All I can say is WOW! It has been a crazy busy week, with blessing upon blessing in my business life! All week I have been trying to get a few minutes to share something I learned at a training event last weekend, so here I am, burning the midnight oil because it just can’t wait any longer.
Rev. Jeff Stiggins gave this telling presentation, that is so simple, yet so profound. I would also add that although this is directed at church leadership, the principals are valid for excelling as a leader in any profession or walk of life.
It begins, Once upon a time, church leadership wasn’t so challenging. There weren’t a lot of options, and the options you did have were well marked. Today there are choices, lots of choices, and the signs are sometimes confusing. Today leadership isn’t so simple, to the point where things feel upside down. So here is a formula to simplify leadership in 3 steps.
1. Be who you are
2. See what you have
3. Do what matters to God.
Now let’s look at these a little closer…
Be Who You Are
Being who you are starts with asking purposeful questions to re-connect with who we are called to be and what we are called to do. We are Christ’s disciples called to join Him in kingdom service – our mission is to join in God’s mission. The role of spiritual leaders is not to have all the answers, but to keep asking people “What is God up to and how can we help?” By engaging others in purposeful questions, and studying the word of God, we will be able to discern where God is already at work, so we can join Him with the resources He has given us for that very purpose (which brings us to step number 2).
See What You Have
We tend to focus on the things we don’t have and the reasons we can’t do the extravagant mission work we would like to think is of value. If only we had more funding, more members, more contacts, better facilities, stronger leaders, better musicians…then we could… The truth is that God equips us for the service He calls us to, so from the biblical perspective, we have no more excuses! As leaders we must help people to take inventory to see what they have, and encourage them to invest their best in God’s mission. We need to learn to go with God’s momentum. Seek out where God is at work changing lives, and ride that wave of God’s energy.
Do What Matters To God
Christ expects no less! So what matters to God?
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Making more and better disciples
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Being ambassadors of reconciliation
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Extending mercy
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Working for justice
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Promoting peace
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Caring for the earth
“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31
Finally, these two questions will keep everything in perspective, so keep them at the forefront of everything you do.
What is causing God to smile?
What is breaking God’s heart?
Blessings & Adventure,
Lynn “lynnibug” Rios
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Great post Lynn and you are so right – I remember for years how I tried to be what I thought my ex wanted me to me – what his family expected me to be – and I really lost myself – Now that I know who I am now – I really love “me” for once and like being “me”
Nancy
Skype: nancyradlinger
Lynn, I really like this post. My Pastor delivered a sermon on this past Sunday about the gifts we have been given and that it is our responsibility to use them for God’s Kingdom and Glory. “And everything, whatever ye may do in word or in deed, do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father by him.”
Darby’s Translation
Lynn,
This reminds me of what my Grandmother, God rest her soul, used to tell us grandkids all the time; be who you are, and do what you can do; not what you think others will recognize you for.
Makes sense then and now. I love this post!
Thanks for sharing,
Kris Hanks “BL”
Knowing “Who You Are In Christ” is the first step to BEING YOU. “Abiding In Him” blesses you with His Wisdom, His Knowledge and His Power; to recognize and develop the LEADER IN YOU. Another Great Post, Lynn!
Your Blog definitely lives up to its name. Wisdom Blog! Great Post.
Thank you Ken, I am both flattered and humbled.
What a great post, Lynn. You are so right about people not realizing what we have is exactly what God needs us to have for His plan at each and every moment. It took me a long time to be able to trust God enough to be happy and satisfied with what I do have and to use it for His Glory. Thank you for the reminder…..Blog Love
Thank you Tammie, God will never give us less than enough.
Lynn,
Great post! One thing I have always learned is to just be who I am and go with what I believe is right. Contribute to society instead of taking away from it.
This post just cements my beliefs as I move forward with my life — Thanks!
BL