What is our rule of life? The idea involves our purpose for life.
Why do we pursue the course in life we pursue?
What do we want to achieve and get out of life?
What implications would exist with having a written purpose for life?
Knowing and reminding ourselves of our purpose for life keeps us focused on the impact of our words and actions.
Having a rule of life gives us meaning and hope for what the future holds.
It changes the way we see God, develop family, and influence others.
Although the author is unknown, the following thought is powerful: “No one ever finds life worth living—he has to make it worth living.”
Leadership is about making life worth living for those who follow.
Our task is to make rough paths smooth and the crooked straight.
We live in a dysfunctional society. Families, schools, business, government, religions, and more, do not function as originally designed.
Our role is to give hope. We must use opportunities to help others see the “so what” and the “now what” in life. The answers are what make life worth living.
When leadership demonstrates generosity, others learn the value of the gift. However, we must consider the nature of our generosity.
Intention: What is the motive behind our gift?
Object: What is the object of our generosity? Work? Family? Church? Lord?
Planned dedication: Is there a purpose planned in the gift?
Action: Are we ready to start giving…now?
Self-examination: What do we lose by holding on to the gift?
These questions help us determine the nature of and need behind our generosity.
We talk about values. We understand the need for values. We even categorize our values: personal, family, moral, and work.
What are the “core” values of our life?
We face the necessity of recognizing that leadership must be based on these core values.
The determining factor for our core values must be God’s word. When it is, the people who surround us all benefit from our core values.
Our leadership will not grow beyond the level of the values we live by as a leader. Let us make sure our values measure up to the right standard.
How many times do people refer to losing their focus? When athletes fall short of success, it is generally because they lost focus.
Leaders cannot afford to lose focus.
Distractions take the form of financial problems, family issues, health challenges, tragedy, email, texts, calls, and numerous other areas.
While we cannot ignore certain issues when they arise, we can learn from them and maintain our focus, or we can lose sight of our priorities.
Focus is a matter of choice.
People need leadership to help them maintain their focus.
Never forget, “We can’t make it on our own.” We need God and each other.
The vital role of leaders cannot be overstated. People are hurting; they lack joy in their lives; they struggle to find answers.
Our spiritual families assemble because they need and want help. They desire a message to help them deal with the pain of life.
We must always remember the necessity of helping others. It may be a friend or a family member. When they seek help, let us lead them to the only One who can ease their pain, Jesus.
Mountain tops represent the best of life. Our faith is strong and confident. We are positive and easily make decisions.
Valleys bring shadows of darkness. We question our faith, doubt creeps in, attitudes are altered, and we struggle with decisions.
Leaders experience both. Reaching the top and staying there is the path leaders desire to walk.
We are not alone.
The wisdom gained by others is an invaluable gift.
Tomorrow presents new opportunities.
Strength comes from knowing, not emotions.
God still sits on His throne.
We need to focus on the positive, give the negative to God, work on what can be changed, find balance in family, and seek good counsel.
Nearly 2,000 years ago this question was asked by a governor with the power to deliver or destroy. Sadly, the influence of the Jews and fear of allowing a threat to Rome go free moved Pilate to crucify Jesus.
How we answer this question becomes foundational to our influence in several areas of life.
Family:Let us lead our family to heaven.
Job:Work to please Christ, not men.
Worship: Meet with God and bring a gift.
World: Be the influence our world needs.
What will we do? Our answer makes the difference in others seeing the influence of Jesus.
Plato once said, “The beginning is the most important part of the work.”
The way leaders begin the work has a far greater impact on reaching the overall goal(s) than we might care to admit.
It applies to how we begin a family.
It applies to how we begin each day.
It applies to how we begin a conversation with someone about studying the Bible.
It applies to how we begin a class, sermon or an article / post.
How important was the beginning when God created?
How important was the beginning when Christ came to this earth?
How important was the beginning of the church?
Thanks for listening to “Searching God’s Word” on KTTR.org
Tonight, we examined Colossians 3:18-4:1. Paul gives the ideals for family and for work, private and public interactions. His pattern still works best. Our society has neglected these ideals and we are reaping the consequences! We hope you enjoy our lesson, but more, we hope it encourages you to live closer to our Savior!
Encourage others to LISTEN to “Searching God’s Word” w/ Steve Weeks
M 8 pm, M-W-F 9 am Click for tonight’s program, Colossians 3:18-4:1
