Leadership

Christian Leadership – 10 Godly Character Traits to Overcome Negative Traits

Christian Leadership – 10 Godly Character Traits to Overcome Negative Traits

Godly Character Traits Empower Christian Leaders

Christian Leadership with Godly CharacterChristian leadership should set

the standard for godly character.

Not only that, Christian leaders

should be actively developing

godly character in the lives of others

within their sphere of influence.

It is no surprise that the world today is challenging, and changing, the spiritual values of young and old people alike. Morals are being shaken, and wickedness is growing more and more perverse. The Bible clearly warns that many negative character traits will increase in the last days.

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
— 2 Timothy 3:1-5

The following list of negative character traits gives insight into the spirit of our times, and how that spirit is being expressed in our own behavior, thinking, and lifestyle. It gives us some things to reflect on, like a mirror to judge our own behavior with. The list also includes positive, godly character traits used to overcome the negative.

10 Godly Character Traits Overcome Negative Character Traits:

1. Genuine vs Hypocritical

A hypocritical lifestyle is almost the norm as we see people having a form of godliness and going through the religious motions, yet without a genuinely changed life. Hypocrisy is all around us and lies are being spoken to teach false doctrines.

In these perilous times, we should have a healthy fear of the perverse days we are living, and live as genuine believers with renewed minds; trusting God daily. We are not to be conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of our minds. (Romans 12:2) A genuine relationship and walk with the Lord is required.

2. Love vs Selfishness

Selfishness and a self-centered, willful pursuit of sin is a common behavior as people become lovers of self. (2 Timothy 3:2) Society has a twisted value system and perspective on life. People have become lovers of pleasure more than of God.

God is love and those who do not love, do not know God. (1 John 4:8) We are to love God and love people.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, love your neighbor as yourself.”
— Luke 10:27 NIV

3.  Honor vs Disrespect

Disrespect and disobedience to parents, and authority, is a regular part of the spirit of today; rebellion and lawlessness.

However, God tells us to obey and honor our parents. And He even promises that it will be well with us if we do. (Ephesians 6:2-3) We are to be submissive to authority and honor all people, and when we do what is right we find favor with God. (1 Peter 2:13-20)

4. Generosity vs Covetous

Covetousness is ruling the hearts of many. They want things that belong to others and they have a wrong value system. They find themselves not only fond of money, but in love with money.

On the contrary, God tells us the generous will prosper and that if we sow generously, we’ll reap generously.

“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
— Proverbs 11:25 NIV

5. Humility vs Pride

Proud, haughty people, that think they are above others, are filling society. They have an ungodly pride and boast and brag of themselves. But pride comes before the fall.

When we humble ourselves before the Lord, he lifts us up. (James 4:10) Any boasting we do should be in the Lord. (Psalm 34:2)

“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
— James 4:6

6. Purity vs Perversion

Perversions of all kinds are rampant today. Anything that is good and natural is being perverted. People seem to have lost their natural, God-given, healthy affection and replaced it with all that is twisted, unnatural, unholy, immoral and perverse; only to satisfy their own desires.

The Bible says in Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” We are also to pursue peace and holiness with everyone, without which no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)

7. Encouragers vs Despisers

Despisers are in full force; belittling and treating shamefully the righteous actions of those who are doing good. They scoff, mock and ridicule them.

Our words and actions should not be discouraging, but encouraging. God teaches us over and over to encourage and strengthen one another. And we are told to do so even more so in these end times. (Hebrews 10:25)

8. Loyalty vs Traitors

Traitors, truce-breakers, and betrayers lack any sense of loyalty to the commitments of friendship. They are untrue to their promises and can’t be trusted to keep their word. They are liars and false accusers.

Loyalty on the other hand is a mark of true friendship. Proverbs 18:24 tells us there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Loyalty, truth, and honesty are godly characters that lead to success. Those who can be trusted with a little can be trusted with much. (Luke 16:10)

9. Gratitude vs Entitlement

An entitlement attitude has taken over and in turn people feel they are owed everything. And on top of that, unthankfulness is sadly ruling the hearts and lives of many. These people ungratefully and unthankfully take advantage of others. And the thing is, this combination of entitlement and unthankfulness is a guaranteed formula for failure.

Gratitude is the attitude of success. It is the grateful and thankful people, that keep their hearts turned toward God, they are the ones who rise to the top. As Christians, we have the ultimate reason to be grateful: for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Therefore we should give God acceptable worship with reverence and awe. (Hebrews 12:28)

“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
— Ephesians 5:20 ESV

10. Faith vs Deceit

Deceived and wondering: Are you one that is giving heed to seducing spirits and being led astray from the truth? Take a strong, reflective look at yourself to make sure you haven’t become headstrong in some areas. Is your mind darkened, your thinking reckless, and possibly your pride blinding you? Is your inner conscience seared – is your inner sense of right and wrong fading? Are you losing your sensitivity to the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit through continued sin? Are you backsliding and rejecting God’s plan for your life and experiencing a departure from the faith?

Make basic biblical foundational teachings part of your everyday study and meditation. Renew your mind and grow your faith. Keep your trust in God daily and live by faith!

“Without faith it is impossible to please God.”
— Hebrews 11:6

“The just shall live by faith.”
— Romans 1:17

No doubt about it: Character development comes from discipline and it takes time and dedication; and it needs to be continually cultivated throughout our lives. We must examine ourselves and refuse to let the these negative character traits into our lives. Christian leaders must allow change from the Lord in every area, so that they can minister to others and be a positive example of Christian leadership.

May you be a Christian Leader that abounds with godly character and growing prosperity!

Soar higher in Him,
Brenda

P.S. This article was inspired after reading notes I took from a leadership meeting about character development. We discussed some negative character traits mentioned in Frank Damazio’s book “The Making of a Leader.” (I have not yet read the book, but it was highly recommended.)

 

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Powerful Leadership – 5 Crucial Skills Required to Become a Great Leader!

Powerful Leadership – 5 Crucial Skills Required to Become a Great Leader!

Great Leaders Commit to Developing Key Skills

Great Leaders Develop Crucial SkillsPowerful leadership requires a commitment

to developing key personal skills and abilities.

Great leaders must have a driving desire

to make things happen.

If you want to be the head and not the tail,

then you must fine tune key leadership skills in order to become effective so that others will want to follow.

Some people are born with natural talents that lend themselves to becoming a great leader. But despite the fact that you might have been born with some of these talents, it still takes continual enthusiasm, drive, and experience for true development as a leader to occur.

5 Crucial Skills Needed to Become a Great Leader

1. Vision

Leaders need to know the vision of their group or organization. They must have a clear sense of purpose. Knowing the organization’s goals and objectives, how the organization works, and being able to communicate the vision to others, helps put everyone on the same page.

Leaders need to help others catch a personal vision of the big picture, so that everyone is moving in the same direction on the road to success.

2. Encouragement

Leadership is not about using harassment or fear as a driving force to get others to take action. Great leaders encourage others to accomplish the goals of the group. Encouragement is contagious and it benefits everyone when it is flowing freely.

3. Trust

Trustworthiness is vital to great leadership. Your followers must have trust and confidence in you. And if they do, they will go to great lengths for you and the group.

Strong relationships, trustworthiness, and high ethics build trust and confidence. Leaders that deal with people in a positive way, lay a foundation of strength for the group. Stronger relationships equal a stronger measure of trust and confidence in the capabilities of the leader.

4. Communication

Communication is crucial skill of a leader. You must be able to clearly communicate the goals and objectives that you are all about to undertake as an organization. A leader’s vision and plan must be clearly communicated to others in order to keep everyone on the same page.

5. Judgment

Great leaders have great judgment. If you want to grow as a leader, you must continue to improve and develop your judgment and decision making skills.

Leaders need to make wise decisions in a variety of situations. Your followers will come to rely on your judgment. Good, wise decision making is crucial to the success of a leader and the organization.

Keep in mind: In life we all eventually find ourselves in a leadership role, in some shape or form, big or small. And the Lord wants to see His children become strong leaders and He gives them instructions and tells them how they can be.

“And the LORD shall make you the head, and not the tail; and you shall be above only, and you shall not be beneath; if that you listen to the commandments of the LORD your God…to observe and to do them.”
— Deuteronomy 28:13

Conclusion: Leaders lead. Leaders have followers and you’re not much of a leader if no one is following. Being a great leader is about constantly growing, developing, and setting an example, because you are a reflection of what your followers must be. Develop these five crucial skills and demonstrate powerful leadership.

May you develop your skills to grow into a powerful, effective leader and experience much growing prosperity!

Soar higher in Him,
Brenda

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Christian Leadership – 7 Attitude Factors You Must Consider If You Want To Be An Excellent Leader

Christian Leadership – 7 Attitude Factors You Must Consider If You Want To Be An Excellent Leader!

Want to be a Christian Leader of Excellence on the Road to Success?

Christian leaders should have a desire to be caring,

supportive, and positive leaders.

They should have a heart to help and serve.

Poor leadership results in hurting the very people

who leaders should be reaching out to help.

Do you want to be a blessing to others and

accomplish what God has called you to do?

Then you need to walk, talk, and lead with the right attitude!

7 Attitude Factors You Must Consider If You Want to Be an Excellent Leader:

1. Attitude Grows From the Inside Out

Attitude takes root inward. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. What is inside of you is going to come out and it will affect people around you; for good or for bad.

2. A Good Attitude Guards Your Words and Heart

As a leader, it is vital to understand the significance of your words and the impact they have on yourself and others. A good attitude keeps a guard on the words spoken and this in turn guards your heart and keeps your heart in the right condition to lead by example.

3. A Proper Attitude Maintains Your Peace

Your attitude is going to be under attack every day, and you need to be prepared to maintain a proper attitude regardless of what happens or what someone says or does. Keeping a proper attitude throughout the day will maintain your peace and further empower you with self-control and other fruits of the Spirit.

4. A Positive Attitude Has Power to Advance You

A positive attitude allows your true self to shine, and this will help advance you. In a world full of darkness and chaos, people are looking to leaders that shine a positive light of hope.

“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”
— Winston Churchill

5. Your Attitude Either Draws People to You or Repels Them

Leaders are meant to lead. However, it is hard to lead if you carry a bad attitude that repels people away from you. A good attitude allows people to be drawn to you even in the midst of disagreement.

6. Attitudes Are Contagious

Attitudes are contagious and to be a leader of excellence requires maintaining a proper attitude and at the same time not tolerating a negative contagious spirit to spread and do damage.

“You cannot tailor-make the situations in life, but you can tailor-make the attitudes to fit those situations.”
— Zig Ziglar

7. Your Attitude Projects Your Future

Your attitude reflects what is in you and what is going on in your life. It is also like the prophet of your future. If your attitude is poor and negative and says “nothing ever works out anyway,” it is easy to see what you can expect in your future.

On the other hand, if your attitude is positive, hopeful, and rooted in a heart of love, you are clearly on the road to success and leading others on the way.

Make no mistake about it: Your attitude is a critical factor in your success as a leader. You must consider these seven attitude factors if you want to come to the place where God wants you in the area of Christian leadership.

May your attitude produce abundant results and lead others into a life of growing prosperity!

Soar Higher,
Brenda

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Successful Leadership – The Power of Teamwork and 4 Keys to Creating a Winning Team!

Successful Leadership – The Power of Teamwork and 4 Keys to Creating a Winning Team!

Successfully Lead a Winning Team and Together Achieve Incredible Things

Successful Leadership and Winning TeamsSuccessful leaders have discovered

the power of teamwork.

Much can be accomplished when

working together with others.

However, it is not just a numbers game;

the key here is working together.

Getting the job done requires a winning team.

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” 
— John C Maxwell

Teams come in all shapes and sizes; from married couples, or small business partnerships, to large organizations of all sorts. A team not only provides companionship but it helps accomplish goals.

Every team requires a leader, and a successful leader knows that there is power in creating a winning team. However, simply having a team of people can be useless.

On the other hand, developing a winning team multiplies a leader’s value and makes them better than they would be on their own. It enables them to do what they do best and tap into the resources that those on the team do best. Then, incredible things happen and everyone on the team wins.

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow…And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” 
— Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

4 Keys to Creating a Winning Team:

1. Develop a Winning Attitude in Team Members

A winning attitude is a positive attitude and must be prevalent. A winning attitude is developed in team members and they believe in their leader, themselves, their teammates, and the vision to be accomplished. Negative thinking is not allowed to creep in and hinder the task at hand.

2. Teach the Value of Personal Development and Character Building

Each team member as an individual must keep improving. Why? Because the highest reward for their efforts isn’t what they get from it, but the person they become because of it. And without personal growth they become a weak individual and a weak link on the team.

3. Empower Teammates

Winners are encouragers and empower each other to be more and do more. They strive to make their teammates more successful. Empowered teammates maintain a thriving atmosphere with an expectancy to win.

4. Instill the Importance of Playing to Win

A successful team plays to win. They know the difference between playing to win and playing not to lose is often the difference between excellence and average. They don’t play to ‘give it a try’, they play to reach their goal; they play to win.

Bottom line: A successful leader understands the power of teamwork and the importance of creating a winning team. They know that by doing so, incredible things happen and everyone wins as they grow and develop individually and as a team.

May you successfully lead a winning team and together achieve much and experience an abundance of growing prosperity!

Soar higher,
Brenda

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Leadership – How Can the Power of Loyalty in a Leader Result in the Blessings of Success?

Leadership – How Can the Power of Loyalty in a Leader Result in the Blessings of Success?

Loyalty is Required to Reap the Full Reward

Leadership is a powerful directing force for any nation, group, or family.

The quality of a leader greatly impacts the followers and where they end up.

And the power of loyalty is a core element that results in leading the people into success.

Loyalty is a Key Qualification for Leaders

It is often thought, when someone is looking to step into a position, that in order to qualify they need to be the most talented or gifted person for the position. However, it is the loyal and faithful who are the most qualified to be leaders.

It is also thought that the friendly, flashy, outgoing person might be the best one for the job. But do not make the mistake in thinking that. A core requirement for leadership is loyalty and faithfulness and not anything else. A loyal person can be taught the skills needed for the job.

“It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” 
— 1 Corinthians 4:2

Loyalty is Required to Reap the Full Reward

Success comes to the loyal and faithful ones. One day we all hope to hear those famous words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

In the good times everyone seems loyal. Those who remain supportive through the difficult times are different from those who come in when everything is working well. No doubt, loyalty is most appreciated in hard times.

Loyalty Needed for a Successful Team of People

One person can only do so much. Growing success requires building a loyal team of people. In fact, no team will be strong and effective if they are not loyal.

It would actually be better to work alone than with a team of disloyal, disgruntled, and disunited people. One disloyal person breeds strife, hatred, and murmuring like smoke that quickly fills the whole house. Whenever there is distrust and disloyalty, the people are on guard and stray away.

Effective leaders exhibit loyalty and faithfulness. People are attracted by genuine love and commitment and repelled by disunity and discord. Loyal leaders influence their followers to be an effective and loyal team of people, who in turn create loyal successors.

Bottom line: Those who benefit from the blessings of success are the faithful and loyal ones. Without loyalty every organization constantly undergoes disintegration. Loyal leaders build loyal teams that remain committed in the good times and bad so that all can benefit from the blessings of success.

May you be a loyal and faithful leader and enjoy a life of growing prosperity!

Be blessed to be a blessing –

Cheers,
Brenda

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Powerful Leadership – A Positive Attitude in Leaders Produces Results in More Ways Than One!

Powerful Leadership – A Positive Attitude in Leaders Produces Results in More Ways Than One!

A Valuable Leadership Skill Worth Improving!

Leadership skills are valuable and always worth improving.

As a leader grows and develops, it not only helps improve their life, but the lives of those around them.

A key skill to develop and maintain is a positive attitude.

Why?

Men and women rise and fall everyday because of their attitude.

“Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.”
— Thomas Jefferson

Positive Attitude – The Critical Factor in Leadership

If you really want to go anywhere as a leader, you have to examine your attitude! Whatever attitude you accept at this time is a critical factor in determining the success or failure of your future.

Too often people never come to a place of leadership where God wants them. Or they don’t produce the results that are expected, because of a negative attitude.  A leader may want God to use them, but He is saying “No” because of their sour, nasty attitude. A negative attitude will hinder a leaders potential.

And don’t be one that points the finger of blame at others, especially as a leader. Each persons attitude is their own responsibility.

Often times, people with bad attitudes don’t know that they have one. But if you are a leader and find yourself pointing the finger of blame at others regularly, that may be a great reason to examine the condition of your own thoughts and heart.

Positive Attitude – Helping Leaders Produce Positive Results

Understand that the attitude a leader has toward how they view and handle things, will determine the results they produce. As long as a leader is viewing things negatively, they are going to get negative results.

Leaders should not let other people govern their production and outcome. Leaders must have an “I can” attitude. Many people miss opportunities and promotions that God has for them, because they let someone else determine their attitude.

Of course as a leader, challenges are always going to come and attempt to get you to accept a bad or negative attitude. But remember it is a critical factor to have a positive, ‘I can’ attitude about what you are doing in order to produce positive results.

The results not only show up in the life of the leader, but in the life of those being led. This is the case whether it is a leadership role in a family, ministry, or business. You can make a difference.

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked rule, the people mourn.” 
— Proverbs 29:2

Bottom line: A leaders attitude will create results. It is up to the leader to choose the attitude they will put on for the results they desire. A leadership role should require a positive attitude and one that produces positive results.

May you be a leader that maintains a positive attitude and a life of growing prosperity!

God bless you –

Cheers,
Brenda

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Christian Leadership: How Can a Spirit of Excellence in Leaders Bring Growing Prosperity?

Christian Leadership: How Can a Spirit of Excellence in Leaders Bring Growing Prosperity?

Powerful Leaders Choose a Spirit of Excellence!

Leadership Spirit of ExcellenceLeaders should continually strive for a spirit of excellence, especially Christians.

As leaders, we must pursue excellence all along our journey of life and not think of it as a destination.

Maintaining a spirit of excellence creates positive results and growing prosperity.

We serve a God of excellence and we should desire to have excellence come out of us.

“O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth!” 
— Psalm 8:1

A Lack of Excellence Equals a Lack of Prosperity

Not everyone has had the privilege of being raised in an environment that operated in a spirit of excellence. Too often chaos and confusion are the norm. A lack of excellence in an environment tends to create a victim’s mentality in people.

How on earth can progress be made when the conduct of a leader or group is lazy, slothful and non-committed?

Where there is no commitment to excellence, there is no promotion or growing prosperity. People may seek excellence and prosperity in life, but nothing is going to happen until the excuses and victim mentality stops.

People, whether they know it or not, are looking for excellence, and it should be required in leaders.

A Spirit of Excellence Brings Promotion

Excellence always takes us to another level and causes things to happen. If we want more, we have to be determined to shake off a slothful spirit and put on an excellent spirit; in order to bring out our full potential.

Excellence often requires doing something we have never done before. It requires us to stretch in all areas of our personal growth. This does not go unnoticed to others or God. Leaders that have a spirit of excellence will get God’s attention and allow Him to take them to another level.

We see examples of this all throughout the Bible and throughout history. Take a look at how Daniel was promoted because of an excellent spirit.

“Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.” 
— Daniel 6:3

Excellence is something leaders must continually work on and strive to improve and develop in themselves. Keep in mind; none of us are perfect and have it all together. This area of life, like all others, requires that we seek God daily for His help.

Believe me. As a leader, there might be areas in your life that other people don’t think you excel at, but once you start working and striving towards a life of excellence others will take notice. You will grow as a leader, and just like Daniel, you will find that a powerful spirit of excellence puts you in position for promotion!

May you continually pursue a spirit of excellence and experience a life of growing prosperity.

God bless you –

Cheers,
Brenda

P.S. Has there been a time in your life you experienced a promotion because you were operating with a spirit of excellence? If so, feel free to share and encourage others…

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Leadership – Do You Utilize these Top 3 Powerful Skills?

Leadership – Do You Utilize these Top 3 Powerful Skills?

Discover the Top 3 Powerful Skills of Successful Effective Leaders!

Leadership is required in many different arenas of life.

Key Leadership SkillsA small number of people seem to be born with a built in set of skills for being an effective leader and it comes naturally to them. However, for the majority of people, study and training is required to bring out the true leader in them.

It has been said that “The person who says he is leading but has no followers is only taking a walk.”

That being said, I would also add that good leaders require good followers.

Effective leaders teach their followers how to step up and be all that they can be. As others imitate a leader, and follow their steps, growth and progress should come to the organization as a whole.

Top 3 Powerful Skills for Effective Leadership:

1.) VISION – It is vital that a leader be a person of vision. If you do not have a clear vision of where you are headed and what you plan to accomplish, how can you expect to get yourself and others there?

This type of vision is actually a spiritual vision.

When the Bible talks about vision it is about what will be; not what we see. Spiritual vision equals seeing what will be. Natural vision equals seeing what already is.

We are told that vision comes from God and that it should be written down and made clear to others. That way everyone can grab hold of it and run with it. (Habakkuk 2:1-2) It is vitally important that you stay focused on the vision.

2.) PLANNING & PREPARATION – Another key skill of an effective leader is the ability to plan. Before you start something; plan, make preparation, and look ahead.

What is the long-term impact of what you are about to do? Sit down and count the cost. Fully consider the project you are about to take on to be sure you can complete it.

Planning and preparation helps fulfill the vision. It is never wasted time. Learn to plan ahead, prepare, and be organized.

3.) PRAYER – Great leaders that stand the test of time are leaders that pray. Prayer is not just for your personal life, but also for your employment, business, family, school, etc.

In everything we do it should be by prayer. (Philippians 4:6)

Why would you not want to be built up spiritually before you do anything? In everything you do; be prepared in prayer and get God involved.

Keep in mind: Your vision may be so big that it seems impossible to ever attain it. Remember though, that vision tends to run in advance of your ability to fulfill it.

As a leader you have strength that can be tapped into through the resource of prayer. When God is your partner, nothing is impossible!

Your next step? Take what you have just learned and whether you are a leader of a business organization, or any type of group, ministry, or family begin to grow in these key skills. Start applying these powerful skills in your life and watch yourself become a successful leader.

May your leadership skills improve and your life overflow with growing prosperity!

Cheers,
Brenda

P.S. If you have any comments or thoughts to expand on this, please feel free to share…I’d love to hear them…

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