Self-Leadership

Dear Southtowners,
As we have been focusing on Leadership for the past month, we need to talk about the most difficult leadership job there is; the overwhelming task of leading yourself. You are the hardest person to lead. Learning the leadership skill of "Self-Leadership" is extremely important and often overlooked.

How can any of us effectively lead others if our passion is gone, our souls are wounded and our courage is dried up? Do you regularly debrief with yourself about the condition of your soul, the mission God has called you to, the passion burning in your heart, the inner workings of your life?

Let's not forget about Jesus' pattern. After intense ministry, Jesus would get alone with God and His disciples for prayer, fasting, solitude, reflection, and recreation. Jesus knew the importance of having His mission crystal clear, His soul strong and encouraged, His passion white hot, His love for God and sinful people bursting. Are you following Jesus' example?

How is your soul?
How is your passion?
How is your character?
How is your ego, pride, humility?
How are you dealing with your inner issues that raise havoc in your soul, your relationships and your mission in life?

Do you remember the healthiness and wisdom of Jesus when He fed the 4,000? "During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, 'I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat...' After Jesus (fed and) sent them away, Jesus got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha." Mark 8:1-2 & 9

Can you see Jesus' bursting love for the people with the word "compassion?"
Can you see the wisdom of Jesus to get away for a time of refreshment and refilling with God's presence, wisdom and direction? 
Have you thought, what would it take from me to minister to thousands like Jesus?

How are you doing at leading yourself?
What do you need to do to get re-calibrated to be all of who God dreamed and calls you to become?
What spiritual exercises do you need to re-engage?
What relationships do you need to re-connect with in order to help your soul?

Remember, the best gift you can give the people in your life is a healthy, energized, fully alive in Christ you.

Praying for all of us to grow in the skill of self-leadership,
Pastor Chris