College Test

I once read about a college student that was struggling in a particular class. The end of the semester was approaching and that meant he would have to do well on the final exam if he hoped to make the grade he needed.

In a surprising twist, the professor explained that she would allow a “cheat sheet” to be used when taking the final exam. The professor explained that she would allow them to include all of the information they could fit on one 8 1/2 x 11-inch sheet of paper. They could access this information during the test.

Confusing Behavior

When the day of the test arrived, the students were sharing the creative ways they crammed enormous amounts of information onto their sheets of paper. The struggling student did not participate. In fact, he sat quietly in his seat with a blank sheet of paper!

The other students could not understand why he had passed on the opportunity to fill his cheat sheet. They knew he was struggling in the class and would need all the help he could get.

Cheating Perfected

Finally the test was distributed and the class settled down. At this point, the struggling student went to the door of the class and opened it as if he was leaving. Instead, he motioned to whoever was standing out in the hall, inviting them in. Everyone instantly recognized the professor’s TA (Teaching Assistant) entering the classroom.

To the astonishment of the other students, and the professor, the struggling student then took out his blank sheet of paper and laid it on the floor. He again motioned to the TA and took his seat. As he did this, the TA walked over and stood on the blank sheet on the floor.

Surprise Strategy!

When the professor asked the student what was going on, he simply explained that he was exercising his right to access all of the information he could fit on a single sheet of paper. He planned to ask the TA for help with his test!

Of course, this caused a huge uproar among the other students! They cried out that he was cheating. They said, “That’s not fair!” Clearly, they thought the professor would stop this nonsense.

However, after considering her earlier instructions and noting that the TA indeed fit on the single sheet of paper, the professor granted the student permission to proceed with his plan!

Your Thoughts?

What are your thoughts at this point? Do you wish you had access to this same type of information as you face the various tests during your business day? Or do you think that simply would not work in the business world?

The truth is that we have this very access. Unfortunately, we often do not realize it or we forget about it. Even worse, at times we use it and then turn right around and ignore it during the next test!

God Has All The Answers!

God created business. He knows all there is to know about our particular business. He knows the applicants we are interviewing. He knows the future we will face and how we need to prepare for it. There is not a question we can ask that He cannot answer.

So why is it that we do not call Him into our tests? Why do we ignore Him as we struggle to pass tests that He could breeze through? What would possess us to continue facing tests without using every resource available to us?

Reasons?

If we are honest, some would say that they are not sure God really cares about our business. Yet I do not understand how He could feel that way when He goes as far as to count the number of hairs on our heads and even give every star a name. It seems to me God is concerned about every detail in His universe. That includes our business!

Others may admit they do not know how to ask Him these questions. Or maybe asking is not the problem, but discerning the answer gives them trouble. I struggle with this issue as well. Fortunately, the more we read and study His Word, pray, and seek Him, the clearer His voice becomes to us.

Draw Closer To Him

When I am closest to Him, I find it easier to know His answers to my questions. When I stray from Him, it is impossible for me to hear what He is saying. Funny, it is always my movement away, never His.

Regardless of your own reasons, I encourage you to give this a try. Start seeking Him on your every decision. Whenever you face a test, force yourself to remember to approach God for the answers. I promise you He is faithful to provide.

Have you tried to take tests on your own?

Why is it so easy to ignore God for answers?

How do you plan to change this?

Photo by Chalabala / iStock

In my last post, I had you think of a time when you were at your lowest; when your doubts were overwhelming.  I told you to feel the emotions of that particular time and then answer the question, “Who are you doubting?”

I proposed that there were only two possible answers to that question.  Either you were doubting yourself or you were doubting God.  That last post addressed what to do if you were doubting yourself.  Now I want to speak to those who determined that they were doubting God.

Before I go any further, I want to confess.  I lied.

The Real Answer

There are not two answers to the original question, “Who are you doubting?”  The truth is that there is only one answer.  It may appear to you that you are doubting yourself.  If so, you are not alone in this perception.  In fact, the idea of doubting God might even mortify you.  That is not uncommon.

However, no matter how you slice it, you are actually doubting God.  No matter what you believe about yourself, the root of that belief is a doubt in God.

Think you are too sinful?  You are doubting His forgiveness.

Think you are too weak?  You are doubting His strength in you.

Think you are not skilled enough?  You are doubting His promise to equip you.

Think you are not _____ enough?  You are doubting a promise of God.

The True Nature of Doubt

The truth is that God created you and has promised to complete the good work He started in you (Phil. 1:3-6).  If this is true, and I believe it is, then any form of doubting yourself is actually doubting God can do what He said He will do.  Do you see that?

So…if we can agree that any doubt in ourselves is actually doubting God, then we ALL need to know how to stop doubting God!  While this initially may be a scary thought, at least we know we are not alone, right?  We are all in this boat together!

I believe there are likely many strategies or ideas regarding how we can stop doubting God.  I do not claim to have all of the answers here.  If this was an easy problem to solve, then there would not be so many of us doubting Him, would there?

Fortunately, I have four actions that I believe can dramatically help us when our doubts overwhelm us.  These actions are not difficult to understand.  They are not even difficult to execute.  At the same time, they will not naturally come to mind when the doubts set in.  We must be intentional to revisit these actions whenever we see the signs that the doubts are returning.

Action #1 – Recognize the Source

There is an enemy and he is determined to destroy you and your witness.  He is bent on rendering you useless in God’s story.  He is the father of lies and is also known as the accuser.  One of his favorite weapons against you is doubt (Gen. 3:1-7).

If you can recognize early on in the “doubt cycle” that you are being attacked by an enemy, you are more likely to repulse it.  Just knowing that the thoughts or feelings are not legitimate, but are the weapons of an enemy, can be enough to keep them at bay.

Action #2 – Look at the Past

One of the best predictors of future behavior is past behavior.  When you begin to doubt whether God will get you through or overcome whatever you are facing, you need to stop and look in the rear-view mirror.

Look to your past and remember the times He has already been there for you.  Look to your salvation.  Look to His faithfulness to you over the years.  You can also look to the Bible for almost endless examples of His faithfulness to His children.  Whether you look to your past or His past, you will find He has ALWAYS done what He said He would do.  He has proven this time and again.

Action #3 – Trust His Promises

Not only is the Bible full of examples of His faithfulness, but it is also full of His promises.  We are often victims of doubt because we are too ignorant of His promises in Scripture.  If we are serious about fighting off our doubts, then we must learn and meditate on His promises.

Take time to search the Bible for God’s promises relating to your doubts.  Mark those that are especially helpful so you can find them later.  Even better, memorize them so that you can recall them immediately upon the first signs of returning doubt!

Action #4 – Pray For Help

Just like the father I mentioned in my last post, we must ask God to help our unbelief!  We should pray that He would lead us in the above actions as we seek to battle against these doubts.  We should pray that He would put others in our lives that can speak to these doubts as a result of their own experience with Him.

God has promised to be there for our needs.  Fighting doubt can be a very pressing need and He wants us to come to Him for that help.  He also wants us to take advantage of the other resources He has provided us in His Word and in the experiences of fellow believers.

You are fully capable of fighting these doubts.  You are a child of God and He is faithful to strengthen you against them.  Trust Him.

Photo by sebastianosecondi / iStock

Have you ever had doubts?

Do you ever wonder if you are as ______ (fill in the blank) as God desires or expects you to be?

I want you to take a minute to think about these doubts.  Think about a time when you have been at your lowest and your doubt was overwhelming.  Put yourself there in that moment. Now that you have the emotions and feelings from that time flowing through your mind, I want you to answer one question:

Who are you doubting?

Do you know?  Are you doubting yourself or God?  Are you wondering if YOU are too weak, slow, ineffective, etc.?  Or are you actually doubting God?

I really believe this is the crux of the matter.  For the most part, there are only two options.  Either you are doubting yourself or you are doubting God.  It is my belief that either choice is possible, depending on the circumstances.  I also believe we can address both of these possibilities!

Responding to Doubt

First, and more likely, you are doubting yourself.  At least that seems to be your focus.  You look around at your work, your family, your friendships, etc. and you doubt whether you are able to do what needs to be done.  Maybe you doubt you have what it takes or maybe you think the opposition is too strong.  Whatever the case, this kind of doubt is focused on you and your (apparent) lack of skill, strength, charisma, etc.

To respond to this kind of doubt, I will appear to talk out of both sides of my mouth.  Just bear with me for a moment and you will understand.

On one hand, you were created BY God and IN His image (Gen. 1:26-27, 31).  Let that sink in for a moment.  You are the handiwork of the very same Creator that crafted the Grand Canyon, the beaches of St. John, and the snow-capped Rocky Mountains.  You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).  When it comes to design and function, you are an incredible creation.  Accept it!

When you begin to doubt your abilities or value in God’s eyes, you must stop right there.  You are loved by this very same Creator and His love for you is immeasurable.  Dig back into His Word and remind yourself of this truth.  Your doubts are not coming from Him!

Renewing Confidence

On the other hand, Scripture is clear that we are weak and unable to do anything on our own.  Apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5).  God is our source of power.  Without that source, we are powerless.

Sure, man can accomplish much on this earth without God.  Unfortunately, these accomplishments are temporary and unfulfilling.  Nothing we create without God will last or fulfill us.  Nothing will satisfy us unless it comes from Him.

So when you start doubting yourself, in a sense you are right to do so if you are assessing your strength or skill without God.  The opposite is true if you look at your potential with God as your source…anything is possible!

I hope this response makes sense to those of you who find yourselves doubting your own abilities, effectiveness, strength, etc.  If this is you, I encourage you to remind yourself of your Creator and His incredible design.  Also, return to the position where you are fully depending on His strength as your source.  Your confidence should return.

When Your Doubt Isn’t Self-Doubt

As I mentioned above, there are two answers to the question, “Who are you doubting?”  I hope I have given you food for thought regarding those who are doubting yourself.  For those who realize you are actually doubting God, I will address that in my next post!

In the meantime, I encourage you to pray about this.  Pray that God will reveal to you the details of your doubt.  Pray He will give you clarity about the cause(s) of your doubt.  Pray for Him to open your heart and mind to what you need to hear.  Dig into this time with Him.  He is faithful to answer.

In Revelation 3:1, Jesus did just that with the church in Sardis.  Sardis was a very wealthy city and the church there had a great reputation.  If you were a member there, you would likely have felt good about it.  Unfortunately, there was a serious problem.  Jesus told John to write a letter to this church with a stern rebuke:

I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.

Revelation 3:1

What would you do if Jesus said that to you?  How would you respond?

Applicable to Everyone

Although this rebuke was written to a church, we can still apply His instructions to our own lives, and by extension, our businesses.  If you see yourself as a disciple of Jesus who wants to impact others through your job or business, then you should take some time to think through this idea.

If we read on in Revelation 3, Jesus goes on to give instructions to this church.  It makes sense for us to follow the same instructions as individuals, and then to apply the same ideas to our business.  Let’s go through the passage and see how it applies to us.  Pay attention to the three reactions I believe we should have to this passage.

Reaction #1 – Assess!

First of all, Jesus makes it clear in verse 1 that He has assessed the church in Sardis.  He knows their reputation and all that they do.  Apparently, their actions were exemplary and their reputation followed.  Others saw them as “alive,” but Jesus’ assessment was the opposite.  He said they were actually (mostly) dead.

Where do you stand as an individual in your relationship with Jesus?  Can you point to great “Christian” conduct and activities in your life?  Do you have a reputation as someone “alive”?  Regardless of your reputation, what is the TRUE status of your relationship with Jesus?  Are you close to Him?  Do you recognize His voice and follow His lead daily?

We must stop and take an inventory of our lives.  We cannot point to our actions, but must instead dig into the depths of who we are.  We must step out of our persona and get real with God.  Regardless of what we find, a real relationship cannot happen without this step.

Reaction #2 – Wake Up!

Jesus did not delay in telling the church in Sardis what they were to do.  Immediately after telling them that they were dead, He told them, “Wake up!”  He was not finished with them yet.  He had not given up on them in their relationship with Him, but He did make it clear that something had to change immediately!

Once we have assessed our relationship with Jesus, we must be ready to do the same.  If we find that our relationship has gone stale or that we are no longer listening to His voice for our every decision, then something must change.  We have to wake up and break out of that pattern.

Maybe we have been “dead” for quite a while, maybe for a short period.  Either way, we cannot continue on that path.  Jesus calls us to wake up and listen!

Reaction #3 – Repent!

For the church in Sardis, their instructions were to immediately begin strengthening what little remained that was “alive” in them.  Jesus instructed them to go back to what they had heard and believed at first.  He told them to repent and turn to Him.

You likely already know this, but this world can quickly draw us away from the faith and relationship we first had with Jesus.  We have so many interests that vie for our attention.  We lose sight of our first love!

We cannot allow that to continue once we have assessed and awakened to the “dead” parts of our relationship with Jesus.  Instead, we must go back to that first love.  We must go back to the basics that strengthened our relationship at first – reading and studying His Word, prayer, fellowship, etc.  And we must do it now!

Our Businesses

I know businesses are inanimate and cannot be “Christian” in the sense we use that word.  At the same time, if we desire to leverage our businesses to point others to Jesus, then this pursuit can also “die” over time.  Our passion for this effort can wither.  Like any other relationship or pursuit, it cannot be ignored, even for a short time.

I encourage you to embrace the same three reactions in regards to your business and the impact it is actually having on people.  Actions and activity are not enough.  Reputation is not sufficient.  We must truly be changing lives with our businesses.  Eternal seeds must be planted.

Don’t accept anything less.  He won’t.

Photo by stevanovicigor / iStock

Father and Daughter

I watched from the balcony as a dad had brought his three children to the beach, early on Sunday morning – Fathers Day. He had set up the tent and chairs, laid out the toys, and removed his shirt to head into the surf. Two of his three children followed. They were older.

The youngest, maybe four years old and in pig-tails, lingered back at the tent. She was clearly watching him, but seemed determined to stay near the safety of the tent pole she clung to. Though he called her several times, she did not move.

I watched him, wondering what he would do next. That’s when he sat down in the surf, at the very edge where the waves were running up onto the sand. He called out to her as he spread his arms and legs to welcome her with a hug, but she still did not move…at least not at first.

Trust Exhibited

After coaxing her for a minute or so, she began to ease away from the safety of the tent. Slowly, and with clear hesitation, she took short steps toward him. Still unsure, she stopped several times, but would start moving again at his calling to her. Finally she drew close enough to make the final leap into the security of his arms. She held tight!

As I watched this, a couple of thoughts flooded my mind. First, I wish my girls were still that age for a day! I love the relationship we have now, but it is hard to beat the scene that just played out in front of me. Second, I had just witnessed the purest exhibition of trust. That is the core essence of fatherhood, if you ask me.

We Must Be Trustworthy

I see it this way. It is our job as fathers to live in such a way as to encourage and build the trust of our children. Sure, we are to teach them about life, love, and above all, about Jesus. I am not minimizing those responsibilities. But if there is no trust, these teachings are going to fall on deaf ears.

So when I read in the news about fathers who have broken this trust for a fling with someone other than the mother of their children, I get angry. When I see fathers compromise their integrity for the sake of fleeting fame, fortune, or power, I think of their children. What are the kids to think when their father says one thing and then does another?

Trust At Work

For that matter, what are our employees to think? If it is critical for us to build trust with our children, the same principle holds true for our employees. We must live out our lives and do our jobs in a way that protects our integrity, regardless of the cost to ourselves. We do not have the right to trade off our integrity for some fleeting, shiny object that the world dangles in front of us. Instead, we are to stand firm with integrity.

I am fortunate and thankful to have grown up with a father like this – one who has always been fiercely committed to his integrity. I hope to finish the race as a father like that for my children. For the same reasons, I want to be that kind of leader in the workplace as well. I pray for that strength regularly.

Trust Him

What about you? Are you trustworthy? Do you see the necessity of living in a way that encourages and builds trust? Is there anything God is saying to you in this area of your life?

Pay attention. You can trust Him.

Why Is That?

Why are we like that?

What, you think you are any different? You think you are much more sensitive to your surroundings and if you lived near such beauty, you would always make time to enjoy it? I have to argue against you on that one.

Instead, I bet you are living near something just as beautiful now. You just don’t see it that way. Likely, you noticed it at one time, but it has simply become something you take for granted. It no longer grabs your attention, but it is still beautiful to someone who has never seen it before.

New Gets Old Fast

The problem is that we lose excitement quickly. When opportunities come our way for something new and exciting, we are eager to engage. In some cases, this eagerness lasts for weeks or even months, but at one point or another, it fades. The opportunity becomes mundane and no longer interests us.

Now I come to my main point. Your job or business is likely the same way. At one time, you saw the work you do as a magnificent opportunity to get fulfillment and hopefully, serve God in ministry through that job.

Opportunity Excitement Faded

At one time, you got up in the morning with just as much excitement about the opportunity at work as you have had when heading off on vacation. Ideas were floating through your head about how you could minister here or there and how God could use you for eternal impact.

Then time happened. You weren’t thinking about it, but something changed and you no longer see the magnificent opportunity for Christian ministry through your business. Instead, you are beginning to see your job as a mundane obligation.

What went wrong? What did you do to cause this?

We Stopped Working At It!

Well, if you think about it, this same analogy can apply to our marriages, our friendships, and even our relationship with God!

A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
Proverbs 13:4

We stopped working at it.

We did not stop working at our job, but we stopped working at seeing the opportunity in our job (or marriage, friendship, relationship with God). Rather than regularly praying for God to show us the “new” in our jobs, we focused more on surviving them!

What Is The Solution?

So what is the solution? How do we get back to seeing our jobs as an opportunity to serve God and not an obligation?

There are many ways to do this, but I would suggest a couple of steps that have worked.

Get A New View!

Determine in your heart that tomorrow you are going to walk into your workplace with a new set of eyes. Pray that God would give you a new vision for what you can do and how you can be used at work.

Rather than taking the normal path to your office or workstation, change it up. Come in a little early. Look around as if this is your first time there. Expect to see an opportunity for ministry at every turn. Prepare in advance for what you might see.

Then block out some time and begin to take notes. Act as if it is your first day on the job and you have to decide what needs to be done differently in what areas. Pretend you have just been hired (by God) to come in there and to impact the people around you for eternity.

Look For Impact Opportunity!

Go person by person through your co-workers and see if you can think of ways you can begin to serve them. Think about their struggles and pray for ideas on how you can help.

Begin praying for them individually. Pray for their success and peace in their struggles. Pray for an opportunity to show them God’s love. Pray for God to renew your eyes every day so you can see the needs around you.

Change Will Come!

This may not completely change your vision overnight, but I promise it will change in time. Pretty soon, you will be getting up with energy in the morning.

No longer will you drag yourself out of bed, but will instead get a bounce in your step. You may even be able to give up the coffee…well, maybe that is pushing it!

Have you lost excitement over the opportunity in your job?

When will you commit to changing your view?

Can you enlist someone to keep you accountable to this commitment?

Photo by SergeyNevins / iStock

Let’s make this easy. Below is a list of ways you can misuse prescription drugs. In addition to the explanation for each misuse is a parallel misuse of Scripture. See if any of these abuses hit home with you.

1. You forget to take it.

Prescription Drugs– You have the right prescription and you intend to take it at the right time, but you keep forgetting to take it. The pill bottle just sits there on your bedside table collecting dust. Do you have a realistic hope of getting better with this behavior?

Scripture – You know from experience or even from a recommendation that spending regular time reading Scripture will help you with whatever problem you have. You have a Bible and the freedom to read it when you want to, but you keep forgetting.

Of course, you know that if it was truly important to you, you would not forget. Instead, it appears that you are more comfortable in continuing to struggle. Either that, or you would rather get your “prescription” from a non-licensed physician. Maybe your friends or the latest self-help book really can give better advice than the Creator of the universe.

2. You apply it incorrectly.

Prescription Drugs– Your elbow is hurting. Rather than going back to the doctor for a new prescription, you decide to pull out the ointment you were given for athlete’s foot last year. You rub this ointment on your elbow for relief. Don’t think this never happens!

Scripture – This one can apply two ways. First, you have good intentions, but you simply do not yet have the skills required to properly apply what you are reading. Likely, you are simply misinterpreting what you are reading. Fortunately, in this case the Holy Spirit will be helpful and guide you in the right application if you will just ask for help.

The other way this can happen is when you have a particular solution in mind before you even search God’s Word. You search and search until you find a verse that could be taken out of context to fit your needs. An extreme example would be to use Genesis 38:15-16 to confirm your weekend plans!

3. You do not fill the prescription.

Prescription Drugs– You took the time to go to the doctor and have him prescribe something to give you relief from your ailment, but you really don’t have time to go to the pharmacy to fill the prescription. Maybe tomorrow. Really?

Scripture – A friend or mentor has told you that reading and meditating on a certain Psalm really helped them get over their similar problem. You have thought about taking the time to read that Psalm, but you have just been so busy. You really have not had time to read it. You will work on that next week.

4. You won’t even go to the doctor.

Prescription Drugs– You hurt and you know there is likely something that could bring you relief, but you don’t want to ask. The doctor may think you are weird or weak. Someone may find out that you are not the specimen of health you pretend to be.

Scripture – You work with someone that often mentions how specific Scriptures have helped her overcome struggles in her life. You have similar struggles, but you cannot bring yourself to ask her where to look in the Bible for help. She may think less of you if she knows you have these struggles. You will just figure it out on your own.

5. You do not ingest it.

Prescription Drugs– You have the right prescription and you remember to take it, but you are somewhat afraid to swallow it completely. Instead, you decide to lick it on a regular schedule. Do you really think this will work?

Scripture – In this case, you do take your Bible out and read it regularly. The reading part is not the problem, but you really are not confident enough to fully digest what you have read and apply it. Instead, you are hopeful that you will gain enough benefit just from coming in contact with God’s Word. You really are hoping that maybe you will get Holy Spirit Brownie Points for the effort!

Do any of these abuses sound familiar? Do you struggle with any of these abuses of Scripture?

I think these abuses may be more common than we think. At the same time, there is one way that abuses of prescription drugs and Scripture are different. In fact, I would venture to say that this specific form of abuse can cause opposite effects.

6. You take too much of the prescription.

Prescription Drugs– Your head really hurts more today than normal. You decide to take triple the recommended dose. Surely that will take the pain away three times as fast, right?

Scripture – You find that properly taken as directed, reading and applying God’s Word really works! In an effort to increase the effects, you decide to spend a lot more time reading and meditating on it. The funny thing is that this actually works even better!

The bottom line is that we need to treat the Scripture as if it has been prescribed to us and we should take it as directed. For some specific advice on this, check out the following Scripture and see if it is clear enough for you.

Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Psalm 119:11

James 1:22-25

Proverbs 3:1-2

2 Timothy 2:15

What is your experience with Scripture?

Are you guilty of abusing it in any of the ways listed?

What can you do to improve your track record?

Photo by svedoliver / iStock

To Honor God?

As I said, our company mission statement includes the phrase “to honor God” as the central goal of our company. It is this goal that drove me in the beginning of my journey to run the business for eternal impact. It is the desire to honor God in everything I do that was my drive for the longest time. Unfortunately, other goals have begun to distract me.

Before I go any further, take a look at his quote and think about it:

Quit competing and live to honor God. Both will result in our best. One will receive rewards in eternity and the other now.

Choose To Compete?

Do you get what he was saying? We can choose to compete rather than simply seeking to honor God in all we do. We can compete with other businesses. We can compete with our neighbors or our family members. Maybe you are competing with childhood friends or an old nemesis. Many compete with everyone, not satisfied unless they are the best in the world at a certain skill or measurement.

While competition can be a good motivator, we need to ask ourselves if it is the best one. We need to ask ourselves if competition brings out the best in us or not. Then we need to think about whether a better motivator could simply be the desire to honor God.

Different Approach

What if, before taking any action at all, you ask yourself if it is God-honoring? What if, when approaching a business strategy, you decided not to look at the competition to decide what to do? What if you decided instead to determine how to honor God through your strategy?

Clearly, God is not honored with mediocrity, right? So what would it look like if you made it your absolute goal to devise a business strategy that would honor God? It would have to be a strategy of excellence. Driven by this goal, you would not be able to accept less than the best, would you?

Difference Is Timing

Just as my friend said, whether competing or seeking to honor God, the result will be our best. The difference is in the timing and longevity of the rewards.

If our motivation is to compete with the best, then we will likely find reward in the marketplace. This reward will most likely be financial and will come sooner. However, if we choose to honor God as our motivation, then rewards will also come. They will just come in an eternity that never ends.

Maybe there are immediate financial rewards, maybe not. God does not promise that. However, He does promise to reward us in eternity (Matthew 16:27). He promises that our rewards will not fade or suffer loss (1 Peter 1:3-4). He cannot go back on His promises.

Lost Focus

I have often allowed the idea of competition to take my focus off of my goal to honor God. While there have been some positive results in some areas, the overriding result is usually one of frustration. In fact, that’s another result of competition…anything short of winning it all is disappointing, even depressing.

Of course, seeking to honor God will not always result in actually pleasing Him (you WILL miss the mark at times!). At the same time, the frustration is not nearly as debilitating when we miss this goal. There are satisfaction and joy that remain, even in failure to hit this mark.

So which way will you go?

Are you guilty of competing?

Which rewards would you prefer?

How will you honor God?

Photo by peshkov / iStock

The post is written by someone I have just recently met.  His name is Charlie Paparelli and he is an experienced entrepreneur, angel investor, and mentor.  If you read much about him, you will quickly realize he is someone worth listening to. While I have thoroughly enjoyed his other posts, the one I am recommending today is the best one I have read.  Here is a link…The Best Way To Start Every Day.

The part that stuck with me was when he said this:

…Wait a minute. Forget where I was going. Do this.

This part struck me for several reasons.  First, Charlie is MUCH more experienced than me.  He has much more wisdom on which to draw for answers to challenges, opportunities, etc.  Even so, we both struggle with the natural reflex to draw on our experience and not on our God.

Just like Charlie started to do with the young man, I too often find myself reaching back into my archive of experience to find the answer to whatever is in front of me.  If I do not have the experience necessary for a particular problem, then I turn to my contact list of wise mentors.  

Where to Turn First

I promise you I have a vast array of resources to help me with whatever situation is in front of me.  In part, this is not a bad thing.  I have repeated myself numerous times on this blog that you need mentors and wisdom.  That is still true!

However, what is MORE true is that you and I need to turn FIRST to Jesus. Charlie hit the nail on the head when he abruptly changed directions and instead advised the young man to spend time every morning with Jesus, asking Him the questions on his mind.  This should be OUR starting point EVERY DAY!

Jesus will bring to mind our relevant experience.  He will suggest conversations with our mentors.  God still speaks to us in many ways.  However, we simply CANNOT ignore what should be our FIRST priority – going to Him for guidance.

I have been working through an old, but powerful workbook called Experiencing God.  In this book, I have been encouraged to get back to the top priority of building a deep and intimate relationship with God.  I have faced a number of significant challenges and opportunities during this time and have seen the benefit of turning first to Him for my guidance.

As simple as it sounds, I have been led to a 3-step process for my decision making.  I would encourage you to adopt this same process for yourself.  Even as I type this, I know you are going to look at it and say, “Duh.  That is too simple.”  

I know.  You are right.  It is too simple.  

But it works.

Try it yourself, but make sure you are FULLY committed to it before you judge it.

Step #1 – Stop

Follow Charlie’s example and stop in the middle of whatever thought you have as a reflexive response.  Stop right there and acknowledge that you are relying on your experience, wisdom, advice, etc.  Stop and turn away from it immediately.

Step #2 – Pray

If circumstances allow it, pray right then.  If they don’t allow it, then change the circumstances.  Do whatever it takes, but get to a place (at least in your mind) where you can pray.  When you pray, acknowledge to Jesus that you need His promised guidance.  Ask Him to speak to your heart right then, but also acknowledge that His timing is perfect.

Step #3 – Listen

At this point, begin paying attention.  Listen for Jesus’ voice.  Listen for Him to speak to you.  It may be that He prompts your heart.  It may be that He speaks through someone else.  It may be that He leads you to His Word – the Bible.  Whatever His way, listen for it.  Clear your mind and let Him guide you.

Step #4 – Wait

I know- I said three steps, but sometimes there is a fourth step.  When He does not give you an answer immediately, you are to wait.  Wait and keep asking.  Wait until you have clarity.  Wait until His timing is right.  When it is, He will direct you.

If you will commit to this process, then you will start to learn how to begin laying the groundwork of prayer before the decision deadlines rush up on you.  You will be more in tune with the voice of Jesus and you will hear His guidance in situations where in the past you never thought to ask for it.

I am new to this myself, but I have too many examples in the Bible of how this should work.  I still struggle with the reflex of going to my experience or my contact list, but I am getting better.  And He is honoring that!

Photo by Tijana87 / iStock

Let me start by sharing a quote that has recently impacted me.  This quote is the impetus of the thoughts I want to share with you.

The frontiers of the kingdom of God were never advanced by men and women of caution.

– J. Oswald Sanders

What are your first thoughts when you read this quote?  If you are like me, one of your first thoughts was whether or not you are a man or woman of caution.  When I first saw these words from Sanders, I WANTED to be one who advances the kingdom of God.  I did NOT want to be a man of caution.

Self Examination is Key

Unfortunately, as I look around at my circumstances today, I am frustrated to see too much caution.  I see too many areas where I am comfortable and not pushing the limits around me.  I do not like this picture and I want to change it!

What do you see when you look around?  Do you see areas in your life where you are solidly set in your comfort zone?  Do you see opportunities around you that may put fear or hesitation in your heart?  Are you “safe” from most threats and do you feel good about that?

Look to the Bible

What do we find when we look at the Bible?  As we consider example after example of men and women from Scripture, do we see the same caution or do we see fearlessness?  What do you see in Moses? What about Gideon,  Zechariah, Paul, Timothy, or Peter?

In each of the above examples, there was hesitation and doubt…even fear.  In each case, the individual showed evidence of caution as they faced the calling God was placing on them.  It is good to know that we are not alone in our weakness!

Here is another example, this one from the life of Jeremiah:

But I protested, “Oh no, Lord, God! Look, I don’t know how to speak since I am only a youth.”

Jeremiah 1:6

The truth is this…we are all going to experience fear or doubt when faced with what God is calling us to do.  No one is immune to these feelings.  Though some respond in ways that appear strong or fearless, they are still experiencing a form of fear.  Most likely, they have learned how to cope with it in a way that allows them to appear fearless.

It is my belief that Christians should learn to recognize this fear.  We are not to ignore it, but neither are we to succumb to it.  While caution is advisable in certain situations, as a guide for living out your calling it is limiting.

Truths About Caution

Instead, we must put caution to the side and live out our calling.  We must do this with our families.  We must do it with our businesses.  We must live out God’s calling on our lives in EVERY area of our lives.  We are to advance the kingdom, regardless of the fears we face.

First of all, we should do this because we are not the first to be called.  As I mentioned above, there are MANY examples in the Bible of people just like you and me who carried out the calling of God on their lives.  They all did this despite the fear they experienced.  They threw caution to the wind and trusted in God.  We should be willing to do the same.

We can do this because God has promised to be with us always AND to finish His work through us (Philippians 1:6)!  The examples above knew that God was with them and therefore they were able to overcome their fears and move forward.  We can know this very same truth.  Just as God was faithful to them, He will be faithful to us.  He always makes good on His promises.

Finally, we should do this because He has promised us a reward that is beyond our imagination!  Paul mentioned a crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Peter described an inheritance that is “imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4).  As I said before, God is faithful to make good on His promises.

I encourage you to take some time to look around and assess your current circumstances.  Pray that God will open your eyes to any areas where you are exercising caution and limiting your calling.  Ask yourself some of the following tough questions and wrestle with the answers.  God is ready to advance His kingdom in amazing ways – through you!

What would I do if I were brave?

Why am I holding back and not taking more risk in my faith?

What root fears are causing me to use caution instead of trusting God?

Photo by Slphotography / iStock