Creating Momentum

In "Something Beautiful," Steven Curtis Chapman sings, "And God says, 'I'm gonna turn it into something different. I'm gonna turn it into something good. I'm gonna take all the broken pieces and make something beautiful like only I could.' So put it all int he hands of the Father. Give it up; give it all over to the only One Who can turn it into something beautiful!...'When I get through, you're gonna be amazed.'"

1 Kings 3:28 says, "When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice." (NIV) Solomon displayed the wisdom he asked and received from God. His followers were amazed at this, and it probably created a stronger bond between Solomon and his people.

Your team may understand what needs to be done. However, they may not know how to do it or where to begin. As the leader, you must initiate the push forward, creating momentum. As things keep going, more and more followers may see and understand more clearly what needs to be done, and, as former Phi Theta Kappa advisor Lee Lawson would say, "jump on board."

You can play off the ideas of your teammates and followers, but with you in charge, they will more than likely look to you to make the first move. Maxwell says, "It takes a leader to create momentum." You need to be able to set the team off in the right direction and help them along the path to keep the momentum going. It takes action, and you must learn to take it when necessary and learn to recognize when the right time is to take such action.

Maxwell asks, "How do you build momentum?"

I would get followers behind my vision and move forward with their support. You can have an idea that you think is absolutely wonderful, but if you cannot communicate it to your followers or get them to back you up, your organization probably won't move forward with it. And even with the support of followers, "Strong leaders understand that to change direction, you first have to create forward progress." (Maxwell)

Pray this prayer: Father, please give me discernment to know when and how I should take action, and help me to get my team moving in a positive direction, building momentum as we go. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!

God bless you!

Fair Treatment, not Equal Treatment

MercyMe sings, "I hear a Voice and He calls me redeemed when others say I'll never be enough. And greater is the One living inside of me than he who is living in the world...There'll be days I lose the battle. Grace says that it doesn't matter, 'cause the cross already won the war. He's greater! He's greater! I am learning to run freely, understanding just how He sees me, and it makes me love Him more and more!" ("Greater") We must remember the power that lives within us when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior.

The central verses for tonight are John 21:21-22: "When Peter saw him, he asked, 'Lord, what about him?' Jesus answered, 'If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow Me.'" (NIV)

Maxwell's main message for tonight is this: Do not treat everyone on the team equally. He uses a sports metaphor to describe this concept. If a player does very well, he should be rewarded for it. In contrast, a player who performs poorly needs different treatment so as to improve his performance. Giving both individuals the same treatment would hurt the team. Either one will feel like the coach doesn't value his skills, and is also punished unreasonably; or the other will not receive the necessary training to better himself because he is being rewarded when he didn't earn it. The two must be treated fairly, and thus, differently.

The same concept applies to other teams, such as those at companies. More training is needed for those who under-perform. At the other end, proper recognition must be given to those who excel. This balance can help strengthen the team because strengths are emphasized and weaknesses are addressed and worked on.

Tonight's reflection question asks, "How do you moderate your treatment of your players?"

I recommend holding each accountable for his or her responsibilities, but not chastising one person for not doing something that he or she is not responsible for. If it is John's responsibility to send an email, and he doesn't, don't put the blame on Susie, who was not the one at fault.

We should pray this prayer for guidance: Father, please help me to keep the proper balance of my treatment of my team members and followers. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen. After all, praying to God and trusting in Him gives us access to the One who is Greater than those in the world!

God bless you!

Question, but also Trust

The band for KING & COUNTRY sings, "My help comes from You. You're right here, pulling me through. You carry my weakness, my sickness, my brokenness all on Your shoulders, Your shoulders. My help comes from You. You are my rest, my rescue. I don't have to see to believe that You're lifting me up on Your shoulders, Your shoulders." These lyrics remind us that God carries us in our times of need.

Job 3:11 and 7:19 tell say, "'Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?...Will you never look away from me, or let me alone even for an instant?" (NIV) Job questioned God. And Maxwell points out that God did not chastise him for that, but for doubting Him. Maxwell says, "God doesn't mind questions; it's doubt that He hates."

In John 20:27, Jesus said, "Stop doubting and believe." We must remember that God is in control, no matter what we go through. We need to have faith in Him and believe that He will never leave us and know that He will never forsake us, as He says in Hebrews 13:5.

When we pray, we can ask God questions. Some He may answer, some He may not. Maxwell says, "Leaders must never be afraid to ask hard questions of God, but neither must they demand that He answer." The most important thing is to maintain complete faith in Him and never doubt that He knows what He is doing. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." (NIV)

An Amish adage says, "Sometimes God calms the storm, but sometimes God lets the storm rage and calms His child." When we go through trials, we must remember what Jesus said in John 16:33: "'I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.'" (NIV) We serve the risen Lord! Furthermore, earlier in John, Jesus said, "'Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.'" (John 14:27, NIV) That sounds like more than a recommendation to me. Jesus is telling us not to be troubled or afraid. It goes back to having complete faith in Him, knowing that He will be by our side, as Tenth Avenue North sings.

Today's reflection question asks, "When do you question God?"

I have difficulty with this. I try not to question Him because I honestly feel like questioning Him shows lack of faith and trust. I need to learn the lesson in Job concerning asking questions of God. Maxwell notes, "When we, like Job, through trembling lips confess the awesome majesty of God, we may at last be ready for the awesome blessing of God." It is not bad to ask questions of God, but it is bad to doubt Him. I need to learn to separate the two.

John C. Maxwell sends out a daily email with a Word of the Day, along with a video. Today's word was Trust. I truly believe that God meant that for me.

Pray this prayer:

Father, please help me to always remember that You are with me always. Forgive me for doubting You every time I have done so. Please help me through my problems and provide for me. I know that in You I have everything I need, and I know that You will provide for me. Help me to maintain complete faith and trust in You. I know that You lift me up on Your shoulders. Thank You! In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!

God bless you!

Lead By Example

MercyMe sings, "When life won't play along and right keeps going wrong and I can't seem to find my way, I know where I am found, so I won't let it drag me down. No, I'll keep dancing anyway. I'm gonna move...I'm not about to cave. Everything is about to change. There's gonna be brighter days." ("Move") These lyrics remind us that, no matter where we go, Christ is with us; He is where we are found.

2 Chronicles 29:36 says, "Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced at what God had brought about for His people, because it was done so quickly." (NIV)

We must be willing to do what we are asking our followers to do. We can't just bark orders and then sit back while others do the work. It all comes down to one simple principle: Lead by example. Maxwell notes, "If they want to succeed, leaders must incarnate the life they desire in their followers."

Maxwell says that the top management principle is, "People do what people see." Even Jesus, God incarnate, practiced this principle. He provided for His disciples and did the things He asked them to do. He led by example. And He is with us through His Spirit, from the moment we accept His gift of salvation.

This evening's reflection question asks, "In what ways do you model a life you want others to lead?" Do you lead by example? Do you do the things you ask and expect your followers to do? Ask the Lord to help you in this matter. Father, please help me to lead by example and practice what I preach. I hold firmly to Your promise that You will never leave nor forsake me. Thank You! In Jesus' Name I pray! Amen!

God bless you!

Know Your Level of Influence

MercyMe sings the song, "Flawless," which says, "No matter the bumps, no matter the bruises, no matter the scars, still the truth is the cross has made, the cross has made you flawless. No matter the hurt, or how deep the wound is, no matter the pain, still the truth is the cross has made, the cross has made you flawless!...No matter what they say, or what you think you are, the day you called His Name He made you flawless!" If you have accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, your sins are washed away! You are white as snow, thanks to His love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and salvation!

Matthew 8:8-9 says, "The centurion replied, 'Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, "Go," and he goes; and that one, "Come," and he comes. I say to my servant, "Do this," and he does it.'" (NIV)

There may be times when you are the leader, while at other times you are a follower. Sometimes other have skillsets that make them better suited to lead in a particular situation. You must be able to discern when you should step back and follow, and let someone else lead the charge.

When it comes to recognizing a leader, a title doesn't automatically grant someone followers. The true leader is the one to whom people look when questions need answered and when they need guidance. Maxwell says, "The prominent leader of any group is quite easy to discover. Just observe the people as they gather."

On the other end of the spectrum, as leaders, we should know who our true followers are. Careful observation can show us how much of an influence we really have within our organizations. There is a leadership saying that Maxwell has quoted in some of his books: If you think you are leading but no one is following, you are only taking a walk. Are you leading, or taking a walk all alone?

Tonight's reflection question asks, "How do you see yourself as a leader to those around you?"

Right now, I haven't yet built much of an influence because I have recently moved and haven't started school yet. However, as an officer in Phi Theta Kappa at my previous school, fellow officers, members, and advisors came to me for advice and guidance. Even now, one of the advisors and sometimes a couple of officers still look to me for help.

How would you answer the reflection question? Think about it and observe your level of influence with those around you. How much of a follower base do you have? If you find yourself lacking in leading others, pray a simple prayer like this: Father, please lead me and help me to effectively and successfully lead others. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen! If you are a follower of Christ, the One who made you flawless, the Ultimate Leader, can help you in your times of need! Look to Him for guidance and trust in Him!

God bless you!

Leadership Development Takes Time

"And God says, 'I'm gonna turn it into something different. I'm gonna turn it into something good. I'm gonna take all the broken pieces and make something beautiful like only I could.' So put it all int he hands of the Father. Give it up; give it all over to the only One Who can turn it into something beautiful!...'When I get through, you're gonna be amazed!'" (Steven Curtis Chapman, "Something Beautiful")

Exodus 2:15, 21 says, "When Pharaoh heard of this, he tried to kill Moses, but Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in Midian, where he sat down by a well...Moses agreed to stay with the man, who gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage." (NIV)

It takes time to grow a great leader. Maxwell says, "God prepares leaders in a slow-cooker, not in a microwave oven." It takes development, patience, and work to grow into someone who can effectively lead. Granted, we may have positions of leadership and/or opportunities to lead early on, but that doesn't mean that we are fully developed in our leadership. God continuously trains and molds us to better serve Him. We must be patient and trust in His timing. Maxwell notes, "Waiting deepens and matures us, levels our perspective, and broadens our understanding." I know that having patience isn't always easy, but patience is a spiritual fruit for a reason, and we must learn to harvest it.

Today's reflection question asks, "How do you see God slowly developing you as a leader?" What have you been working on, or what do you plan on working on, that you feel God calling you to do to develop yourself? Be patient. God will carry you through!

Pray a simple prayer like this: God, help me to be patient when I need to be. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen! Trust in His timing. He knows what he's doing! He's turning your leadership into something beautiful!

God bless you!

The True Leader

MercyMe sings, "You're the One Who conquers giants. You're the One Who calls out kings. You shut the mouths of lions. You tell the dead to breathe. You're the One Who walks through fire. You take the orphan's hand. You are the One Messiah! You are I AM!" ("You Are I Am") God does many things on our behalf. He is in control. After all, He is the Ultimate Leader. We should look to Him for provision and guidance!

Acts 20:40-41 tells us, "With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, 'Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.' Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day." (NIV)

Maxwell says, "The proof of leadership is found in the followers." A position doesn't make a leader. A title doesn't instill principles in a person to make them into what it takes to lead. That takes work. And one has to earn the trust and respect of those around him to earn followers. "People listen to what someone has to say, not necessarily because of the message, but because of their respect for the messenger." (Maxwell)

Do your followers look to you when a question needs answered? If not, and they look to someone else, chances are you're not the real leader. People pay attention and listen when the real leader speaks.

If you find yourself in a position where your "followers" are not looking to you for guidance, develop relationships with your teammates and followers. Show them that you care enough to invest in them. That is a crucial step to gaining true followers.

Ask yourself, "What can you learn from people's reaction when you communicate?" We must learn to read our followers. Doing so helps us to communicate better because we can see when the message is getting across or when there is confusion. From there, we can take proper action and move forward effectively.

Pray this prayer: "Father God, please help me to grow a group of people who truly follow me. Grow me as a leader so that I can effectively lead others. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!" Trust in God to guide you and lead you in the right direction. Psalm 55:22 says, "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall." (NIV) He cares for you!

God bless you!