Awesome Christian Leaders have a lot in common. In this episode we review traits shared by Awesome Christian Leaders. 1. Everyone must be treated with dignity and respect! a. At the most basic level, we dignify people by recognizing their value as human beings who are made in the image of God b. "Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, and honor the king" (1 Pet. 2:17) 2. High moral standards a. 1 Cor. 15:33 Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals." 3. Every day, positive attitudes, behaviors, and interactions! a. Hope i. Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. b. Faith i. Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." 4. Take a stand for what is right, not what is convenient. a. I recently spoke with someone who revealed their greatest struggle with faith, and it may be the same as yours. There is no shame in it, but this person is afraid to address their position on hot-button issues for fear of receiving backlash. The bad thing was that I did not even have to inquire why. I understand how difficult it is. I understand how painful it is to be persecuted. I understand how unjust it is to be overlooked. I am aware of the overwhelming response. I am aware that the adversary appears to be stronger. I am aware of the high costs. We have a duty in Christ to be strong (Ephesians 6:10), to fight (2 Timothy 4:7), to be separate (2 Corinthians 6:17), to be courageous (Joshua 1:9), to suffer (1 Peter 3:17), to be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12), to be hated (John 15:18). We all have a duty to stand for righteousness and spread the Gospel (Mark 16:15). I know the adversaries are loud and seem great in number. I know they will not come to reason or fight a fair fight. I know that they are boastful and proud in/of their sin. Nevertheless, Christ is with us (Deuteronomy 20:1), and He is greater (Deuteronomy 10:17). 5. Take a stand for yourself a. God gives strength to his people. He enables them to be courageous through his gift of faith. God proves himself faithful to his promises and enables his people to trust him in everyday life. 6. Be truthful and upright – be faithful to your word. a. Chuck Swindoll says - This rare breed of man is almost extinct. Whether an executive or an apprentice, a student or a teacher, a blue or white-collar worker, a Christian or a pagan—rare indeed are those who keep their word. b. When a man . . . takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said. (Numbers 30:2 NIV) c. Judge yourself on keeping your word. i. When you reply, "Yes, I will pray for you,"—do you? ii. When you tell someone they can depend on you to help them out—can they? iii. When you say you will be there at such-and-such a time—are you? iv. When you obligate yourself to pay a debt on time—do you? 7. Help those around you (work) - relationships and service to others are central to life. a. Wayne helped local store b. Hebrews 13:16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. 8. Do everything with passion a. Passion is contagious i. Sports team b. Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. c. What are you passionate about? What should a Christian be passionate about? i. (Abhor) Hate What is Evil. Christians struggle with the term "hate." Rather than that, we use terms such as "dislike." However, that is not strong enough! God desires that we HATE evil! "The fear of the Lord is to despise evil," Proverbs 8:13 states. "I despise pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverted mouth." It is past time for Christians to hate evil. Of course, I am not advocating that we should hate evil people! Instead, we should want no part of their