Life Focus Ministries

Five Characteristics of Spiritual Leaders

2012-01-06T04:27:00.000-08:00

Five Characteristics of Spiritual Leaders

“Beimitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.”

1 Corinthians 11:1

Character is “the aggregate of features and traits thatform the individual nature of some person or thing.”[1] It is the core of who you are, the buildingblocks, if you will, upon which every other aspect of your life flows. (Proverbs 23:7) As a spiritual leader it is vital that yourcharacter be rooted in Christ and your relationship in Christ. How are these five foundationalcharacteristics revealed in you?

1. As a spiritual leader you must deny yourself andfollow Jesus. (Luke 9:23) This is the most basic of the characteristicsneeded to lead others in Christ. Untilyou begin to live apart from yourself and for Christ you will stand betweenthose God has given you to lead and Christ. Taking up your cross is part of the denial process if you are to be aspiritual leader.

2. Abiding in Christ is a must. (John 15:4-5) Who you are, what you do, how you think andyour desires all flow from Christ when you abide in Him. Energy, direction, strength, and wisdom comethrough Christ into you when you abide in Him. It is from this relationship that discipling flows. Without this relationship the best you canoffer is sound theology.

3. You are drawn to that which has your attention. As a spiritual leader you must have your eyesfixed on Jesus. (Hebrews12:2) Jesus is the author and perfecter of yourfaith. Jesus is the perfect example foryou of life and godliness. When youreyes are fixed on Jesus you know how to point others to Him in every situationand circumstance.

4. When your eyes are fixed on Jesus you are also able toview others humbly, as more important than yourself, and serve them as Christserves you. (Philippians2:3-4) Freedom from selfishness and empty conceitgives great clarity of mind in the service of others.

5. Christ’s model and command is for leaders to beservants to those whom God gives to them (Matthew 20:25-28). You are able to be a servant leader only whenyou have emptied yourself, you are abiding in Christ, your eyes are fixed onJesus and you have a proper view of yourself and others.

The unique thing about these characteristics is that they are commandedof every Christian, not just spiritual leaders. At the very least, these characteristics should be foundational tospiritual leaders and growing in their disciples.

Share your thoughts and comments at http://lifefocusministries.blogspot.com/

You can reach him atRichard@GrowLeaders.org or (423) 790-4994.

To unsubscribe from this mailing pleasesend a reply email to

Richard@GrowLeaders.org and put “unsubscribe”in the Subject box.

[1] Dictionary.comUnabridged (v 1.1) Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © RandomHouse, Inc. 2006.

Denying Christ

2011-12-02T07:08:00.001-08:00

Denying Christ

“Peter answered and said to Him,

‘Even thoughall may fall away because of You, I will never fall away.’

‘Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You.’”

Matthew 26:33 & 35

Peteris famous for his denial of Christ and often gets criticized as a result. Yes, he was impetuous. His insecurities seemed to be revealed by histalking without thinking, and he may have had a chronic case of foot-in-mouthdisease.

Tobe fair, while condemning Peter for his actions, one must also condemn the restof the disciples. Peter was not the onlydisciple that night claiming allegiance to Christ to the point of death, “Allthe disciples said the same thing too.” (Matthew 26:35). The brave assertions of allegiance bythe disciples vaporized when faced with a great multitude carrying swords andclubs (Matthew26:47). ALL the disciples fled (Matthew 26:56). By running away, the disciplesdenied Jesus, any desire to be recognized as His followers, or as having beenassociated with Him.

Historicallyit is easy to criticize Peter, the individual. Peter is a good example of how not to be when faced with the pressuresof being a Christian in a hostile environment. While Peter is often singled out, the whole Truth is that he was notalone in his denial.

Everyoneabandoned Jesus at the time of His arrest. No one stood by His side, no one was willing to be identified with Him,bearing the same consequences He faced. That Truth broadens the application of this passage. It is easy for one to say, “I would never belike Peter, I would never deny Jesus.” It is more difficult to say, “I will not be like the rest of fallenmankind.” It would be arrogant to say,“I am better than the rest of mankind. Iwould never deny Jesus.”

Thedrive for self preservation can work against one’s witness. One will not easily volunteer to be placed inthe lion’s den, to step into a blazing furnace, to be ridiculed by one’s peersfor taking a stand for the disenfranchised, or jailed for teaching theinerrant, unchanging Truth of the Scripture. It is not easy to be a Bible-driven spiritual leader in the midst of aculture antagonistic to the Truth of the Scripture. It is difficult to tell the Truth aboutdivorce, abortion, fornication, deceit and manipulation, independence, and servanthoodin a culture violently hostile to the Truth. It is easier to “fudge”, to skirt around the hard issues, not preachingthe whole gospel, denying Christ.

Eachday, as a spiritual leader, you face spiritual challenges affording you theopportunity of witness or denial. You donot speak a witness in all of those challenging situations, sometimes youflee. This is a part of your fallennature. As a spiritual leader, it isvital for you to acknowledge your fallen nature and the times you fail to be thewitness Christ offers you to be. It isimportant for those God has given you to address the fallen nature which will,when threatened, at times deny Christ.

Asa spiritual leader, Truth is the most important filter to teach to those Godhas given you. The Truth is each of usis fallen. The natural response whenthreatened is to self-protect, believing self preservation is our personalresponsibility. It is also True that inChrist that natural response can be overcome. Like every other sin, the sin of denial can be overcome as the HolySpirit transforms our mind to the mind of Christ (Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 2:16). When a witness is given and denial is avoided, God, your Father, willpreserve and protect you even as He has His children in the past.

Do You Not Care Jesus?

2008-08-24T10:41:00.001-07:00

Do you not care!

“. . . do You not care that we are perishing?”

Mark 4:38

“Do you not care!” was the accusation the disciples made to Jesus. Their conclusion came from the circumstances around them. Calamity and fear overtook them as the storm tossed the boat around with the wind and the waves. They feared for their lives, they were sure to sink and drown! There was no way out!

And what was Jesus doing? He was asleep in the stern, on a cushion. To the disciples, that kind of peace in the midst of the storm reflected a lack of care. That is an interesting conclusion. What did they think would happen to Him if the boat were to sink? Why was caring about them more important than caring for Himself? This indeed was a sharp accusation against Jesus.
Like most calamitous situations the disciples focus was on the wrong thing. They were focused on the circumstances and their interpretation of the circumstances. They were arrogant enough to deem their interpretation as True and to come with an accusation to Jesus.

Jesus, before coming to earth in the form of a man, deemed the plan of salvation, His becoming man and bearing the sins of the world on Himself, as more important than His position of equality with God (Philippians 2:6[1]). He took on the form of a lowly man, a bond servant, limiting Himself in time and space, limiting His knowledge and power, to fulfill this plan. He even submitted Himself in obedience to His Father, God, to die an accursed death on a cross (Philippians 2:8[2]). The facts show that Jesus indeed cared, very much, and was in the process of paying a steep price for their salvation. Jesus was, even then, paying the price for their souls so that they would not perish for eternity.

Perhaps they did not know these things. They did not have the book of Philippians to state clearly His purpose and plan. Let us not be too lenient on them. They had the very presence of Jesus, the Son of God. By this time the disciples had seen Jesus perform miracles including the raising of the dead. Were the minds and the hearts of the disciples properly focused they would already know the love Jesus had for them. Were their minds and hearts properly focused they would have loved Jesus enough to warn Him of what appeared to be impending doom rather than waking Him with an accusation.

“Do you not care!” is still today an accusation too easily flung at God. Circumstances crowd in and calamity seems to rule around us. Things just aren’t going “right.” Apparently the end result will be death. All of this goes to show that God doesn’t care.

Part of the blessing of being a spiritual leader is that you can bring calm to the lives of those ruled by circumstances and chaos. You know the Truth. You know the price Jesus paid because of God’s love for them and you know the presence of God in your life. The broken hearted, the abused and the weary can be soothed through you by your sharing the many ways in which God has and is showing His love for the very people hurling accusations against Him. Time and again you can point out how appearances are false by pointing to the reality of who God is and who they can be in Him.

Jesus indeed cares!

© Written by Richard L. Roberts, director of Life Focus Ministries.
You can reach him at Richard@GrowLeaders.org or (423) 790-4994.

[1] Philippians 2:5-6 Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped NASB
[2] Philippians 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. NASB

Do You Not Care Spiritual Leader?

2008-08-24T10:41:00.000-07:00

Do you not care spiritual leader!
“. . . do You not care that we are perishing?”
Mark 4:38

“Do you not care!?” As a spiritual leader you have heard this cry or one similar from those God has given you to lead. It is often a cry of desperation and frustration. Without realizing it, it is a cry for help.
There are several reasons you will be accused of not caring. Perhaps the primary reason is because you live by a different set of standards than most. Your “caring” looks different than most people in the world today. Your caring comes with immovable principles and expectations of those God has given you to disciple. Your caring comes with a love that is unshakable. Often none of these things are understood by those making the accusation. All they know is that they are hurting and they think you should help them, in a way they approve, to relieve that pain.
It is precisely because you love them and care for them beyond the current moment that you don’t give into them and give them what they want. You are committed to giving them only what they need, that which builds them up, that which is good for them. You are just as committed to keep from them those things which are harmful to them and those they love. As such, you correct the unruly and set boundaries in which they can live a life under control; you encourage those who fearful to do for themselves what they can; and those who can’t help themselves you provide a safe haven in which they can live (1 Thessalonians 5:14[1]).
Those accusing you of not caring have the wrong focus. They are looking at the here and now, the quick fix. They are blinded by the thought, “If I can just get through this everything will be okay.” This focus blinds them to the depth of your caring and the long-term help you are offering. All they see is that they aren’t escaping their current circumstance.
God knew that spiritual leaders would get bombarded by those living in the temporal world with only temporal sight. He has left for you this encouragement: “And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.” Galatians 6:9 So, as the accusations against you fly, let this word be of encouragement and keep on caring!

© Written by Richard L. Roberts, director of Life Focus Ministries.
You can reach him at Richard@GrowLeaders.org or (423) 790-4994.

[1] 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 And we urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men. NASB

2008-07-15T00:33:00.000-07:00

We do not break the law of God written into the nature of things. We break ourselves on them. Those laws are color-blind, class-blind, religion-blind. Break them, and you’ll get broken. If you leap from a tenth-story window you will not break the law of gravitation, you will only illustrate it.
The Way, page 10
E. Stanley Jones

Being Strong and Courageous

2008-04-25T14:16:00.000-07:00

Being Strong and Courageous
“Be strong and courageous . . . .” Deuteronomy 31:6

What does it look like for you, as a spiritual leader in the 21st Century, to be strong and courageous? The tendency, even in spiritual circles, is to establish a template and see how you fit. It is good to fight against this tendency. Every time you measure yourself against a template you leave out the role of The Holy Spirit. Every time you leave out The Holy Spirit you distance yourself in relationship from Christ. What are the living standards against which you can measure your strength and courage?

Perhaps the foundational standard is that declared in 1 Corinthians 15:58. After Paul’s “death is swallowed up in victory” speech he says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” The strong and courageous in the Lord know Him, abide in Him and toil in His Kingdom without regard for temporal measurements. The reward you receive on this side of heaven is the relationship you have in Him. Even as the world toils to convince you that your life is being wasted, with eyes fixed on Jesus, you know the opposite is True. There is no wasted effort in Christ.

Being steadfast and immovable requires living the principles of scripture in an environment that is hostile to Christ for the world hates Him (John3:20, John 7:7[1]). There are multitudes of principles that fly in the face of modern society. Issues of life and death, procreation, self concept, the role and definition of family, the role of and relationship of God and man, sexuality, work, recreation, wealth and the environment to mention only a few. God speaks to each of these and those willing to live by and teach His viewpoint will be scorned, belittled and attacked by those who just don’t want to hear it.

Living the principles of scripture means both knowing the principles and personally applying them in everyday life, emulating Christ. Too often people try to apply biblical principles to others which they themselves have not yet applied to their own life. The Truth is, personally living the principles of scripture is often witness enough to get you into trouble with the world.

Living the principles of scripture means walking by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7[2]). When the Bible and culture conflict it takes strength and courage to stand up and proclaim the inerrant Truth of scripture. When it appears the walk of faith is having only negative effects, it takes strength and courage to continue in the knowledge that there is no wasted effort in Christ.

© Written by Richard L. Roberts, director of Life Focus Ministries.
You can reach him at Richard@GrowLeaders.org.

[1] John 3:20 "For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.
John 7:7 "The world cannot hate you; but it hates Me because I testify of it, that its deeds are evil.”
[2] 2 Corinthians 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight —

Be Strong and Courageous

2008-04-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

Be Strong and Courageous
“Be strong and courageous . . . .” Deuteronomy 31:6

The first time this phrase is recorded in scripture is when Moses spoke them to the Children of Israel just before his death. For the most part, those who had experienced slavery in Egypt had died in the wilderness. Those who were left had not witnessed the plagues that came upon the Egyptians, had not experienced fleeing Pharaoh and his army, and had not seen the bodies floating in the Red Sea. They knew only the leadership of Moses. Now it was time for him to die.
At this time Moses spoke these words, “Be strong and courageous.” But he went even further than that by telling them why and how they could be strong and courageous. To paraphrase, “The norm,” he said, “is to be fearful and tremble. Live contrary to the norm. Do not be afraid because Yahweh your God CONTINUES (emphasis mine) to go with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.”

The focus Moses gave to the Children of Israel was that Yahweh was their constant. He is the one who led through Moses and He is the one who would lead through Joshua. In Him they could be strong and courageous because He will not fail them or forsake them.

As a spiritual leader you need to hear these words, be strong and courageous, and take them to heart. You live in times that are dark and getting darker. Remaining steadfast and immovable (1 Corinthians 15:58[1]) requires strength, courage and focus. Your strength and courage must come from the same source as the Children of Israel, a focus on God, who He is and how He is at work within, through and about you.

There are legitimate reasons for you to fear. The devil is scheming against you (Mark 13:22, Ephesians 6:11[2]), your daily battle is real and your enemy is fierce (Ephesians 6:12[3]). Focusing on Satan’s power and schemes would cause anyone to tremble.

Like the Children of Israel, the right focus brings out the Truth. God is at work in you, through you and around you. Through His “divine power” He has already given you everything pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3[4]). He indwells you with the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19[5]) who will teach you ALL things (John 14:26[6]) and guide you into ALL Truth (emphasis mine) (John 16:13[7]). His proven history of caring for His own is exemplary!

Be strong and courageous, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2[8]), He will not leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5[9])!

© Written by Richard L. Roberts, director of Life Focus Ministries.

You can reach him at Richard@GrowLeaders.org

[1] 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
[2] Mark 13:22 . . .for false Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in order, if possible, to lead the elect astray.
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
2 Corinthians 11:13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.
[3] Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
[4] 2 Peter 1:3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.
[5] 1 Corinthians 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?
[6] John 14:26 "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.
[7] John 16:13 "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.
[8] Hebrews 12:2 . . . fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
[9] Hebrews 13:5 . . . He Himself has said, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,"

Reformulating social reality

2008-04-08T16:11:00.000-07:00

“We cannot progress in reformulating ‘social reality’ in obedience to the command to become part of the kingdom of God if we cannot detach ourselves sufficiently from the cosmos (world) to critique it on the basis of both sociological theory and biblical values.”

Looking Both Ways, page 166
By:Richard Perkins

2008-04-04T12:03:00.000-07:00

Truth and Feeling
“If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine;
and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free..” John 8:31-32

“. . . I don’t feel that you are right, so I know that you are wrong.[1]”

There is a subtle battle raging between feelings and Truth[2] and feelings are winning. Many hold to the philosophy of the opening quote, feelings trump Truth.
Some, on the other hand, have responded with an over emphasis on Truth. “Oh, you shouldn’t feel that way because the Truth is . . .” Such a statement discounts the reality of feelings when they are in conflict with Truth. At times such an attitude equates feelings with sin, bringing two possible results. First, a person with feelings contrary to Truth may be burdened with guilt for having feelings instead of living by Truth. Second, a person may intentionally put feelings above Truth, judging Truth by feelings instead of vise-versa.
The Truth is there need be no battle between feelings and Truth. It is not a matter of which is real, both are. It is a matter of balance and dominion. When a conflict between what is True and how you feel comes up, where you put the weight of your decision to act is vital.
When you allow feelings to dominate, making Truth its servant, discontentment and/or depression will be the eventual outcome. This is inevitable because feelings do not change what is True. Truth has a way of being consistent. All the feelings to the contrary will not change life as God has made it.
Conversely, when Truth dominates, making feelings its servant, life is richer. There is freedom to live life abundantly[3] when Truth is the filter.
In all cases, Truth must be the dominate filter through which feelings are assessed before action is taken. Truth does not eliminate or change feelings; it directs them in the right avenue of action.
Satan would have you feel abandoned and betrayed by God. He would have you feeling lonely and depressed. The Truth is that God has said He will never leave you or forsake you[4]. With Truth as your filter, you know that feelings to the contrary are false, regardless of how real they feel.
There is one vital ingredient in keeping feelings under the dominion of Truth and living in freedom. That ingredient is to know Truth by abiding in God’s Word. The Holy Spirit will teach you and guide you to the Truth[5] of every situation when you are willing to be taught and led by Him.
How do you feel about that?

© Written by Richard L. Roberts, director of Life Focus Ministries.

[1] Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand, pg. 385
[2] Truth is the person of Jesus Christ. John 14:6
[3] John 10:10
[4] Hebrews 13:5
[5] John 16:13

Measuring what is sane and normal

2008-04-01T12:53:00.000-07:00

“Christians must be extremely careful not to accept without question notions of sanity and normality which are based not on any theological principles, but on the social conventions of the day.”

Soul Friend, page 112
By Kenneth Leech

Boasting

2008-03-29T10:11:00.000-07:00

Boasting
“Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians1:31

Boasting is a sin! So say many and such is the position held by many Christians. Boasting is often seen to be birthed from pride and arrogance. In this context it is seen as bringing attention to the individual instead of bringing attention to Christ.
As such, the church has, for at least the last five decades, taught the opposite of boasting, humility. The practice of humility is supposed to be the antidote for pride and arrogance.
Sadly, like many things taught in religious circles, the teaching that boasting is a sin is inaccurate. Boasting, in and of itself, is not a sin. The object of the boasting is more the point of the issue. Yes, boasting can spring from arrogance and pride. Yet it can also spring from humility, as an act of worship.
In the scripture passage quoted above, Paul quotes a statement of Yahweh written in Jeremiah 9:23-24. “Thus says Yahweh, ‘Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am Yahweh who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,’ declares Yahweh.” This passage clearly identifies the boasting that is sin and the boasting that is not.
There is literally so much darkness in the world today that even those not spiritually attuned are aware of it. Listen to the news, look at the economic conditions around you, look at human relationships, and listen to the dreams that are shattered by human failure, failure brought about by each person living for himself. The life of greed, pride and self-promotion isn’t working anymore, never did really. Man’s boasting in his wisdom, might and riches is being revealed to be hollow. Families are torn apart, businesses are failing, and finances are crashing down around the ears of those who only a year ago thought they were living the American dream.
Spiritual leaders need to teach those God has given them how to boast in the Lord. This boasting must be practiced and modeled in the same way as the other spiritual disciplines. The world needs to hear of the lovingkindness, justice and righteousness of our almighty loving Father. They need to hear about the things which delight Him and see the personal intimate relationship one can have from those who understand and know Him.
Boasting is a must in the Christian walk! Boast in the Lord!

© Written by Richard L. Roberts, director of Life Focus Ministries.

Godly Sorrow

2008-03-21T09:52:00.000-07:00

What Kind of Sorrow?
“For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10

It is vital for spiritual leaders to understand the difference between the sorrow of the world and Godly sorrow. This passage in Second Corinthians shares the importance of understanding the difference and the two ways to measure what kind of sorrow you observe. You can measure sorrow by it roots and by its results.

The root of Godly sorrow is the heart of God. What does He value? How does He see mankind? Knowing the will of God and seeing the way in which man is living contrary to that will brings Godly sorrow. To watch man glory in the refuse and rags of sin when he can be living in the blessings of God brings with it Godly sorrow.

The result of Godly sorrow is repentance and salvation. When God reveals sin in your life and you recognize that sin is harming your relationship with Him, you willingly turn from the direction you are going to the direction He is going. Aware of your sin you sorrow at your sin while rejoicing in salvation. Godly sorrow is your motivation. Being made into Christ-likeness is your goal.

This repentance comes without regret. It’s like trading in a pound of manure for ten pounds of diamonds. No one in their right mind would regret that kind of trade. Leaving the darkness of sin behind you to walk in the light of Christ is just such a trade. There is never a hint of regret.
Finally, Godly sorrow leads to salvation. There are many ways in which this is true. First, when the things of God bring you sorrow those around you see that your values and your concerns go much deeper than your own interests. They see Jesus in you. Second, when your sorrow is the sorrow of God, your conversations with others will be toward meeting their need in Christ. Your discussions with others go to the root of conflict in people and Christ is praised.

What kind of sorrow do you have? What are the results of your sorrow? Has your sorrow led to repentance, yours and others? Does your sorrow come with regret? Has your sorrow brought you freedom in Christ, knowing that His sorrow is of value to you? Have you asked yourself, “Is this sorrow ‘according to the will of God?’”

© Written by Richard L. Roberts, director of Life Focus Ministries

Reality of The Holy Ghost

2008-03-18T12:38:00.000-07:00

“I had known the Holy Ghost as a heavenly influence to be invoked, but somehow I had not grasped the truth that he is a Person of the Godhead who came down to earth at a definite time and who has been in the church ever since, just as really as Jesus was here during the thirty and three years of His earthly life. . . .”

Dr. Adoniram Judson Gordon
They Found the Secret, pg 49-50
By V. Raymond Edman

The Truth

2008-03-03T11:18:00.000-08:00

“Since sin entered the stream of history man has created that which he calls truth but which is not. Furthermore, he has perverted, blunted, diluted, and corrupted that which was originally true truth that did come from God.”

Basic Theology, page 25
Charles C. Ryrie