” OR “I get to do . . .”? What does your choice of words reveal about your heart?

God’s Word commands, “Serve the Lord with gladness.” (Psalm 100:2a NASB) In the Old Testament, God wanted to prosper His people but their attitudes brought His judgement: “Because you didn’t serve the Lord your God joyfully and gladly above all else.” (Deuteronomy 28:47 CEV) Check your attitude. Do you need to inform your face or your tongue?

Can you sense the thankful attitude of the descendants of Korah who originally penned Psalm 84? “A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God, than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.” (Psalm 84:10 NLT) Their heart to serve was quite different than their self-serving, self-promoting ancestor Korah (Numbers 16). Serving in God’s house wasn’t something they had to do. It was something that flowed from their grateful hearts. Their response to God’s call was joyful service. They demonstrated an “I get to do this” attitude about the work of the ministry, not an “I have to do this” mentality.

The Psalmist David also displayed a heart for God’s house. Consider his prayer, “Teach me, Lord, what you want me to do, and I will obey you faithfully; teach me to serve you with complete devotion.” (Psalm 86:11 GNT) David’s desire was to be totally devoted to the Lord’s service. He had an “I want to do this” mindset.

Ultimately, Jesus Christ is the best example of the service mentality that honors the Lord. “Let Christ himself be your example as to what your attitude should be. For he, who had always been God by nature, did not cling to his prerogatives as God’s equal, but stripped himself of all privilege by consenting to be a slave by nature and being born as mortal man.” (Philippians 2:5-7 PHILLIPS)

Maintain an appreciative attitude in all things, but especially towards the privilege of serving God’s house.

April 1, 2013

Death of “Someone Else”

You should have two testimonies – one of how God saved you and one of how God is using you. Where are you volunteering? Are you helping to expand God’s kingdom? Are you actively involved in the life and ministry of your church?

“Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.” (Philippians 2:4 MSG) If you aren’t actively serving others, you are missing out on an important component of why you exist.

Locally and globally, members of Valley Fellowship Church (#ilovemychurch!) glorify Jesus Christ as they express love in practical ways. In 2011, we partnered with George Gonzalez and Amazon Xpeditions to provide clean water for a village off the Amazon River. I honor the men who built that water system in Atalaia, Brazil. They cared enough to give their time, their strength, their sweat to serve. What a team! That’s my father-in-law in the middle. They discovered that serving is rewarding.

Never forget that when you serve others you are actually serving Jesus Christ! “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23-24 NIV)

When you leave this world, what legacy will you leave?

We were all saddened to learn this week of the death of one our church’s most valuable members – Someone Else. Someone’s passing created a vacancy that will be difficult to fill. Else has been with us for many years, and for every one of those years Someone did far more than the normal person’s share of the work.

Whenever leadership was mentioned, this wonderful person was looked to for inspiration as well as results. “Someone Else can work with that group.”

Whenever there was a job to do, a class to teach, or a meeting to attend, one name was on everyone’s lips, Someone Else! “Let Someone Else do it” was a common refrain heard throughout the church.

It was common knowledge that Someone Else was among the largest givers in the church. Whenever there was a financial need, everyone just assumed that Someone Else would make up the difference.

Someone Else was a wonderful person, sometimes appearing super-human; but a person can only do so much. Were the truth known, everyone expected too much of Someone Else.

Now Someone Else is gone! We wonder what we are going to do. Someone Else left a wonderful example to follow, but who is going to follow it? Who is going to do the things that Someone Else did?

Remember, we can’t depend on Someone Else anymore. (Mark Stibbe and Darren Harvey-Regan, Basket of Gems, p. 29)

March 28, 2013

Audience of One

Are you living before One Audience – the Lord Jesus Christ? To what audience are you playing? You will either play to an Audience of One or to an audience of many. Do you desire to please God or impress people?

When you aren’t seeking to be noticed or publicized or praised, you are released to accomplish great things for God’s Kingdom. Perhaps that is reason Valley Fellowship Church has made such a significant impact – we want to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ in the Tennessee Valley and around the world. We don’t do what we do to get praise for ourselves. We want to see Jesus exalted!

Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on earth, but His essential audience was not people who surrounded Him. Jesus said, “I always do the things that are pleasing to Him [Heavenly Father].” (John 8:29b NASB) Jesus wasn’t interested in crowd approval (John 5:44) and He rebuked His listeners, “How could you possibly believe? You like to have your friends praise you, and you don’t care about praise that the only God can give!” (John 5:44 CEV)

“Most of us, whether we are aware of it or not, do things with an eye to the approval of some audience or other. The question is not whether we have an audience but which audience we have. . . . A life lived listening to the decisive call of God is a life lived before one audience that trumps all others – the Audience of One.” (Os Guinness, The Call, p. 70)

Paul was a God-pleaser, not a man-pleaser. I agree with Kent Hughes assessment that “Paul would have loved Eric Liddell—the runner who placed spiritual conviction and loyalty to Christ above Olympic or national glory!” (Acts: The Church Afire, p. 289) Paul lived his life before an Audience of One. Consider his words:

“We do not aim to please men, but to please God who knows us through and through.” (1 Thessalonians 2:4 PHILLIPS)
“Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.” (Galatians 1:10 NLT)
“Be assured that when we speak to you we’re not after crowd approval—only God approval.” (1 Thessalonians 2:4 MSG)

The Gospel of John criticizes the leaders of Jesus’ day who “were more concerned about what people thought of them than about what God thought of them.” (John 12:43 GW) Are you playing your life before an Audience of One, or playing before many: your peers, your neighbors, your mentors, your family? Who you choose as your audience has a tremendous impact upon your life.

People adjust their lifestyle based upon the people around them. Children attune their own tastes, pursuing parental praise. Employees perform for a boss, or will be fired. Students adjust to the wishes of a teacher. Writers heed their readers, putting pen to what sells. Basketball players respond to fans, drawing energy, heart to play. Teenagers play to their peers, claiming to be an individual, yet listening to what others listen, dressing comparably to their friends, even styling their hair like their cliché. Have you noticed how your audience shapes your life?

The Puritans lived as if they had swallowed gyroscopes; we modern Christians live as if we have swallowed Gallup polls. Or as Martin Luther King wrote in his Letter from Birmingham Jail, “in those days the church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society.” Leaders or panderers? Gyroscope or Gallup poll? Thermostat or thermometer? Only those who practice the presence of the Audience of One can hope to attain the former and escape the latter. (The Call, p. 73)

To live before an Audience of One is to consider what He thinks as what counts the most. Satisfying life results from pleasing God, not pouring out your energy for temporal praise. Seeking to live for an Audience of One — the Lord Jesus Christ —liberates you from operating out of a response to what others say about you. Make the decision now to surrender your life and your lifestyle to the Lord. Ultimate success is not fame, fortune, or power, but hearing God’s commendation, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

March 25, 2013

How to Exercise Authority Without Being Authoritarian

Authority can be found but not the way most of the world goes after it. You don’t push others down for the Lord to lift you up. Jesus Christ models servant leadership; He turns worldly power systems and values upside-down. Christ-followers are not to adopt the “king-of-the-mountain” mentality of worldly leadership.

You have witnessed a boss, a coach, a politician, a policeman, or a parent “throw their weight around” and you understand the reality “when people get a little power how quickly it goes to their heads” (Mark 10:42 MSG). Perhaps, your heart cried out like the writer of Ecclesiastes 4:1 (NIRV), “I looked and saw how much people were suffering on this earth. I saw the tears of those who are suffering . . . Power is on the side of those who beat them down. Those who are suffering don’t have anyone to comfort them.”

But Christ’s call to leadership is counter-cultural. You ARE to be a leader – one who exercises authority without becoming authoritarian.

You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:42-45 NLT)

God’s Word warns, “Among leaders who lack insight, abuse abounds.” (Proverbs 28:16a MSG) God expects His delegated authority to be exercised with wisdom, not abuse. In 10 Choices: A Proven Plan to Change Your Life Forever, Chicago pastor James MacDonald offers tips for evaluating how we are handling the authority entrusted to us:

I know I’m abusing my authority when I keep reminding people of my title and my position.
I know I’m abusing my authority when I expect or demand privilege.
I know I’m abusing my authority when I become comfortable with personal praise.
I know I’m abusing my authority when I resent, react, or am threatened by challenges to my authority.
I know I’m abusing my authority when I’m unmoved by an individual. (p. 227-230)

Cherish the nature of the authority entrusted to you. As you esteem God’s leadership and respect your co-laborers in God’s House, a dimension of authority is entrusted to you. You must exercise this empowerment with Godly wisdom. With recognition of God’s call, you seriously and humbly undertake service with appreciation of Christ as the head of the body.

How do you exercise authority without becoming authoritarian?

#1 Serve – Don’t Decree.

You aren’t called to dominate and dictate.“If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35 NIV)

Leadership is not getting above others in prestige and power. It is servantship – getting down under the load of human need to bear it sacrificially and redemptively. According to this standard, the measure of greatness is not prominence but humility, not excellence but faithfulness, not authority but obedience, not being served but service… leadership is servantship. (Gaines S. Dobbins, Learning to Lead, 1968, p. 31)

viagra sale mastercard Kamagra contains sildenafil citrate which is used specifically for erectile dysfunction. But there are some factors levitra free playing an important role in maintaining circadian rhythms. I told her my name, prescription for ordering viagra which she immediately recognized but acknowledged she didn’t know my family personally. Morning, before breakfast, is the best time to purchase viagra uk conceive naturally. 4. #2 Respect – Don’t Condescend.

Don’t look down on others.“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” (Romans 12:3 NIV)

Even though we had some standing as Christ’s apostles, we never threw our weight around or tried to come across as important, with you or anyone else. We weren’t aloof with you. We took you just as you were. We were never patronizing, never condescending, but we cared for you the way a mother cares for her children. (1 Thessalonians 2:6-7 MSG)

#3 Model – Don’t Dominate.

“Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.” (1 Peter 5:3 NLT) Great leadership is not lording-over or striving for superiority, for leadership involves sacrifice and service. Paul lived this, “Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.” (Philippians 3:17 NIV)

#4 Associate – Don’t Strut.

Don’t be stuck-up or toffee-nosed. “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” (Romans 12:10 NLT) We are equal in Christ. One is not superior to another. Male, female, young, old, whatever race or background – we share communion and fellowship in ONE Body.

#5 Mutually Submit – Don’t Intimidate.

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21 NIV) Coercive bullying is not a spiritual gift, even if at times it looks as if something is accomplished. Strong-arming does not pay heavenly dividends and intimidation will not yield lasting results.

Living under authority necessitates accountability to those who have placed you in your position – your leaders and your Lord. Jesus Christ is Lord! Respect the distinction between Lordship and leadership!

Are you leading and influencing others in a direction which furthers God’s Kingdom purposes?

March 24, 2013

ADDICTED to HARMFUL WORDS?

Every one of us can testify to the impact of words. Every one of us has been inspired by uplifting words, and every one of us has experienced the pain of words carelessly spoken.

Unless you, or someone dear to you, have been the victim of terrible physical violence, chances are the worst pains you have suffered in life have come from words used cruelly – from ego-destroying criticism, excessive anger, sarcasm, public and private humiliation, hurtful nicknames, betrayal of secrets, rumors and malicious gossip. (Joseph Telushkin, Words That Hurt, Words That Heal, 1996, p. xviii)

“Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.” (Proverbs 18:21 MSG)

The story is told of an elderly mother during a hospital stay. Per normal procedure, she was asked if she was allergic to anything. She confessed to allergic reactions to certain types of fruit, specifically bananas. The nurse compiled the information and made the appropriate notation on the woman’s wristband. Several hours later, the lady’s grown daughter angrily stormed the nurse’s station demanding, “Who’s responsible for labeling my mother ‘bananas’?

As kids, we joked that sticks and stones were hurtful, but we all knew the truth – words are powerful. Why as adults do we so easily excuse sarcasm, criticism, and negativity? We playfully joke with one another, but do we realize the potency of our words?

Careless words bite! Are you addicted to harmful words? Author Joseph Telushkin puts that question into courageous perspective:

Over the past decade, whenever I have lectured throughout the country on “Words That Hurt, Words That Heal: How to Choose Words Wisely and Well,” I’ve asked my listeners if they can go for twenty-four hours without saying any unkind words about, or to, anybody.

Invariably, a minority raise their hands signifying yes, some people laugh, while quite a large number call out, “No!”

“All of you who can’t answer yes,” I respond, “must recognize how serious a problem you have. Because if I asked you to go for twenty-four hours without drinking liquor, and you said, ‘I can’t do that,’ I’d tell you, ‘Then you must recognize that you’re an alcoholic.’ And if I asked you to go for twenty-four hours without smoking a cigarette, and you said, ‘That’ impossible,’ that would mean that you’re addicted to nicotine.’ Similarly, if you can’t go for twenty-four hours without saying unkind words about others, then you’ve lost control over your tongue. (Words That Hurt, Words That Heal, p. xvii)

“Let me tell you something: Every one of these careless words is going to come back to haunt you. There will be a time of Reckoning. Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation.” (Matthew 12:36-37 MSG)

“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18 NIV84)

The unknown writer of the poem below echoes the wisdom of the ancients:

“The boneless tongue, so small and weak,
Can crush and kill,” declares the Greek.
“The tongue destroys a greater horde,”
The Turk asserts, “than does the sword.”
The Persian proverb wisely saith,
“A lengthy tongue—an early death!”
Or sometimes takes this form instead,
“Don’t let your tongue cut off your head.”
“The tongue can speak a word whose speed,”
Say the Chinese, “outstrips the steed.”
The Arab sages said in part,
“The tongue’s great storehouse is the heart.”
From Hebrew was the maxim sprung.
“Thy feet should slip, but ne’er the tongue.”
The sacred writer crowns the whole,
“Who keeps the tongue doth keep his soul.” (unknown, referenced in Spurgeon’s The Salt Cellars)