Spiritual Leadership

Hello faithful readers!!  OK, that's probably a little ironic.  Even if I had faithful readers, I post so infrequently, I'm sure they would quickly find better blogs.  Oh well...

Pre-intro:  Before I get into this topic, I gotta tell ya, it's a lovely Saturday.  Light snow outside.  I'm now sitting in front of the fireplace (yes, with a real fire).  I was helping my neighbor get unstuck from the snow.  That was quite the ordeal, but I love outdoor activities.  Fun fun.  Anyhow, now, cozy and in front of the fire.  Happy.

Disclaimer:  I'm not sure who my audience is (or isn't rather) so for the disclaimer I want to warn readers that I like to go to church.  I like thinking about God, pondering life, trying to figure it out, getting frustrated when I don't, etc.  So, don't be surprised to see God, faith and the Bible woven into today's blog post.


Real Intro:  So, what brings this up?  We'll two things really:  #1 I've been talking with some of my good guy friends (Greg, Dan, Gabe, others) on the topic (I don't think anybody has an answer, so I'm going to type below and see if an answer comes out).  #2 My SO has specifically said that she wants me to be the spiritual leader of us / our family.  So, given that, if I want to do it, I'd better figure out what exactly it is I'm gonna do!


Background:  There are several texts from the Bible often quoted on this topic.  Here are a few:  Coll 3:19, Eph 5:25 and 1 Cor 11:3.  This isn't a Bible study, it's Ben rambling on what his thoughts are on the topic, but feel free to check out those references and think and ponder for yourself.


(so let's get started)
I'm going to start from my context:  loving committed relationship between two people both liking church, the Bible and seeking/serving God.  That being the case, what exactly is a spiritual leader supposed to do!?  and how!?


I'll start by quoting and e-mail from my SO:  "I want you to be a "strong hand" and be led by God so that you can lead me/us (family). I would also like to be led by God so don't worry about having to do it all."  (I think this is well put!) but to elaborate, I think a spiritual leader should...


#1) Relentlessly, tirelessly pursue God.  Seek to know and understand who God is, how He works, etc.  Read the Bible, pray, etc.  Know God.  Have an active living intentional relationship with your maker.  Now, with all this knowledge and understanding, live a transformed life (Godliness).
     a) apply #1 first to yourself as an individual
     b) apply #1 with your SO.  Nudge them as an individual to do this for themselves.   
     c) apply #1 to your family which might just be the two of you for starters, but as your family or extended family grows, apply it.  Do #1 with your extended family.

Now that you've mastered #1 (pretend you have) it can be applied to life, to handling the ups and downs, etc.  From a place of #1 you can wisely handle your finances (spending, saving, giving, etc.).  From a place of #1 you can intentionally invest your time (be balanced, invest in fruitful opportunities).  Life may not be easy, but it will be good. :)


#2)  So we don't get stagnant, set stretch goals and nudge yourself, your SO and family to get to the next level.  What is the next level?  I don't know, but you will.  You know where you are, your shortcomings, etc.  Set your mind on God's agenda not your own (See Rom 8:5 and Col 3:1-2).  Now the key to being a spiritual leader is that not only do you need to do all this for yourself first, but also, look out for the best interests of your SO and family.  Bring them with you! 

Here's an example:  It's like planning a family vacation.  The leader checks with people and gets it on the calendar, we're going to Cancun on March19th.  The leader buys tickets.  He makes it happen.  He spreads the word and gets everybody excited to go.  He drives the car to the airport and makes it happen.  Can we as spiritual leaders, be cheer leaders to 1) be excited our self for God 2) share that excitement and energy in a positive way so that it's contagious? 

We plan vacations and make them happen.  Can we do the same thing with something as simple as going to church on Sunday?  Can we?  Pick a church, schedule the time, drive there, actively participate, debrief on the way home and apply God's truth to our life (see #1 above).  I think we can, but it does really start with #1 above. 

That's what I got.  What do you think? 
(I gotta go do more #1 before SO gets home)

Just a good quote...

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." -Harold Thurman Whitman