Author: Kevin Burrell

In today’s upside-down culture, the crisis of leadership among men isn’t just a crisis—it’s a spiritual emergency. Too many men have allowed passivity to dominate their lives. I’ve seen firsthand the fallout: broken homes, directionless children, dysfunctional relationships, churches teetering on collapse, and communities unraveling from the inside out. But the issue isn’t a lack of leadership potential—it’s a rejection of what true, biblical leadership actually looks like. Real leadership isn’t self-centered; it’s self-sacrificial. It’s not about bullying your way to get what you want—it’s about leveraging your influence to help others grow.

A little context: King Ahab was evil—truly the worst of the worst. He married a woman named Jezebel, who was equally wicked. He would eliminate you if you so much as looked at him the wrong way. Yet the prophet Elijah stood toe to toe, face to face, before a king who had compromised truth for comfort, traded conviction for popularity, and exchanged the worship of God for the idols of the age. When Elijah confronted Ahab’s sin, he was branded “the one who brings trouble.”

Elijah was accused of being the problem when, in truth, he was the one standing for what was right. In a nation that had turned from God, Elijah’s courage and fearlessness called out and exposed sin, warning the people to turn back to God.

Today, godly men face the same challenge. When you stand for biblical values—uncompromising convictions, moral clarity, and righteousness—the world will label you a “troublemaker.” You can count on it. Like Elijah, wear it as a badge of honor. Standing for truth will make you unpopular before it makes you effective.

Don’t shrink back. Your home needs your strength. Your wife and children need your consistency—rooted in faith, not fear. Your church and community need to see your conviction lived out with humility and courage.

Leadership begins on your knees before God, then flows into your words, your example, and your integrity. The world doesn’t need more passive men; it needs anchored men who love truth more than approval from people.

In every generation, the world tries to silence men who speak truth. The culture applauds those who go along quietly—who nod, wink, and smile at compromise. Yet the moment you stand up for biblical values—when you refuse to bend on integrity, purity, or faithfulness—you may be labeled “the problem.” Wear the label proudly. Your responsibility is to please an audience of One—not the world.

Listen closely: Elijah’s courage sparked revival. Yours can too. Stand up for truth—lovingly but firmly—and the culture will take notice. Darkness always pushes back hardest when light begins to shine.

Don’t capitulate to comfort. Don’t yield your convictions to fit in. The same God who strengthened Elijah is with you right now. Be the man who speaks truth even when it costs. Be the man who leads with integrity when compromise seems easier. Be the man who refuses to bow to the world when everyone else does.

Honor conviction over compromise.

Love God. Love people. Live sent.

When a person works an eight-hour day and receives a fair day’s pay for their time, that is a wage. When a person competes against an opponent and receives a trophy for their performance, that is a prize. When a person receives recognition for their long service or high achievements, that is an award.

But when a person is not capable of earning a wage, can win no prize, and deserves no award, yet receives such a gift anyway, that is a picture of Mercy, Love, and Grace.

In a similar way, when we come to Christ by faith, something miraculous happens — we move from spiritual death to spiritual life. Once, sin ruled our hearts and Satan had his way through darkness and deception. But through Jesus, God gives us three divine gifts that make us truly alive: His Mercy, His Love, and His Grace.

1. His Mercy — Freedom from What We Deserve

Mercy means that God withholds the judgment we rightly deserve. Every sin we’ve ever committed demanded punishment — yet in His mercy, God looked upon us with compassion. Because of His mercy, we no longer live condemned. The chains of our past no longer define us. Mercy silences the enemy’s accusations and whispers: “You Are Forgiven.”

2. His Love — The Power That Transforms Us

Love is the heartbeat of God’s nature. It was love that sent Jesus to the cross, love that reached into the grave, and love that calls our names even now. This love doesn’t just comfort us — it transforms us. When we know God’s love, Satan’s lies lose their grip. The devil wants us to doubt God’s heart — to think we’re unworthy or forgotten. But the cross stands as eternal proof: “You Are Fully Loved.”

3. His Grace — The Gift That Sustains Us

Grace is God’s unearned favor and power working within us. Mercy spares us from punishment, love draws us near, but grace empowers us to live victoriously. Through grace, we are no longer under the authority of the enemy but under the authority of Christ. Grace reminds us that our failures do not define us — God’s faithfulness does. God says: “My Grace Is Sufficient for You.”

Listen Closely

Satan no longer has dominion over you; however, he still tries to influence you through four age-old tools in his toolbox:

• Temptation – to draw you away from God’s truth.

• Condemnation – to make you feel unworthy of forgiveness.

• Deception – to distort God’s Word and His character.

• Accusation – to remind you of your past and make you question your identity.

Remember

God’s Mercy covers your sin, His Love secures your identity, and His Grace empowers your victory.

That’s Good News!

Love God. Love people. Live sent.

Scott was a talented and passionate head baseball coach who poured himself into his work—always saying “yes” to every request, every practice, and every late-night call from his players, coaches, administrators, and recruits. He believed that giving more of himself would help his career path and his team succeed. However, he struggled with boundaries and time management. The demands of being a head baseball coach piled higher and higher. Instead of organizing his commitments and managing his time and life, Scott allowed them to consume him. His inability to say “no” wasn’t just about his team—it reflected his deep desire not only to please himself but to please others as well.

The continued “overcommit and under-deliver” mentality came at a heavy cost. His wife and children often sat at home waiting for him, missing his presence at family dinners, extracurricular school activities, and quiet evenings together. Scott did not manage his time—his time managed him. The people who loved him most saw less and less of the leader, husband, and father they needed. The imbalance grew until it became unbearable, leaving Scott burned out and emotionally drained. What began as a noble passion for coaching ended up hurting the very relationships that should have been his strongest foundation, eventually leading to divorce and costing him a lifelong relationship with his children.

When managing your time, consider the following:

1. Ask yourself: Is it worth it?
Every time you give yourself to an activity or commitment, you’re exchanging your life for it. Why? Because your time is your life. You get 1,440 minutes to manage your life every day. The question becomes: how are you managing that time to prioritize God, family, work, and relationships?

2. Understand what you’ll have to give up.
Most of us know how to make a to-do list. However, I challenge you to make a “what-matters-most” list for your life. Decide what’s most important by first asking God what matters most to Him. His wisdom is more important than your opinion.

3. Learn to say “no.”
We’ve become addicted to the speed of life, and it’s costing us our health, our relationships with family and friends, and most importantly, our walk with God. Slow down by saying “no” to the things that don’t make the “what-matters-most” list. It’s okay to say “no.” Decide how to manage your time so you’re not living your life out of balance.

Listen closely: Life is short. Learn to say “no” to some good things—or even right things—so you can say “yes” to the best things. If you’re burning the candle at both ends, you’re not as bright as you think you are. You’re going to flame out.

Govern the clock—don’t be governed by it.

I encourage you today: make the decision to manage your time and your life—or someone else will.

Love God. Love people. Live sent.

It’s a simple question that defies a simple answer. However, it must be answered. Death is inevitable. It’s coming for each of us. We won’t escape it. By God’s grace, if you live 40, 60, or 80 years—when your time on earth has come to an end, how will you be remembered?

What will you leave behind as the legacy of your life? I’m not simply referring to being a good athlete, coach, baseball scout, business owner, or community leader. No! When people talk about you (and they will), what will they say? What will be their first thought about you? How will they remember you?

Let me sharpen the question: What will the people who knew you best say about you when you’re gone? We all know that “casual acquaintances” can say what they want, but it doesn’t really matter or hold value, because they never truly knew you. However, you can’t fool your children, spouse, parents, work colleagues, or closest friends. They know the real truth because they lived with you, worked with you, did life with you, and watched you in many different situations, environments, and circumstances.

What will they say about you as they walk back to their cars while your casket is being lowered into the ground or your urn is sealed in a vault? How will you be remembered?

For the Apostle Paul, that was no idle question. When he wrote the book of 2 Timothy, he was in a subterranean prison, in chains, in Rome, under a sentence of imminent death. His days were numbered, and those numbers were quickly running out. He didn’t have five years left to get his affairs in order. The grains of sand in the hourglass had all but run out. Death by beheading was imminent. Paul knew he would never get out of prison alive.

That’s why he said: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

For Paul, the race of life was almost complete, and he knew it. Only one thing was left to do: send a message to his young disciple in the faith, Timothy, and give him a final word of instruction and encouragement. Then he could face his death with grace and courage.

By the way, how is Paul remembered today? He was put to death by that sadistic madman, Nero, the exalted emperor of the Roman Empire. Nero was the most powerful man in the world. And who was Paul, really? Just some Jewish preacher who claimed to follow Jesus? The man who wrote two-thirds of the New Testament? A man who was never ashamed of the gospel of Christ? Soon, the emperor would order him put to death. But that was not the end of the story.

Listen closely: Two thousand years have passed—and what does the world now say about Emperor Nero and the Apostle Paul?

People today name their dogs Nero and their sons Paul.

So how will you be remembered when you are gone? What will people say about you? Will it only be about your career success, material possessions, title, position, or power? Or will it be for your Christlike character, conduct, integrity—and your unashamed courage and passion for loving God, loving people, and living sent in every opportunity you had?

Which will it be? How will you be remembered?

The choice is yours.

I encourage you to choose wisely!

Love God. Love people. Live sent.

Planning is a part of daily life. We make plans for almost everything: what career path to pursue, how to provide for our families, where to live, whom to marry, when to retire, even what meals to prepare for the week.

Parents plan their children’s education. Leaders plan their meetings. Teachers plan their lessons. Students plan their schedules. Couples plan their weddings. Families plan vacations months in advance. The list could go on. Planning is not only wise but necessary, as it reflects stewardship and responsibility. The reality is: if you fail to plan, then plan to fail.

Yet, as much as we plan, there is a truth we cannot ignore:

God Is Sovereign Over All Our Steps

Don’t miss that! We may carefully map out the course of our lives; however, the Lord alone sees the beginning from the end. He knows what is best for us, and He lovingly guides our path—sometimes in ways we would never expect.

This does not mean our planning is pointless. Instead, it reminds us that while planning is our responsibility, trust is our posture. We must hold our plans with open hands, willing to let God redirect when He knows a better way. The foolish action is to kick down doors that God has clearly shut. It is comforting to know that our lives are not left to chance, mistakes, or even our limited vision. They are in the hands of God, who sees our life from beginning to end.

Listen Closely

Doors close, plans change, and life takes unexpected turns. Yet you can rest in this truth: God is never surprised. He is never caught off guard. His wisdom is greater, His timing is perfect, and His purposes are good.

So as you plan your days, your months, your year, your future, and your goals, remember to pray over them. Commit your ways to the Lord. Trust that His determination of your steps is not to harm you but to lead you into His best. Offer this prayer to God:

Lord, thank You that You hold my life in Your hands. I make my plans, but I trust You to guide my steps. Help me not to get ahead of You, but to surrender my will to Yours, knowing that Your ways are higher and always better than mine. Teach me to walk by faith, not by sight, and to rest in Your perfect plan for my life. Amen.

Love God. Love people. Live sent.

When watching football game highlights, we frequently hear the words “impact player.” A player who makes a game-saving tackle, interception, catch, or scores the winning touchdown or field goal is referred to as an “impact player” for his performance. Unfortunately, the term is used so often that it carries little meaning.

Some people end up giving their lives for the sake of a cause or to serve someone other than themselves. Such a person was former Arizona Cardinals safety Pat Tillman. Tillman was a high-energy player in the NFL who gained fame for his unrelenting play and ability to rise to any challenge. After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, Tillman turned down a lucrative multi-million-dollar contract from the Cardinals to join the U.S. Army and serve his country. In the end, Pat Tillman lost his life not on the football field, but on the battlefield. He “served God’s purpose in his own generation.”

In a similar way, David’s life was not defined by perfection but by purpose. He stumbled, he sinned, and he failed. He experienced seasons of triumph and seasons of despair. Yet Scripture summarizes his life with this simple, profound statement: he “served God’s purpose in his own generation.” That was the measure of his life.

The same is true for us. We are not called to live in another time or to carry someone else’s assignment. God has placed us here, in this generation, at this time, with its unique challenges, opportunities, and needs. Your purpose is now. God has woven into you gifts, passions, skills, abilities, and experiences that were meant for this very moment in history.

Listen closely: Just like David, there will come a day when your work on earth is complete—not a moment too soon and not a moment too late. Until then, every breath is a chance to serve the purpose of God—whether through faithful obedience in small things, courage in difficult moments, or love that reflects Christ in a broken and hopeless world.

The question isn’t how long you will live, but how faithfully you will live. Are you seeking your own agenda, or are you surrendered to God’s purpose? Are you busy with what will fade away, or are you investing in what will last forever?

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

For whatever time you have left on this earth, “serve God’s purpose in your own generation.” Leave a mark with your life that will outlive you when you are gone.

Love God. Love people. Live sent.

In northern California, vineyards are known for their ability to produce varying amounts of fruit—some yielding more, and others producing much more—depending on factors like vine care and environmental conditions. The process of pruning and nurturing the vines is essential for maximizing fruit. Interestingly, vineyards are categorized into three main types: “fruit, more fruit, and much fruit.” Each category reflects the vineyard’s cultivation practices and the quality of the grapes produced.

In John 15:5, Jesus makes a profound statement. Read it very closely:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.”

When you read John 15, you will notice the progression of life producing…

Fruit. More Fruit. Much Fruit!

This means a believer’s life is not static—it grows. God’s desire is not that we simply survive with little evidence of faith, but that our lives overflow and produce the character of Christ.

However, we get to choose. Living a “Much Fruit Life” depends on how deeply we choose to abide in Christ, how surrendered we are to His Spirit, and how willing we are to allow Him to prune us so we can grow in spiritual maturity.

The “fruit” Jesus speaks of is not our gifts, talents, achievements, or good works. It is the evidence of His character alive in us. Paul names this fruit clearly in Galatians 5:22–23:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

These nine attributes are what make Christ’s character visible to others through us. Every choice we make, every word we speak, every response we give has the potential to either draw people to His character—or drive people away from it.

Listen closely: To produce a “Much Fruit” life, you must continually abide in Jesus by spending time in His Word, leaning into daily prayer, and keeping your eyes fixed on Him, walking toward Him in obedience each day. It is not about trying harder in your own strength; it is about staying connected to the Vine. Remember, the branch never struggles to make grapes—the branch simply stays connected to the vine, and the life of the vine flows through it.

When you choose to surrender your will to God’s will, He prunes away what hinders your spiritual growth. The pruning may be uncomfortable at times, but it makes room for exponential growth.

The world does not need more Christians who look like the culture; it needs more Christians who are producing the character of Christ.

Live a “Much Fruit” Life.

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.

One early Sunday morning, a mother went in to wake her son and tell him it was time to get up and get ready for church. He replied, “I’m not going.”

“Why not?” she asked.

“I’ll give you two good reasons,” he said. “One, the people in the church don’t like me, and two, I don’t like them.”

His mother replied, “I’ll give you two good reasons why you should go to church. Number one, you’re 45 years old, and number two, you’re the pastor.”

All humor aside, reluctance in life will lead to:

• Missed opportunities

• Stagnation

• Strained relationships

• Increased anxiety

For the prophet Jonah, his reluctance to obey God’s call led to the following:

• Storm at Sea: Jonah’s attempt to flee from God’s command caused a violent storm that endangered not only his life, but also the lives of the sailors.

• Being Swallowed by a Great Fish: As a direct result of his disobedience, Jonah was swallowed by a great fish and spent three days and nights in its belly, experiencing the consequences of his choices.

• Delays in God’s Message: His disobedience delayed the delivery of God’s dire warning to the people of Nineveh, potentially risking their destruction.

• Personal Suffering and Humbling: Jonah experienced fear, isolation, and deep reflection, which ultimately humbled him and brought him back to obedience.

Jonah was a rebel on the run:

• In Jonah chapter 1, we see Jonah running away from God (Disobedience).

• In Jonah chapter 2, we see Jonah running toward God (Repentance).

• In Jonah chapter 3, we see Jonah running with God (Grace).

Listen Closely:

Make no mistake! Please do not miss the following point:

“Sin will take you farther than you want to go—keep you longer than you want to stay—and charge you more than you’re willing to pay.”

Sin and disobedience always produce consequences.

Reflection

I encourage you to ponder the following questions in your own life:

• Are you running away from something God is calling you to do?

• Are you living in willful sin and disobedience toward God?

• Are you showing compassion to others, even when you think they don’t deserve it?

• Are you willing to obey God even when the task is outside your comfort zone or feels too difficult?

Never forget: The pain of discipline is always less than the pain of regret. God redeemed Jonah, the running rebel, with His amazing grace—and He will do the same for you.

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.

In the Texas Hill Country, heavy rains have turned roads into rivers, destroyed homes, cut off entire communities, and changed families forever. Emergency crews continue working nonstop, using boats and helicopters to reach people still trapped by the flood. Among those helping and serving is Jonathan McComb from Corpus Christi, TX. He is part of Texas Search and Rescue, a volunteer group that responds to disasters across the state.

Jonathan’s mission with “TEXSAR” is deeply personal. Ten years ago, he and his family were swept away by a flash flood on the Blanco River in Wimberley, TX. He survived after being carried more than 10 miles downstream, though badly injured. However, his wife Laura and their two children, Leighton and Andrew, did not survive. Thirteen people were killed in that 2015 disaster, but Jonathan McComb was the lone survivor.

In that same flood, his 4-year-old daughter, Leighton, was never found—a fact that continues to drive him today. Now, ten years later, McComb has remarried and has a 5-year-old daughter who knows his story. Before leaving for this latest search, he explained to her why he needed to go: “That was a tough, tough hug when I left her on July 4th to come out here to help and serve others who are in desperate need, but she understood.” For McComb, his work is not just about rescue—it’s about serving, helping, and redemption.

Listen Closely: The story of Jonathan McComb is a reminder that true leadership, grounded in service, is marked by humility, empathy, compassion, and a deep commitment to the well-being of others. Great leaders understand that true influence is not about authority, power, position, or personal gain, but about lifting others up, meeting their needs, and creating environments where people can thrive through having a heart to serve.

They prioritize service to others before self. They inspire trust. They foster loyalty. They bring hope. They build stronger teams. A “servant-first” mindset transforms leadership from a position of power into a calling of purpose. Don’t miss this principle: Your success in life will be measured not by personal accolades, but by the growth, empowerment, and success of those you are leading, influencing, and serving.

Don’t believe it?

Just ask Jonathan McComb.

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.

We live in a culture that often measures leadership by competency: your talent, your skill level, how well you can perform, produce, and deliver results. Skill and talent are important; however, God’s blueprint for leadership begins somewhere entirely different.

Don’t miss this:

In 1 Timothy 3:1–2, Paul describes the qualifications for a church leader. Yet these same qualifications apply in coaching, scouting, and even to corporate CEOs. What’s striking is that the first several requirements in this passage have nothing to do with skill, talent, ability, or competence. Instead, they focus entirely on character and relationships.

• Character

“Above reproach,” “faithful,” “self-controlled,” “wise,” “good reputation.” These speak to who you are when no one is watching, how consistent your integrity is, and how well you steward the trust others place in you. Character is the foundation of influence. Without it, the platform collapses.

• Chemistry (Relationships)

“Enjoy having guests,” “faithful to his wife.” Leadership isn’t just about leading or managing people; it’s about liking people. It’s about loving people. It’s about genuinely caring for people. A leader who can’t connect with others will struggle to inspire them. They don’t prioritize getting to know their team members. They’re distant. They’re absent. Kindness, empathy, and genuine care for those you lead are non-negotiable.

• Finally, Competency

“Able to teach.” Skills matter, but they come after character and chemistry. A leader can have incredible ability, talent, and skill, but without integrity and relational trust, that ability will have no lasting impact.

1. Character – Who you truly are before God.

2. Chemistry – How you care for and connect with people.

3. Competency – What you can do with excellence.

Listen closely: All leaders are different. There is diversity. However, all great leaders lead with character (who you are when no one is looking) and chemistry (relationships). Failure is inevitable, but when you build your leadership around character and chemistry, your leadership won’t just impress—it will endure, with lasting impact and sustained influence.

Character—Chemistry—Competency
Three qualifications that lead to lasting impact as a leader.

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.