If we are to become a leader others want to follow, it is imperative that we give careful attention to our inner selves. We must invest in the health of our souls. Gifts and abilities may open doors, but it’s character that will determine what we do once those doors have been opened.… Read the rest
It’s important to grasp that there is a big difference in what man sees and what God knows. What man sees is an image. What God sees is the man – the real you; the real self. The Bible tells us that “God looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7), and it’s precisely from the heart our mouth speaks (Luke 6:45).… Read the rest
Andy Stanley writes, “Every leader wears two badges: one visible, one invisible. The visible badge is your position and title. The invisible badge is your moral authority.” It’s who you really are. And it’s precisely the invisible that really determines everything.… Read the rest
Author Macaulay writes, “The measure of a man’s real character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.” Now there’s a thought.… Read the rest
One’s public life has everything to do with one’s private life – for it’s the expression of it. You cannot have one without the other. The end never justifies its means – it is the means. Barbara Johnson writes, “We should all live lives as though someone is writing a book about us” every moment of every day. Now think about that.… Read the rest
“The acquisition of skills is irrelevant unless the leader acquires the appropriate qualities of character” (Machiavelli). Character is a big deal. It’s that vital piece in our puzzle of impact. Paul wrote to Timothy, “Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don’t be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation” (1 Timothy 4:16).… Read the rest
Character is a non-negotiable for every leader. Without it, we have nothing. According to the pre-Socratic philosopher Heraclitus, character “is a person’s fate and destiny.” It’s the foundation of everything. It’s why R.C. Winthrop wrote, “The noblest contribution which any man can make for the benefit of posterity is that of a good character.”… Read the rest
Far too often, leaders drift. Once they get some experience under their belt and a track record of accomplishments, they often abandon the lifestyle that helped them reach the top. They chafe under the very rules they once established and/or endorsed. Sadly, leaders like these forget the number one management principle in the world: People do what people see. If they want to succeed, leaders must incarnate the life they desire in their followers.… Read the rest
The difference between a manager and a leader is that in times of trouble a manager tries to assign blame. A leader always looks for a solution.… Read the rest
I do not want to reach lost people simply because lost people matter. I want to reach lost people, because God matters. “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).… Read the rest
We are not at the center of the gospel – God is. As the prophet Ezekiel wrote, “He saves us, NOT for our sake, but for the sake of His holy Name” (Ezekiel 36:22). And the result of us getting this is, “that we would make Him – His ways, His salvation, His glory, and His greatness – known to all the nations.”… Read the rest
We can never fully enjoy the favor of others until we first become friends to some. Our outreach, our love toward others, speaks volumes about the inside work of God in our lives.… Read the rest
“We all need circles of sufficiency because we can never be sufficient enough in and of ourselves” (Dallas Willard). It’s impossible to be all that God has purposed without others in our lives.… Read the rest
At the very center of human history, over the rubble of every failed relationship, stands the towering form of a cross. It’s there to remind us that He has restored us to Himself as well as to each other. What an awesome God we have!… Read the rest
“He (God) keeps us in step with each other…so that we will grow up healthy in Him…” (Ephesians 4:15). The fact is, we grow best in community; it was part of His eternal plan. It’s impossible to grow without it.… Read the rest
“Relationally isolated people are three times more likely to die early than relationally connected people” (Robert Putnam). The power of community – it’s not only needed, but it was commanded by God that we should live in it. “It’s not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18).… Read the rest
When God is in control, we will discover that what we used to put our trust in doesn’t even compare to in Whom we now put our trust. Think about it: How can we ever fathom the things God has for us? The fact is, we can’t; but we certainly can embrace them and live them out in our lives.… Read the rest
Paul wrote, “I rely only on what Christ has done. I put no confidence in my flesh. I just want to know Him and be found in Him” (Philippians 3). Nothing can do what only God can. Put your hope in the things that matter – God.… Read the rest
“The question is not: How many people take you seriously? How much are you going to accomplish? Can you show some results? But: Are you in love with Jesus?” (Henri Nouwen)… Read the rest
What are you doing with your life that would attract the un-churched to Christ? My friends, it is our Divine right to make a difference. Therefore, we need to live like it.… Read the rest
Great companies are effective because they’ve learned to carry a large eraser. Greatness isn’t the absence of mistakes; rather, it’s your ability to never allow them to consume you or rule you. See mistakes as an opportunity to grow, not as an event to beat yourself down. A mistake is not a moment of loss; it’s a gift to leverage and learn from.… Read the rest
I’ve heard it said, “Our self-esteem is highly influenced by how we think the most important person in our life thinks about us.” Consider those who have truly impacted and influenced your life. Now, imagine the power you have in your grasp to speak the same into those you lead. That’s the power of influence.… Read the rest
Broaden your horizons by fostering your imagination. Too often, we imprison ourselves by what we’ve known. Many organizations struggle with change because ‘it’s never been done that way.’ Here’s a thought: Who said? Never lose your ability to dream. As Walt Disney once said, “Don’t just think outside the box – lose the box, and just dream.”… Read the rest
When you’re going to work, you are going to work. When you’re going to play, you are going to play. Make sure that there’s balance. When you get home at night and you keep thinking about work, you’re not being the person you need to be for those who need you.… Read the rest
One of the things of good leadership is your ability to surround yourself with people who are a lot smarter than you.… Read the rest