5 Ways to Be A Good Friend
“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: “What! You too? I thought I was the only one.” — C.S. Lewis
It has been said that friends are the truest treasure. I think that has great truth, unfortunately, there are few that find these treasures in quality & fewer those that find quality & quantity! Having invested in relationships that I thought were good, only to find myself disheartened and betrayed. I have found others that bring life, joy & unconditional love. I have all so discovered some principles in finding and keeping such great relationships:
Know Culture. Grow the Church.
I talk with a lot of pastors and leaders. Pastors and leaders from different places and different sized places.
Specifically, as I talk to pastors and leaders in rural places, in small towns, across the country, I hear desperation in their voices about their community. You see, I’ve come to realize that pastor and leaders are wired for their community and context. The best leaders, are leading where they are because of a great call from God… because they’ve heard God tell them to lead where they are.
Perception is King!
When we hurt someone or offend them because they misinterpreted our actions, it’s really easy for us to dismiss the offense and excuse it because it wasn’t our intention. We can always blame it on them for being easily offended or soft, but the truth is, we have to be responsible for the perception we give. That’s a part of being Craveable.
3 Things That Kill A Leader’s Leadership
Defensive
If you’re defensive as a leader, it means you aren’t leading with confidence and the conviction you need. I’ve always said that if we’re defensive as leaders, it’s our vision and not God’s. Only the person that created the vision has to defend it. If God created it and gave it to us, we don’t have to defend it, only steward it.
If you find yourself wanting to throw down when someone doubts something or doesn’t like something you do, it may be that you are acting in your own way, not in God’s vision.