Lighten Up!

Miserable leaders make for a miserable organization. Too many leaders are miserable, defeated, fatigued, frustrated and angry, and then they wonder why everyone around them is the same way. I believe that a leader must have a sense of humor, even being able to laugh at him/herself. Joyful leaders create a climate for a joyful and hopeful organization.

Jesus came to give us joy and an abundant life (John 16:24; John 10:10). The Apostle John tells us that he writes so that our joy may be full (1 John 1:4). The Bible tells us that Jesus is going to present us faultess before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy (Jude 24). The joy of the Lord is our strength (Neh. 8:10). Yet I meet and read the posts of so many mad pastors. Lighten up. Enjoy the journey.

I once heard someone talk about "destination disease." They imagine that when they get "there"--wherever there is--then they will be happy, satisfied, and joyful. But it turns out that "there" is a moving target and few people ever get there, so I've decided to enjoy the journey. It's a good day to be alive and living for God.

It is doubtful that depressed leaders will be very attractive to the followers. If you look like you're about to jump off a cliff, don't expect many followers. Smile. Laugh. Laugh at yourself and laugh with others--not the other way around. As long as you're alive, all things are possible. One of the number one attributes of successful leaders is a positive attitude.