Introduction To The Leader's Journey预览

INTRODUCTION TO THE LEADER'S JOURNEY

Day TWO: Lead SELF

Devotion 

The first, and often most challenging, responsibility of a leader is to lead SELF. King Jotham understood this and it transformed his life. It resulted in him becoming a ‘mighty’ leader.

“So, Jotham became mighty because he ordered his ways before the Lord his God.” — 2 Chron. 27:6 NASB

Does it surprise you that self-leadership is job #1 for a leader? Jotham was not mighty because he had a great vision or a big army or an amazing leadership team or even an important position and title. He was mighty ‘because’ he did something. That something was to regularly lead himself into the presence of God and order his life. Everything flowed from his self-leadership discipline.

Self-leadership is no easy task. Life is noisy and many voices clamor for our attention and time. 

According to Jotham, self-leadership involves ‘ordering our ways.’ This means we think through our life and assess how we are doing. Jotham did this exercise mindful that God was with him ... he was, 'before the Lord.’ He consciously recognized God’s presence and welcomed it as he did self-leadership. He did the exercise WITH God.

What aspects of life should self-leadership touch? Here are four areas to regularly consider.

MENTAL - EMOTIONAL - PHYSICAL - SPIRITUAL

Inspect your heart today by asking the following questions:

Mental:  

What issues, topics, and challenges receive most of my mental energy? 

What skill do I need to learn?

What am I doing to grow wiser? 

Emotional: 

Is there anything I’m feeling fear or anxiety about today?

Are my relationships healthy, life-giving, and productive?

Are there any experiences from my past that are negatively leaking into my leadership?

Physical:

Do I honor God with my exercise and nutrition?

What is my current stress level and how am I dealing with it?

Do I sleep well and do I take a day off each week to honor God?

Spiritual:

Is my communication with God honest, current, and fresh?

Is God’s Word a priority to me?

Is my worship honoring God and renewing my spirit?

Remember, as a leader you cannot delegate self-leadership to anyone. It is your responsibility to lead YOU. 

Prayer —

Father, there is so much noise in my life; so many voices making suggestions on what I should do and how I should live. Grace me with the wisdom to pause and recognize your invitation to assess my life and make adjustments. Speak to me throughout this day as I strive to lead myself well in Your presence.