It’s often the lingering trainee and the one who stays till the end who are the best prospects. They come early too. In fact, they may arrived before the person with the key arrives. Somehow, they’ve caught the vision. They realize that it’s not about the program or the meeting. The vision is much broader and deeper.
As Moses faced one of the greatest leadership struggles of his life, he asked God and “argued” with him regarding who would accompany him in leadership. In his distress, Moses didn’t  recognize the young man who was lingering and enjoying the presence of God (Exo 33:11). Moses may not have recognized the leadership potential in Joshua, but God had his own plan for him and made him a great leader.
So go ahead and look around for the lingering people and make significant investments into their lives. They’ll become some of your best leaders.
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     For short term purposes, it may work. After a while, the effect of the fear wears off and you’re back to where you started. In the long run, fear is useless.
    God effectively used fear for short term communication of his plan for their way of life (Exodus 20:19-21). But the ultimate purpose was that their hearts would be transformed.
    Use fear sparingly. Rather aim for heart transformation and changing of values. You’ll get better long term results. 

Considering the next generation stands on your shoulders, how high is your shoulder?
You really don’t need to “lift up the next generation” very high. Pushing them up just makes it artificial. It will not be natural.
Instead, lift up your shoulders as high as possible. Continually improve what you do. Be focused. Be consistent. Be a learner. Then, deliver. Year after year, show up and deliver.
Then what about the next generation? They’ll begin from the height of your shoulders. If you try to “lift” them up, it’ll be artificial and unhealthy.
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Every single interaction must be evaluated with this question in view. When I speak these words – am I empowering this person to live to the fullest potential? Or am I increasing dependency on me as a leader?
The second option is more beneficial to me in the short term but not for the long term. If I increase dependency, I severely limit their growth potential. This not only affects them, it affects me as their leader.
But I could treat every interaction as an opportunity to empower people. Every word and action can be tailor made to empower them and get them on track toward growth and potential.

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  Look for the committed and make them better.

    If you look for the best, you’ll be disappointed in the long run. The best are often on a search for a better place to exhibit their abilities. They’re rarely settled. They may spend their entire lives going from one thing to the next, without committing their hearts fully to anything.

    Rather, look for those who’ll connect with your vision. Build them. Train them. Make them better. These will stay focused on the vision and be most productive in the long run.

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It takes time for the seed to soak. The idea needs to “soak” into the mind. The mind needs time to think of all the options and the risks.

The heart needs time as the idea goes deep within one’s soul. Thoughts, feelings, options, all meshed together in the heart. A great synthesis takes place within.

The environment also needs to be favorable. Sometimes, the seed may stay dormant until the appropriate time when the environment is favorable for growth.

Don’t get in a hurry. No need for a quick response. The kingdom will move in its own time. It’s own pace. Don’t rush it. God’s timing is just right.

Relax!

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During the early part of his ministry, many believed in his name due to the miraculous signs he performed. He surely had the crowds early on in his ministry.

“But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.” (John 2:24-25) 

But the crowds did not have him! 

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Words express ideas of the mind and heart. Silence can also express ideas quite clearly. Now, the recipients may not always grasp those inherent messages immediately. But just give them some time. Eventually, they’ll get it.
Some never get it. Their hearts are set in a particular direction. For such people, your silence, nor your words will get through. We can hope that life will eventually get them on the right track. Maybe their hearts will be softened by the work of God’s Spirit within them.
For those whose hearts are open, your silence at the appropriate times will communicate a clear message. Silence will have a better effect than words because it gives an opportunity for self discovery. Rather than being told, they “learn” it or they “discover” it for themselves..
Thus silence at the appropriate times will produce greater and longer lasting results than your words.
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When your world view is limited, you are confident that you are right. There are no alternative options other than your view.
While I was a student in Seminary, I remember a wise neighbor who questioned me about my reading habits. She was older than my parents and quite wise to discern my narrow way of thinking. She said, “Alexi, you’ve got to read people you disagree with. It’s the only way to sharpen your mind and your perspectives.”
That was a challenging time for me as I was sure of my point of view. But I’m glad I took the advice. Now I challenge myself with journals that oppose my perspectives in numerous ways. I’m still a bit hard headed, but hopefully smoother on the edges.
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