As leaders we all go through life and work holding to past regrets, those disappointments over lost or missed opportunities. We’re sad or repentant over things that we wish we had done differently.
Thomas Paine (1737-1809) was an English-born Founding Father of the United States. An inventor and philosopher, he authored Common Sense, a pamphlet that was influential at the start of the American Revolution.
As Jesus began teaching on earth, His words about leadership and leading were shocking. In fact, they were so at odds with religious leaders of the time, they believed Jesus could not possibly be the Savior they were hoping and waiting for.
On the surface the story of Job may seem a cruel game. A faithful man, he suffers greatly, questions God, and receives God’s pointed response. How should we lead when faced with trials and difficulty?
In today’s culture, we bicker, feud and fight with other Christ-followers. Arguments among God’s people are commonplace. But we can never argue anyone into an understanding of God. At best, this is a spiritual tangent.
Some leaders see themselves as a steward of their position. Others want to claim a top position in business. Still others want to accomplish something specific. None of these purposes, however, outlast the leader himself.
One of the greatest investments you can make as a leader will not be found in a stock selection, or emerging technologies, or foreign markets. A leader’s most powerful commodity is his relationships with people.
What is success? As a leader, perhaps you’ve set out trying to achieve it. The best house. Fat bank account. Full social calendar. Our culture shouts about what success is all day, every day. But the Bible paints a very different picture.