On a scale of 1 to 10
You know that dream you had...that vision for your ministry, for yourself as you serve the Lord? Where is it today?
On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being still at the starting point and 10 being fully realized...where is that dream?
I’ve had lots of ideas and dreams that never happened. Some remained simply dreams. Others I took down the path, did some preparation and prayer, and never saw the dream come through to fulfillment. I gave up on the dream.
There were some visions that I began to work on until it was obvious it wasn’t going to happen. Then, a few years later, that vision became reality. It was God’s timing that made the difference.
Mark Batterson is well known for some of his great books— The Circle Maker, Draw the Circle, In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day, and others. He is also a lead pastor of a church in Washington, DC. In Draw the Circle he admits,
“None of my dreams have ever happened quickly or easily.” That kind of takes the wind out of my sails. I often want to go right from having the vision to seeing the vision come about. It rarely happens that way.
Batterson asks what would have happened if the Israelites had stopped circling Jericho after six trips around its walls? Or if Naaman had only dipped in the Jordan River six times instead of the seven that Elisha had told him to do? It is clear that God’s miracle blessing would have not happened, and these folks would have been robbed of the blessing the Lord intended for them.
Batterson reminds us that we need to keep faith in the One who is always faithful. God will accomplish His will, but it comes in His timing, not ours.
“Sometimes God will push us to our absolute limits...the limits of our faith, of our patience, of our gifts. That is how God stretches our faith and builds our character.”
Dr. Richard Blackaby talks of a crisis of belief that comes to us at critical times in our lives. You have a vision for ministry. You have a dream for establishing something new or growing your ministry to new heights or in new directions...but you get no support and you feel inadequate to accomplish it on your own. Dr. Blackaby says you must realize that God is God. He can accomplish through you...in His time...what He has put on your heart. Blackaby says don’t lose heart.
“You have joined a long line of people that God has done amazing things through...but you are going to have to believe Him and you are going to have to obey Him.”
Batterson puts it this way, “If you don’t get out of the boat, you’ll never walk on water.” The Israelites would have never left Egypt if they hadn’t stepped into the water of the Red Sea. They would never have seen that first victory at Jericho if they had stopped circling the walls before the seventh time.
So...where is your dream today? On a scale of 1 to 10, where do you see this vision from God? Have you stopped short in the process of obeying God’s vision? Have you given up too soon when the Lord has shown you His plan for your ministry, your life?
It is all about belief in God and obedience to His vision for you, your ministry, and your life. And it is for God’s plan and His glory. It's not about you. Success or failure (by human standards) is not important. Obedience to the Lord is key.
Dr. Henry Blackaby admits that the Lord sometimes asks us to do something beyond our ability to accomplish.
“Will God ever ask you to do something you are not able to do? The answer is yes—all the time! It must be that way, for God's glory and kingdom. If we function according to our ability alone, we get the glory; if we function according to the power of the Spirit within us, God gets the glory. He wants to reveal Himself to a watching world.” -Experiencing God Day by Day
Remember, those who have taken the step of faith are watching to see if you will obediently run the race and follow God’s vision.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith....Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT
If you don’t get out of the boat, you’ll never walk on water.
How’s your big toe?
Well, it sure caught my attention. I was reading a devotional by my pastor Dr. Robert Jeffress and I read this thought:
“Nobody stubs his toe standing still.”
Interesting comment. And what is wrapped around that thought is the idea that mistakes will come. Problems will arise. We will sometimes fail. That “stubbed toe” is a sign that you are moving forward, active, trying to get somewhere.
Suppose you are walking through your house to go to the kitchen for a cup of coffee and you hit your toe on a table leg. Ouch. Been there, done that. There might be some hopping around and grabbing of the painful toe. And then you would probably just limp on into the kitchen to get that cup of coffee.
Imagine, though, that you just sat down on the floor and said to yourself, “That’s it. I’m done. I sure won’t try that again. I guess I’ll just give up coffee. In fact, I think I’ll just carefully retreat to my room and never come out.” Crazy. Silly. Yet sometimes we do similar things when we stumble in our work and ministry.
As has been said by others...failure isn’t final. That is such good news. And it isn’t just positive thinking, it’s the truth from the Lord Jesus.
One of the most poignant passages in scripture has to do with failure. Predicted failure. You remember Peter...who often said things without fully thinking them through...saying to Jesus at the last supper, “Lord, you can count on me...even to the point of death.” Jesus responded to him with words that had to upset his disciple.
“Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” Luke 22:34 NLT
Here is the passage that touches me from the events that had happened just a few hours after that encounter in the upper room. Peter had made his way to the courtyard of the high priest where Jesus had been taken by the Jewish guards. Three different people had tried to link Peter to Jesus. Each time, Peter quickly denied he even knew Jesus, the third time in rather strong language.
And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly. Luke 22:61-63 NLT
Denial. Defeat. Failure. I’m sure when Peter's eyes met the Lord's gaze he immediately thought his life and worth as a disciple of Christ was over. He did far more than just stub his toe. It was a big-time, predicted failure to which he had succumbed.
Yet after Christ’s resurrection Peter found himself on the beach with the Savior, and Jesus made a point of restoring Peter. Three denials? Three times the Lord gave Peter an assignment. Feed my lambs. Take care of my flock. Feed my sheep. Restored. Set back on path to God’s goal.
Failure is NOT final...not in God’s economy. Yes, it may hurt. Yes, there are lessons to be learned. But if our eyes are on the goal...serving Christ at all cost...a little failure should not sideline us for God’s purpose. We see the obstacle. We learn to navigate around it or avoid it. But we move on.
If you have stubbed your toe...get over it. Keep your eye on God’s goal...and keep moving forward. It’s what Jesus wants you to do.
Another pair of glasses
A few years ago I switched from contacts back to wearing glasses. I took my eye doctor’s suggestion to get “progressive” lenses that are blended from near to far vision correction. It was like having three pairs of glasses in one. It took a while to get used to them, but I’m now glad I don’t have to change glasses over and over in order to take in different views.
Leaders need to see things from different viewpoints if they are going to be effective in guiding their organization to achieve its goals. They need a number of different lenses if they are going to see how to clearly lead their ministry, business, or organization. Dr. Richard Blackaby recently wrote on that topic with some great insight on effective leadership. Here are some highlights of the viewpoints that leaders need.
1. 30,000-Foot View
The problem for many of the foot soldiers and lower level managers in an organization is their limited view. They tend to focus exclusively on their department or the specific line items in the budget pertaining to them. They don’t see the big picture....
Leaders must rise above a department, building, or normal routine to see their organization from a higher view. Doing so will help them discern how the various parts are connected. Seeing the big picture helps leaders identify potential dangers and opportunities. Leaders must keep the big picture before them.
2. A Future View
While every job involves adapting to future needs and challenges, some jobs tend to focus on the present.
Warren Bennis once said the difference between managers and leaders is that managers focus on doing things right, while leaders focus on doing the right things.
Leaders who have an eye toward the future know procrastinating could be fatal. Leaders can’t operate based solely on today; they must lead with tomorrow in view.
3. An Organizational View
Leaders are often pressured to act in certain ways.
Obviously, a happy staff may have better morale. But if the company goes broke, the staff morale no longer matters.
Companies have wanted to hold on to their best staff, but they have also had to nurse their shrinking cash reserves. Loyalty to employees is noble, but those employees will face unemployment if the company goes bankrupt. Leaders must have an eye on what’s best for the organization.
4. People View
Organizations do not typically exist merely to provide jobs for employees. Companies are built to make profits for shareholders. Organizations have a mission, and staff are hired to fulfill that mission.
That said, it is impossible to achieve your organization’s purpose if you mistreat people. As a Christian, you are a steward of every life God puts into your care. You are called to love them and treat them in a manner that glorifies God.
Leader’s constantly keep their eye on what’s important, and that usually means people.
5. God’s View
The final viewpoint leaders must nurture is heaven’s view. Does their organization’s conduct glorify God?
... wise leaders understand that they need God’s blessing on their endeavors, so it is crucial that they remain alert to what God is doing in their organization.
...if you ask the wrong question, you’ll get the wrong answer. Rather than asking, “What are you doing?” began asking, “What have you seen God doing from your vantage point in this organization?” That question leads to an entirely different discussion!
If questions are asked about them and their work, they would concentrate on themselves. If God-oriented questions are asked, the staff will focus on Him.
Dr. Blackaby wraps up his thoughts on leadership vision with these comments:
“Leaders must put on at least five different pairs of glasses to see their organization in full. If your organization has been struggling or plateaued or underperforming, perhaps you need to look at it from another angle.” If the Lord has you in a leadership role, He will guide you as you are attentive to His voice in your heart. Leadership is not easy. That’s probably why God told Joshua over and over again,
...be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 NLT
Lead on!
What’s that in your hand?
There is a credit card company that uses famous actors to extol the wonderful virtues of using their card. Their now-famous line at the end of the commercials is, “What’s in your wallet?” In other words, with their credit card in your wallet, you have great spending power and all your cares are over...until the bill comes in the mail!
In a higher (and holier way) God says to us...”What’s in your hand?”
If we are learning anything in these days of stay-at-home edicts and pandemic crisis, it is that we can do without a lot of things we thought we needed. We often approach the ministry and task to which the Lord has called us by saying, “If only I had this tool,” or “If I had that set of people on my team,” thinking this is what is needed to do what God has enlisted us to do.
Reading through the Bible, an annual practice of mine for over 10 years, has recently taken me back through Exodus. We find the amazing story of Moses, who was in great favor with the Egyptian royalty, then out of favor and somewhat exiled to the back side of the wilderness tending flocks. Until God spoke to him.
You remember the encounter? The bush in the wilderness was burning...but it wasn’t burning up. Just burning. Moses said to himself, “I have got to see this amazing sight.” Of course, when he arrived, he found himself on holy ground with the great God of the universe speaking directly to him. Moses was shocked and overwhelmed at the assignment God has for him. Who wouldn’t be? But that feeling led Moses to express himself to God in a way that angered the Lord. Moses wondered out loud...
“Who am I?”
A number of years ago I was on the verge of being named to a key position. It was a position of honor...but it was overwhelming to me. So much so that I called my spiritual mentor Dr. Henry Blackaby and explained my situation. And I quoted Moses at that point. “Who am I.” I should have remembered what happened when Moses said that. Dr. Blackaby did remember...and he gently said to me, “Ron, you shouldn’t be saying, ‘Who am I?’ You should be saying, ‘Who is God?’” And he was absolutely right.
As I recently reread that encounter between God and Moses, I was struck by a phrase that the Lord uttered to Moses as he was trying to explain his mission and how it would be accomplished.
“What is that in your hand?” Exodus 4:2 NLT
Moses was trying to figure out how it was all going to work. God wanted Moses to simply commit and obey. What Moses had in his hand was what he had been using for those 40 years to herd sheep and goats. A shepherd’s staff. A rod. A big stick. But God had a formula for success that went way beyond Moses understanding. Here it is.
God + You + Your Obedience = Success
The Lord then began to show Moses how it was going to work. If Moses would be obedient, be willing to use what was already in his hand, and follow God’s direction, Moses would be successful in rescuing the children of Israel from the oppression of people of Egypt. Miraculous things would happen.
Today, we have a world living under sin’s oppression. What will it take for us to successfully show them there is freedom in Christ?
What is in your hand?
What has the Lord already provided for you in the way of skills, opportunities, wisdom, and passion? Will you be obedient to the Lord as He speaks to your heart? Instead of saying “Who am I?” or “How can I do this great task?” you should simply say, “Yes, Lord. Use me and what I have in my hand to impact lives with your Truth.”
What’s in your hand?
Fear of the unknown...
When history looks back on the year 2020, one word may emerge above all others. No, not pandemic or Covid-19. I believe the word will be “unprecedented.” In so many ways, our world has never walked this rough road before. Yes, we have had other pandemics and disasters. But nothing compares to the global reach of the coronavirus impact on health, lifestyles, the economy, and our own personal mindset.
Things we thought we couldn’t live without become much less important in light of today’s crisis. Things we never thought were critical...like masks and hand sanitizer...rocket to the top of our lists. And we even begin to do the irrational...like buy and hoard rolls of toilet paper, as if it had some mystical power to ward off the virus.
Jobs are lost. Lives are put in jeopardy. Heroes in the health and emergency services step up and work tirelessly. And “stars” are made out of the ones who give daily reports and updates on the status of the virus, its impact, deaths, and other pertinent information.
Unprecedented. And unsettling.
How do you lead others when fear of the unknown abounds? My longtime friend Robert McFarland speaks to leaders of ministries and businesses through his Transformational Impact organization. Robert’s years with National Religious Broadcasters and several fundraising and leadership organizations have given him great insight in the area of organizational leadership.
He recently wrote of helping your team combat the fear of the unknown like we are experiencing today. Many are wondering about their own personal safety and that of their family. They are questioning in their mind if they will have a job next week or next month. Lots of questions, few solid answers. Robert McFarland says as a leader,
“Even if you don’t have all the answers right now...you can provide some stability for your team and help them combat fear in this crisis.”
Some take-aways from Robert’s recent blog:
Be the shepherd.
Your leadership is needed now more than ever. With all the uncertainty and fear swirling around them, your team is looking for comfort in the storm. They need you to be the shepherd for the team.
People can be a lot like sheep, especially when they are afraid. They are looking for reassurance. Your people may make decisions that are not normal because fear is taking its toll in their lives. Be patient; be understanding. You don’t have to lower your standards, but you do need to make allowances for people to process the change in their lives.
Communicate fully.
It’s important to communicate fully what you know with your team. Don’t keep them guessing.... The absence of clear information will create rumor mills. Don’t allow rumor mills to take over in your team or your organization. As you communicate with your team, remember why you communicate in the first place: the purpose of communication is not just to transmit information, it is to develop relationships
Keep your focus.
Be real with your team. Explain to your team that you are focused on shepherding them, but that you are also focused on shepherding the organization. Your team needs to be reminded that your first loyalty is to the organization and all its stakeholders.... Remind your team that you are leading the organization now in such a way as to secure the future of your organization. By focusing on the needs of all your stakeholders, you will be more prepared to shepherd your organization through the crisis.
You can access the full blog and other information from Robert McFarland by clicking HERE.
I like Robert’s final thoughts for leaders in these unprecedented days:
"As you provide stability for your organization, be aware that fear will take its toll not only on your team, but it can take its toll on you, too. You have to combat the fear in your own life before you can help your team combat their fear. But remember that courage is merely acting in spite of fear. So be courageous as you provide stability in this crisis, so that your team will have the courage to move forward, too."
Your work, your ministry, and your team are needed now more now than ever before. And the opportunity for presenting the Gospel with today’s powerful media platforms is also unprecedented. Yet the need is as old as time. Jesus saw the need and expressed it this way:
....I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.
John 4:35 NLT
Let’s lead our teams into the fields and be part of God’s harvest team. Not with fear...but with deep faith.
Not the smartest person in the room?
I’ve got some good news! For those of us who often feel we aren’t the smartest person in the room, we can still be a person of real and lasting influence. Whether it is our kids, our staff, or our circle of friends we want to influence, most of us would like to be able to have a positive effect on these people and influence them for God and for good.
Dr. Richard Blackaby recently wrote on being a person of influence, sharing some important points and some examples from the life of his father and my spiritual mentor, Dr. Henry Blackaby. “My father, Henry, was a shy, introverted Canadian. But God used him to exert enormous influence on others.”
Richard points out that we are inundated with those who want to influence us on a daily basis.
“Political candidates constantly vie for people’s attention. Social media has provided a forum in which anyone can pontificate about their views, regardless of how misguided they might be. People clamor for attention and, at times, go to great lengths to obtain it. People often make outrageous or eye-catching statements on social media for no other apparent reason than to capture people’s attention for a few brief moments.”
People often sought out the godly wisdom Dr. Henry Blackaby shared, and with that wisdom came great influence. I was one among many who asked for guidance from this man who, though shy and certainly with his flaws, spoke wisdom into the hearts of kings, presidents, and top CEOs. A man of influence.
What does it take to have such impact? Richard Blackaby lists these items as key for a person desiring to have godly influence.
• Have something of value to say. - Modern society mistakenly assumes all opinions are equally valuable. This presumption is patently ridiculous.... How do you become someone who has something to say? Study. Think. Prepare. Too many people want the prestige of influence without paying the price to earn it.
• Refrain from speaking when you have nothing of value to contribute. - The author of Proverbs sagely declares, “Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.” (Prov. 17:28 NKJV). It is humbling to acknowledge that we may never appear more profound than when we say nothing.
• Always tell the truth, regardless of how unpopular. - Sadly, in today’s politically correct climate, people frequently say things that are patently untrue but politically correct. In corporate America, people are tempted to say what management wants to hear rather than what they need to hear. If you always tell the truth, you may not always be popular, but your opinions will carry weight.
• Be discerning. - Influential people have an uncanny sense of timing. Jesus warned His followers to beware of casting pearls before swine (Matt. 7:6). There is no point in sharing precious truth with someone who will only despise it. Better to wait until the time is ripe and the audience is open.
• Be Spirit-led. - The apostle Paul exhorted, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit...” (Ephesians 5:16-18 NKJV).
Richard Blackaby concludes his thoughts on being a person of influence with these words.
“In the confusing, divisive time in which we live, we need God to grant us the maximum influence possible, not for our sake but for the benefit of the people around us who need to hear God’s wisdom.”
Do you want to make an eternal difference in the lives of those around you? God’s wisdom outlasts and outperforms anything man may have to offer from a human perspective. Share His wisdom and you will find that your life has a greater influence than you thought ever possible.
A routine? What for?
We are all learning through these days of pandemic crisis. We may be learning how challenging it is to be with our family 24/7...even with all the love we have for them. Hopefully, we are learning the importance of a routine. If you are like me, the first few days of this stay-at-home edict I found myself wandering from task to task...or sometimes just sitting or reading for recreation and escape. Sometimes I watched old baseball games since there were no teams playing...no group sporting events of any kind.
One of the things I’m learning is the importance of a routine. Judy and I still get up early and do our separate Bible studies. Then at breakfast, usually at 7:00am, we read a devotional from a spiritual leader we admire. And often we listen to a favorite gospel song or hymn on YouTube. That’s been our routine for years, and we continue to stay on track with it. Routine is good, especially when we could rationalize that we don’t need a routine. Not going anywhere. Not seeing anyone. No appointments on my calendar. No meetings...apart from an occasional Zoom meeting.
Along those lines, I was looking in my closet this morning and saw some shirts Judy had ironed for me a few days ago. (I know...I’m blessed!) I haven’t worn those shirts yet. They are the shirts I would wear for Sunday church or for teaching a class or for meeting with someone for lunch to talk about our ministry. They are not the shirts I would wear around the house. Those shirts were for “good” events...not just hanging around the old homestead.
Looking at them this morning, I have changed my mind. I’m going to dress a little better these days. At least during “working hours.” I’m going to put on something besides tennis shoes or deck shoes. I may even put on khakis instead of jeans. (I know...radical.) The point is, I need to reinforce my routine during these days with how I dress. While it probably won’t be coat and tie, it will also not be jeans and a t-shirt all day.
I remember a hymn we use to sing. It may be instructive for you as you lead others...even when distanced from them. One of the verses says:
Give of your best to the Master;
Give Him first place in your heart;
Give Him first place in your service;
Consecrate every part.
Give, and to you will be given;
God His beloved Son gave;
Gratefully seeking to serve Him,
Give Him the best that you have.
A worship pastor, Howard B. Grose, wrote those words in the 1800’s after an incident in his church’s choir practice. Grose’s son gave the account.
"My father was the organist and choir director of our church. One evening at choir practice a young man wandered in late, interrupting what was going on as he slid past other singers into his place. When my father asked why he was late, he simply shrugged and had no answer. At which my father stung him...and set the bar for all of us...by saying to the latecomer, "The Lord doesn't want your spare time."
I’m reminded of the Apostle Paul’s words to the Colossian believers.
Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people.... Colossians 3:23 NET
These are challenging days. Sometimes we just want to get through them. It may be that God wants to teach us in these days. Teach us to value the things He has given us...family, possessions, home, friends...in a far deeper way. He may be reminding us that everything we do is a reflection of our love for Him. And the Lord may want us to shed those things in our lives that are not so important and lean on those things that have eternal value.
Give of your best to the Master....as to the Lord and not just for others.
Excuse me... I need to go pick out tomorrow’s wardrobe.
A balancing act!
In the midst of t
he most disruptive event of my lifetime, a challenge for Christians in media is balance. The news media, social media, and every other kind of communication tool is flooded with the COVID-19 story. Understandable. It is THE big story of the century, no doubt. I have especially appreciated the creative humor with which many have approached the isolation and binge buying that has become the norm of the day. Some of it is quite funny!
As you know, I am a big proponent of what we used to call in our radio days “water cooler talk.” That was picking up on what people were already talking about (around the office water cooler) and using it as a starting point with on-air talk. It engages the audience with what is on their mind, then takes them further.
My biblical example has been Jesus talking with the Samaritan woman he met at the well. He began by engaging her at her point of reference...drawing water...and then moved to telling her of the spiritual water that once she tasted she would never thirst again.
Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” John 4:13-14 NLT
But notice, Jesus didn’t keep talking about physical water. He moved to the spiritual realm rather quickly. Then Jesus moved into other areas that were hard for her to hear...about her marital situation. Yet as a result of that exchange, many came to know Christ as Lord.
Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” John 4:39 NLT
So, here’s my point. As you use your media platform to inform people of the pandemic, the need for isolation to “flatten the curve,” to religiously wash their hands, and other important directives...don’t forget the Gospel. A person who survives the coronavirus and has not accepted Christ as Lord is still lost and on their way to hell. They need the Gospel. They need Jesus.
Balance.
Yes...use today’s important issues, the thing on everyone’s mind, to engage them in discussion and to share good information. But look to quickly move on to the only thing that ultimately matters, the saving knowledge that God sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins. And that if we acknowledge (confess) our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us of all wickedness...all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
Be sure that those who connect with your ministry and are looking for hope find the eternal hope that Jesus offers to all.
I might be OCD...
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It can be a serious problem for some people. For many of us who are sometimes labeled OCD, it is a way people classify those of us who are a bit detailed in some areas. I have family members who say I am OCD. Just because I change the toilet paper in hotels so it feeds over the top (the correct way, of course) or straighten hanging pictures...in other people’s homes...doesn’t mean I’m OCD.
One website describes the disorder this way:
"OCD" is one of those terms that some people misuse as a way to describe people who like things super-clean or arranged just so. But if you have the actual condition that’s obsessive-compulsive disorder, how it negatively affects your life is very real. -WebMD
I have a friend who was described as being so OCD that she says she is CDO...being sure the letters are put in the proper alphabetical order. I grew up hearing again and again, “a place for everything and everything in its place.” Is that OCD?
My desire is not to make light of a very real mental disorder that can have many levels of anxiety and be debilitating for some people. But it did get me thinking of spiritual applications.
I hope I am obsessed with knowing Jesus more and more each day. I hope to be obsessed with living in such a way as to faithfully reflect the nature and love of Christ to those around me. It seems to me that the Apostle Paul was obsessed in that way.
Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 NASB
Evangelist Greg Laurie spoke of Paul’s obsession.
“The apostle Paul had something essential for effective evangelism: a God-given burden for those who did not know Jesus Christ. In his case, the burden was for his own people, the Jews. He cared. It burned inside him.”
I hope my desire to study God’s Word would almost become a compulsive behavior, repeated again and again. Not simply going through the motions or becoming anxious about it. Rather, driven by my understanding of God’s great love for me and His desire to communicate with me through the pages of the Bible, I want to systematically and repeatedly dive into God’s Holy Word to see what He would tell me today.
As for the word disorder? It depends on how you look at this. To the lost of the world we know that our spiritual lives are foolishness. We have heard politicians talk about Vice President Mike Pence as being mentally ill because of his deep relationship with Jesus Christ. Many cannot comprehend that God communicates His love and direction to us through prayer, the Bible, and even the circumstances of life. Foolishness. And to say that the Lord Jesus “speaks” to us sets many off on a tirade about how unbalanced Christians are.
I want to live so close to God and His Word that nothing else gets in between us. So maybe I’ll change OCD to mean something totally different for my life.
Only
Christ
Directs
Now, let me go straighten a couple of pictures on my wall.
So, you want to be a leader...
First, let’s get something straight. We are all leaders...to one degree or another. It may be in our home or among our friends. It may be the Lord has placed us in areas of leadership in ministry. And if we are honest with ourselves, we sometimes feel inadequate to be in that role. Very few of us have a degree in leadership. However, many of us desire to be the leader that God has called us to be.
Of all the leadership books that are out there...and there are a zillion of them...the best ones for me are those based on the principles found in God’s Word and based on amazing biblical leaders. Spiritual Leadership by Henry and Richard Blackaby comes to mind, along with Lead Like Jesus by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges. I would also include John Maxwell’s books that draw primarily from Christian principles in guiding leaders.
Having said that, there are many things we can also learn from those who have researched leaders and leadership. Many of us have gained from studies by Jim Collins in his classic book Good to Great. These examples help us identify traits that successful leaders have and allow us to analyze our leadership style to see where we can improve.
I recently came across a list of traits of exceptional leaders compiled by leadership blogger/writer Glenn Leibowitz. Many of them sound like traits taught by the Lord through His Word. Here are some of Leibowitz’s inspiring leadership traits. How many of these traits do you exhibit?
Traits of Exceptional Leaders
- They trust you to do the job you’ve been hired to do.
- They seek your advice and input.
- They find opportunities to let you shine.
- They recognize your contributions.
- They have your back during tough times.
- They are master storytellers.
- They challenge you to do bigger and better things.
- They express appreciation.
- They are responsive.
- They know when to apologize.
- They give credit where credit is due.
- They treat others with dignity and respect.
- They care.
How would you score? Where could you improve? What if you presented this list to those you lead? How would they score you?
When the Lord moves us into leadership roles it is not to build us up. It is to build up His work to accomplish His purpose. And he doesn’t move us into leadership to fail. If we learn from His Word and give attention to our own heart and attitudes toward others, we can become extraordinary leaders who accomplish much for God and His Kingdom.
I boil my leadership guide down to four words.
Love God. Love people.
My basis for this is from Jesus, who, when asked what the greatest commandments were, responded this way:
“‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Matthew 22:37-39 NLT
How will you score today? This week? Lead on...
