No sense in explaining yourself when there is no trust.
Especially when there is no trust. We may want to clear things up and explain our actions. But if there is no trust, all our explaining will go to deaf ears and our efforts will be wasted.
Give it time.
Build trust.
Explain.
Then, just leave it to God.
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Some just complain. Others do something about the problem. They build solutions.
Complainers are quite knowledgeable. They’ve been around the block a few times and they know what’s the “proper” way. They will point out the problem and inconsistencies.
Builders also see problems. Then they look around with a desire to see progress. They look for solutions.
Focus on builders. Spend time with them. Invest in them. They’ll help you build solutions.
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Does planning imply a lack of trust? If we work out all the details, where is our faith in God? Is it impossible to do a detailed planning and have faith?
While Moses was on the mountain for 40 days, God was giving him detailed plans for the tabernacle where God would come and dwell with the people (Exo 26:30). God wanted to ensure that Moses would erect the tabernacle according to his plan.
But will God come? Will he show up and do all that he promised? That’s faith. It was Moses’ job to work out the details according to the plan.
So go ahead and plan out the details of the worship service, small group, youth gathering, children’s programs and all that you do for the Kingdom. Then have faith that God will show up. He promised. He will.
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It’s a challenge to attract great leaders for your organization or church. They become a valuable asset as you move forward. You will have a broader perspective from such quality people. And their perspective is of much value.
It’s a greater challenge to raise up leaders from within. It takes more energy, patience, and lots of time investment. But the value is immense. You can be sure they carry your DNA. They won’t need to develop or “grow into” your values. That’s simply who they are.
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How much liability does the leader carry? Are the sins of the people indicative of the leader’s incapability to lead and teach?
I suggest three considerations. First, the people have the primary responsibility to follow and obey God’s Word. Second, leaders have the responsibility to lead, teach, correct, and ensure that the people walk according to God’s ways. Third, we leaders have the privilege of handing over all of the responsibility to God. His shoulders are big enough. Jesus bore the guilt on the cross.
For the Israelites, the high priest was the spiritual leader. Symbolically he bore the guilt of the people on his forehead – that they may be acceptable before the Lord. Although the high priest bore the guilt, it was then given to God (Exo 28:38). It’s a transfer of guilt.
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Without a clear, articulated purpose, we’ll meander in all directions. The critical side of our personality gets the upper hand, and we turn on each other.
“The problem … is that since nobody knows what we are supposed to be doing, too many leaders think their full time job is making others feel unimportant.” (Quoted in Lead Like Jesus: Lessons From the Greatest Leadership Role Model of all Time by Ken Blanchard and Paul Hodges)
Purpose.
Clarify it. Articulate it. Live it.
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Culture develops from years of response to practical needs. But later, when needs change, the culture seems out of touch. It requires revision.
We can’t revise culture. But maybe we can. But it will take so much effort. The resistance may be overwhelming. Most just give up. But some persist and push forward.
There is a huge price to be paid for even attempting to revise culture. You’ll be ostracized and condemned as an outlaw and as one who intends to destroy the peace.
So, is it worth the cost? If it is, go ahead and put your neck on the line.
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It’s amazing how many of those annoying people God put in your life. Their habits, words, and behavior seem to be aimed at making your life miserable.
God has a special purpose for strategically placing them there in your life. This is an opportunity for you to give grace to others – the same grace God gave you. Actually he not only gave it to you at salvation but he continues to give it. Daily.
Grace received – to be given.
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It’s not common, but it does happen. Friendship turns long-term. It goes beyond usefulness and conveniences. Something deeper gets transferred between the two in a healthy manner.
No apparent need is fulfilled except for that deep inner sense of connection. It’s a God connection that’s hard to explain but a sure reality. Yet it needs to be cultivated and nurtured just like any other relationship.
Proverbs has words of a similar tone:“Better a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away.” (Proverbs 27:10c)
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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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