Stretching Back To The Basics

Posted on 16. Feb, 2012 by frank in leadership

My friend Jon is guest posting on my blog today, I’ve known Jon for about 10 years and I’m glad we’re still friends. He regularly writes on his own blog about how God is stretching him as a follower of Christ and if you connect with his thoughts today I’d encourage you to visit his website.

I like to think of myself as a leader. I was a student leader in my high school youth group. I led several groups in college. I’ve led several small groups over the years through my church experience. I’m a leader in my company. And I’m a leader in my home.

I’m a leader.

As a leader, I thrive on gaining wisdom and leadership tips and advice from all kinds of resources. I listen to leadership podcasts. I read leadership books, and I follow several leadership blogs. I watch and imitate leaders in my church and at my work. I want to be known as a leader, and I want to be the best leader I can be.

All these things are great, but they mean nothing if I don’t get one major thing right.

God has to be first in my life, and God’s Word has to be the basis or foundation for my life and my leadership.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

I’ve read the Bible a couple of times (from cover to cover), and I’ve gone through periods of consistency and time of inconsistency when it comes to being in God’s Word. Last year, I experienced a dry spell in my spiritual life. I could partially attribute this to some significant life events which left me numb and even disinterested in God’s Word. But most of it was related to laziness and distraction. I survived through some of the resources listed above like podcasts and blogs, but it wasn’t enough.

As 2012 is unfolding, my desire to be in God’s Word daily is reigniting. I still feed myself with other resources, but these resources come with much deeper meaning with a steady diet and backdrop of God’s Word. I look forward to my morning appointments with my God and The Word.

I challenge you to STRETCH into God’s Word this year. Use the Bible as your first resource for developing your leadership. You can’t go wrong by hiding God’s Word in your heart!

I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, LORD; teach me your decrees. Psalm 119:10-12

Jon has some good thoughts, and it falls into alignment with what we’ve been talking about at Hope Summit in recent weeks. Are you a fan of Jesus? Or are you a follower? If the pursuit of our goals, knowledge, prestige, come between our pursuit of knowing God… we’re not really following Him – we are no more than an enthusiastic admirer.

How do you stay shap as a leader? What Scripture have you found useful for leadership?