Ministry is a Joy
Few things are more contagious than cheerfulness. A wise leader has a cheerful disposition—what’s your leadership style?
Vision, integrity, articulation, courage, and a thick skin—all are the basic requirements for leadership. Other requirements could be added; for the follower of Christ, godliness is essential. Whether in government, business, education, ministry, or the home, these six traits form the foundation of successful Christian leadership. These qualities do not come through osmosis but through disciplined study and practice, often marked by failure. However, the greatest leaders are not deterred by hardship and failure. Theirs is a high calling with deep responsibility.
If you are in a position of leadership—and chances are good that you are—you may need to sharpen your vision for the future, strengthen your integrity, and find new sources of courage. Insight for Living, by introducing you to godly leaders of the past, is committed to encouraging you in this pursuit, as well as challenging you to grow in godliness.
Few things are more contagious than cheerfulness. A wise leader has a cheerful disposition—what’s your leadership style?
The person at the top of an organization doesn’t have to know all the details of everything within, but he needs to know where it’s going and why. He needs to be ready to defend it.
As leaders we are tempted to see the objective in front of us—of all we must get done. Wise leaders remember objectives can’t be the single drive of our lives; we must build into those who will someday be in leadership.
A wise leader has a cheerful disposition. And no one says it like Solomon, “Who is like the wise man and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom illumines him and causes his stern face to beam,” Ecclesiastes 8:1.
Take a close look at yourself as an employee. Do you do your best at work, or are you a sluggard? Pursuing excellence is a rare commodity in the workplace, but as Christians it’s what we are called to do.
“Encourage” means to put courage into. There are many ways to encourage those around you—a sincere word, a kind act, a show of compassion.
Mistakes keep us humble and humility is a good thing. Whether you’re a pastor, parent, or boss. When you lead with humility, you lead with the heart of the Great Shepherd.
No matter who you are or how old you are it’s not too late to be a mentor. People need the wisdom, encouragement, and guidance of those who are a little further along in life.
Discipline is the “D” word that nobody likes but everybody admires. It’s the stuff that happens when nobody is looking or applauding. It’s the hard work of what goes on behind the scenes and results in excellence.
We all make an impact in some way. Whether it’s on our family, in our community, or at work, we influence people who are part of our lives. God seeks servant leaders who lead with humility and courage.