To Lead or Not To Lead - That is the question!

Over the last few days, Chris and I have been reading and listening to a lot about leadership principles...think about this...

"True leaders attract others because of their authentic, transparent, Godly lives - not because of a position, money or title. True leaders don't seek out people who can give or do for them and only make them look good. True leaders look to see how they can serve, give and equip others to be the best they can be". - Chris Haas

As we continued talking about what God was teaching us on this season of many new adventures we are on, we were reminded that as leaders we will draw others to ourselves as leaders.

You see.... as a leader, you will draw people into your life. People will see things they want to be a part of. Either it will be the God things or the not so good things that they are captivated by. If you are a leader who is continually being critical with your measurement of other leaders or ministries, what kind of people do you think will be around you?

You will duplicate character in others. If you are stirring negative character traits in your own life, don't expect much more than that of what you see in others who are around you. The word says, what we sow, we get back. I sure want to be careful not to sow or do these things to others - it will bite hard!

Just the same, if you are a leader who cherishes the gift of what God designed in others, you will want only God's best for them; You will whole heartedly celebrate those who are have gifts different than you or those who are growing faster than you; You are honored to serve others in any way you can, by serving God any way you can; You get excited when you see others move into what God has for them; Your heart is stirred by seeing others do what God has planned for them; You purpose in your heart, mind and spirit to honor others with your thoughts, your emotions and your love.

As we are learning every step of the way, I want to saturate myself with the leader I want to be like - my God! I can only do that by spending time with Him, in His presence and with His people. I want the direction and correction that His Word brings and Holy Spirit heals. I want to keep my heart focused on the measure of what He see's in me. Not what others may measure me by.

Along this journey I have had the gift of having some pretty amazing leaders be a part of my story. I've learned so much - from so many! I've had some pretty great folks deposit some key things into my life that are treasures to me - Love the Word, Be Loyal, Be Faithful, Be Trustworthy, Be Transparent, Be Ready To Serve, and most recently - BE ME!

Even in those difficult seasons of being with difficult leaders in difficult places, I've learned so much that I would never trade! Even in those places and seasons, God revealed so much to be learned. God restored what was meant to bring hurt, fear and intimidation. I love reading the stories in God's Word of David, Joshua, Abraham, Sarah, Joseph, Micah, Jonathan, Jesus, Paul, Timothy and even Saul. Those folks were some of the strongest, most purposed leaders we know - yet, they still had a lot to learn!

What is being "copied" into who you are? What character is God developing into the big picture of who you are? Are you easily angered? Do you get jealous or intimidated by the strength in other's gifts? Do you measure others with your own guide or by what the Word says? What are you "duplicating" in others? God's word or man's measurement? Are you living real & authentic lives - without hypocricy or manipulation to others? Do you seek out others just for what they can "do" for you or "give" to you? What is God teaching you about being the leader He has called you to be?

I am so thankful that my story isn't finished yet! There's a lot still to be "duplicated" into what God has designed for me. I'm choosing to be more purposed in my journey. I will choose to be a part of God's character. Thanks for being patient as God is finishing up some pretty important details of His story of me! It's going to be a grand adventure to enjoy!

I'm letting Him write the story!

Enjoy the ride!