Since I started the Leadership class around a month ago, I have discovered what is truly important about Christian leadership. My abilities as a leader and what I do have no lasting impact on people, but rather it is submission to the work that Christ is doing in me that allows for an example to follow. I have seen an improvement not only in my boldness as a leader, but also in the hidden and secret things that create that. I have always had an easy time relating to people, paving pathways to go down, and not fearing failure, but never have I stopped to think about what lies beyond being a loud voiced character. Over the course of the past month my eyes have been opened to the reality of internal leadership and the value of Christ-like character that results only from the work of the Holy Spirit. Specifically speaking, tools such as the Systems Thinking Analysis, the Freedom/Victim Circles, and SMART Goals have helped me to assess my personal leadership and figure out how to become not only a better leader but follower of Christ as well.
Taking my thoughts captive has always been a very vague, chritianese idea that I have never fully grasped. It wasn’t until I went through the Systems Thinking Analysis that I was finally able to take hold of what Paul meant. From this tool, I have learned that my thought life can be shaped and molded by actively focusing my mind on the things that are above. This was the practical lesson that I had been looking for. During this particular week, I was challenged to be in constant prayer and connection with the Lord throughout my day. Working out this tool resulted in me finding more patience and love where I would usually react in pride and anger. As I have conscientiously chosen to put my mind into System 2 thinking, I have found that my initial reactions to frustrated or hard situations have become more Christ-like. As I continue to walk this process out, I plan to saturate my mind in godly things so that my thoughts and reactions will be in overflow from that. I have done this so far by dedicating time that I’d normally spend using my phone or watching movies towards reading Scripture and spending time in prayer.
Similarly, the Freedom/Victim Circles have helped me to analyze my heart as I go throughout my day. I use this tool to keep watch on my attitude and perspective so that I do not fall into the trap of being a victim. When I control my thoughts and allow God to transform my outlook on life, I walk in freedom. My team and I constantly keep each other in check on this topic. I have discerned how to call my brothers out, in love, so that they can live in the fullness that God has for them. Also, I have learned how to accept correction in humility. There have been many times where I have landed in the Victim circle and have been called out by a teammate. This is where Systems Thinking and the Circles collide. I take down my walls of defense and allow for my brother to call me into a higher level of following Jesus. Dedicating my mind to receiving feedback with humility has been a huge application of Systems Thinking. Also, learning how to use these tools not only in my own life, but also in the lives of my peers has been a great way to step into exhortation and discipleship as a whole. For the foreseeable future, my team and I have decided to give each other feedback whenever we find that one of us is playing the victim. Likewise, I am memorizing a piece Scripture each week so that I can fall back on God’s truth when I find myself not walking in freedom.
Now, the SMART Goals tool has helped me implement both of these concepts in practical ways. I have realized that my past goals have been either unclear, unattainable, or both. Since learning about this tool, whenever I have a goal I ask my self three main questions: Is it specific? Is it reasonable? Is it attainable? Using this criteria I have filtered out unrealistic plans and created concrete steps to accomplish what I want to get done. I have set SMART goals according to how I want to grow in controlling my thoughts and walking in freedom. By doing this, I have been able to track my progress and see where I need to work harder. My team and I have used this tool to come up with a path to where we want to be at the end of the Race. Every week we sit down and assess where we are at and how we can continue to follow through on our goals. Through this, we have become closer and more vulnerable in our brotherhood.
Due to these tools and practices, I have become equipped with ways to improve my personal integrity and leadership. Since I am one that tends to fall into apathy, each of these proactive tools has helped me to keep myself in check. While this month has been packed full of revelation and conviction, I have seen tremendous growth. Because of this, I have been able to step up into leadership roles in my ministry and impart the wisdom that I have gained to others. God has used the Systems Thinking Analysis to renew my mind and focus me on his will. With a renewed mind I have been able to discover and live out freedom in the Lord. Finally, through SMART Goals, I have solidified plans to get from my Here to my There in an attainable fashion. All of these concepts are allowing me to become a better leader by first leading myself. As each day goes by I am growing in more and more outward boldness because my inward being is abiding in the Lord’s truth.
