MAY 11 – ACCOUNTABILITY

Earnestly, sincerely, and frequently challenge and encourage each other – every day – so sin won’t become habit. Don’t allow sin to harden you, and lead you away from truth. (Hebrews 3:13)

                   When you see one of your people violate the values you have established, do you address it? Immediately? Often, to do that is uncomfortable. It may be inconvenient, and there are certainly risks associated with confrontation. Accountability is hard. Accountability can be costly to you and to others.

                   But, look at the goal of such accountability. Here, the writer of Hebrews observes the true goal of consistent accountability. It is the prosperity of the person being challenged. Accountability is one of the most sincere and practical ways to show love for another person. In that light, remember the characteristics of love described by Paul (1 Corinthians 13). Love is patient, calm, humble, respectful, selfless, forgiving, seeks the truth, and – importantly – never stops. If these characteristics are present in your work of accountability, it will help you and your people find that prosperity that you both seek.

                   Take courage. Hold your people to account – with love – even when it is costly or hard to do.

MAY 10 – WATCH CAREFULLY

 Behind your door, on the back side of your door posts, you hide what you really pursue. You’ve removed your loyalty from Me. You’ve added other gods, and you never tire from looking for new ones. You prefer what they give you rather than Me. (Isaiah 57:8)

                  Do you observe your people carefully? There are many who will give lip service to what you ask of them, but their actions will show they are pursuing other, selfish goals. Some will even actively oppose you, leading others with them, away from the vision you teach and opposing the values you have said are important. Are you prepared to respond to this reality?

                   Through Isaiah, God is talking about this person who pretends. God’s word was on the front of the doorpost of His people’s homes. These people left the exterior claim to follow Him. But, on the inside, in secret, they sought and worshipped other gods. There would likely have been a penalty imposed by the community for open defiance, so they chose a cowardly way. Many will go along with what a leader wants, at least they will say so to be favored. But, behind the façade, in secret, they will seek other motives. Others will simply lose their way. You must be alert for every instance.

                   Watch carefully. Recognize when words and behavior don’t agree. Be ready and willing to act.

MAY 9 – TEACH CONSTANTLY

 Engage with your people closely, preaching and teaching the word through every circumstance of life. When they don’t understand, correct them. When they don’t obey, warn them. Comfort them whenever they miss the mark as they grow, showing them great patience while continuing to teach (2 Timothy 4:2)

                   Do you identify and personally invest in the people whom God gives you to lead? Is that work a priority for you? If you wish for your business to grow, and especially if you would like to see it survive past your time as the leader, you must grow new leaders. Growing leaders takes significant personal engagement.

                   Paul is here telling Timothy, his young protégé, how to lead. Timothy is warned not to assume that those who hear will follow the Lord. Rather, Paul says he should become part of their lives. From this relationship, he can encourage his people daily to embrace the Hope in Christ, and the vision and values he has been given. As Timothy tells his story each day, his people can see his actions and know that he is being obedient to God’s calling.

                    Find your leaders, as God reveals them. They may not be who you think. Invest fully in their growth in Him. Teach constantly.

MAY 8 – SPREAD THE WORD

 Make these words I am giving you be a part of you – heart and head. Constantly teach them to your children, and talk and think about them every moment you are awake. Carry them around with you and post them everywhere – in the most prominent places. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

                   Do your people know what is important to you? Have you told them what the Lord has said to you? Did you write those words down? Do you think of this vision, and speak of it – often?

                   Moses has reminded the people of Israel of all God had said to him. He gives clarity to the message, saying that God has given them this law so they will live long, prosperous lives in the new land they will inhabit. That dynamic has not changed. The Holy Spirit has given you a vision for the prosperity of your people. Write it down. Tell others about what He has said. Be sure that everyone hears and sees that you have heard, and that you are pursuing what God has asked you to do. Then, other people can hear and embrace that message. They can partner with you, understanding the work that is to be done together.

                Spread the word today. Tell your people about all that God has prepared for them.

MAY 7 – CONTINUE TO SEEK

 Have I been with you all this time, and yet you haven’t known me, Philip? (John 14:9)

                   Philip had been with Jesus almost since the beginning of His ministry. In this passage, thought to be near the end of that work, Jesus observed that he still didn’t know who Jesus was. Many people, even those who may appear to be closest to God, still do not know Jesus for all that He is. That kind of relationship is a knowledge that comes only from intimacy with God; time alone with Jesus, experience relying upon Him, and burdens shared with Him.

                   Do you really know Jesus? Your life, and the lives of other people depend upon on this knowledge. As you lead your people toward the Lord, there will be opposition. Friends, colleagues, business associates, employees, and others will challenge you to conform to more acceptable behavior – even to simply be reasonable. If you want to continue doing what the Holy Spirit leads you to do, you must have this intimate knowledge and trust in Jesus. You will not prevail against the powers and principalities which actively work against the Lord’s will.

                   Continue today to spend time with Jesus. Ask that He reveal more of Himself and His desires to you. Learn to know Jesus well.

MAY 6 – THE VISION

 Don’t trust in the powerful, brilliant people. Men’s projects and plans die when they do. You’ll be blessed if you trust and hope in the Lord God. He made the heavens and earth, and He will be faithful forever. (Psalm 146:3-6)

                  How do you make your plans? Do you consult all the leading experts for current market projections? Do you watch for what market leaders are doing? Or, do you ask God what He would have you to do? Market awareness is good. It is useful. Expert opinions are part of the information you can process. But, all of it should be taken to the Lord in prayer if you genuinely trust Him as your hope in all of life.

                   This passage reminds you that obedience is not only what God commands, but it also is very practical. Your self-developed plans will be no more ingenious than those of other men and women. They will be short-term successes at best, because only God sees the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). The Lord is not impressed by your projects, even when you design them to honor Him (Romans 9:23). What God wants is for you to wait until He speaks to you through His Holy Spirit, and tells you His plans.

                Don’t waste your time doing business the way the world does it. Seize the opportunity to trust God for the plans that will lead to His prosperity.

MAY 5 – THE SOURCE

 But thanks always be to God. He leads us to victory in the Christ, and raises through us a fragrance of incense that shows everyone His glory. (2 Corinthians 2:14)

                   What do your people believe in? What gives them confidence in your organization’s ultimate success even when times are hard? Is it your intellect, experience, track-record, wealth, or have you explained to them that the Lord is your source for all things?

                   Paul says, “in every triumph, be sure God gets the thanks, the praise, and the glory.” Some modern sports figures show how this looks after big wins. Occasionally, one will say, “First, I want to give thanks to Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior.” Could you do this in your organization? In your big wins, and even when struggling? Could you explain the basis of your vision and values statement in terms of God’s calling on your life and your desire to bring honor and glory to Him? If so, you will be raising the fragrance of praise that leads people to see God’s glory. For this reason, your story is very important. That story must be told if you will lead your people to Jesus.

                Direct your people to the Lord as their hope, and lead them to give praise to Him in all things.