SEPTEMBER 2 – IT TAKES TIME

 Friends, do you remember where you were; how you acted, when Jesus first rescued you? It wasn’t your brains, nor your power, nor your social standing, that caused God to choose you. That’s not how He works. He picks the least and makes them into the best.      (1 Corinthians 1:26-28)

                   Do you always focus on the superstars? Have you established a culture where those who are the brightest and best get all your attention? Have you ever considered that you may be overlooking people in whom God intended for you to invest – simply because they didn’t fit your definition of importance?

                  If so, Paul has an important word for you in this counsel. God has a history of late bloomers. It is His habit to take people from where they are, and work in them in a way that is creative and surprising. In the Lord’s kingdom, remember that there is irony. “The last will be first (Matthew 20:16).” Paul speaks of process over time (Philippians 1:6), and David acknowledged the same (Psalm 138:8). That is why you are so dependent each moment on the Spirit’s leadership. You can’t predict which person is the one in whom you should invest. You don’t know what they need, nor how to address that need apart from God’s work in you.

                  Recognize that God works in people’s lives over time. Understand that you will sometimes be part of the early years in the life of a late bloomer.

SEPTEMBER 1 – THE DIFFERENCE

 So, let your Lord God show you the way that is best for them; just as He does for you. And, help your brother and sister to find that best for themselves. This is such a difficult, unusual choice for you to make in this world. Many will start; but they will fail. The way to God ‘s life is hard. (Matthew 7:12-14)

                  There are so many ways to get it wrong as a leader. There are many who will advise you to choose those false paths. Often, they will seem to you to be the right, fair choice. Will you make the only choice that will make all the difference for your people? Only one path will take you and your people to the transformed life that Jesus offers.

                  During this lesson, Jesus explains that often His way will be different from the world’s angry, combative, selfish way of dealing with other people. He gave a couple of very clear examples, pointing His listeners to the all-knowing, loving counsel of the Father as the proper source for each and all a believer’s needs. Many have read this passage as instruction to reason what is best for the other person, and then convince that person to accept their opinion. That’s not the narrow-door path Jesus urges. The narrow way is to recognize that only the Father has the right answer for each of His children. The narrow way is to listen for the Spirit to reveal how to point the other person to Him.

                  Choose the different way. Help your people find their way to God and His very best for them. Don’t try to take God’s place in their lives.

AUGUST 31 – FAR FROM PERFECT

 No – I’m far from perfect. I haven’t arrived. I may not even fully understand. But, I am pressing on to find His way forward, so that I may realize and gain what Christ Jesus gave me. (Philippians 3:12)

                   Do you allow yourself to be imperfect? Is there room in your group for people who will mess up? Fear of liability and loss drive many to assume that perfection is the minimum standard. When that is a leader’s perspective, those who are not able to explain away their actions, put the right spin on a course of events with a bad ending, are found guilty by reason of imperfection. In that environment fear takes over, as each person waits for the dreaded day when they make the unforgivable mistake.

                   Paul explains here that perfection is an ideal worthy of a life-long effort. The life of one who follows Christ is a process of growing closer to Him; learning, growing, and becoming a completed masterpiece at His return. This understanding should lead you to greater humility. You are not perfect. This understanding should lead you to seek unity. Those who falter need restoration rather than punishment.

                  Recognize that your people are imperfect. Encourage them, as Paul has modeled, to press forward to find God’s way when they struggle. Love them to restored relationship.

AUGUST 30 - …. PEOPLE HAVE PROBLEMS

 Brothers, if someone is overcome; if the Spirit reveals to you that they are captured by sin – when the Spirit of God shows you – show them the way back to the Lord. Do this work humbly and gently. Understand that it could have been – could be – you. This loving and caring for another; taking on their problems as your own, that’s God’s work. It is what Jesus expects of you. (Galatians 6:1-2)

                  Do you pray for your people? Do you ask the Lord to give them eyes to see the truth of God’s word? Do you ask the Lord to help you see the role He has for you in His plan for each of them? Remember, that is the work that matters; giving your people opportunity to come into relationship with the Lord, God. When they are experiencing trouble, or have problems, there is often opportunity to share Christ.

                  Paul recognizes this truth. He told the people at Corinth that Satan tries to deceive. He may hide truth from those who don’t know God (2 Corinthians 4:4). Paul also told them, and says in this passage, that Jesus Christ is wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30), and His Holy Spirit is the source of your understanding. The author of James, in his letter, was very direct, “If you lack wisdom, ask God (James 1:5).”

                  So, clearly, you can know that the Spirit will show you those who need you to care for them, and what you need to do. Ask Him how to help your people find their way home to Jesus‘ love.

AUGUST 29 – PEOPLE AREN’T PROBLEMS ….

 Look to God – obey Him so you can stand and fight the battles of life. This is war against the spiritual powers of evil and darkness, because we fight them, not against other men and women. (Ephesians 6:11-12)

                   One of the consistent themes of Paul’s letter to the people in the church at Ephesus is unity. He covers many of the familiar relationships of life, explaining on each occasion how God’s will and God’s work through time have been to bring His people; those He created, together in their proper relationship of love with Him and each other – through Christ’s sacrifice. Here, he is explicit, “You are not to engage in battles with each other as if you are enemies.” Rather, Paul explains you must fight the powers of the spiritual world who oppose men and women.

                  Do you look at your people who are struggling and see an enemy? Do you see them as a problem to either be fixed – or even eliminated? If so, you’re not seeing them through eyes of faith in Christ. He loves that person. He died for that person. How can you then throw him or her away; see them as disposable?

                  People aren’t problems to be overcome. They are valuable creations; made in the image of God. See their humanity and help them battle the real enemies of life.

AUGUST 28 – WHAT DO THEY SEE?

 These people come in to you as if they are really my people. They listen to my words as you speak, but they never act on them. They talk about their great love for me, but then they pursue selfish ambition. (Ezekiel 33:31)

                   Your pets, friends, children, and other family members all watch much more than they listen, as they try to figure out who you really are and what you really want. The same is true of those you lead each day as you work. Your people; the ones who are acting on your vision, and whom you are encouraging to adopt your values, don’t just listen. They watch very carefully. What do they see?

                   God is telling Ezekiel that actions are the evidence of faith. When your actions are inconsistent with your vision, when decisions are made that contradict your values, or when people are not held accountable for their behavior, your words have no meaning. Your influence will be lost. Your people will not listen.

                   Be sure your actions and your processes are consistent with your words. Let them see you living out what you profess to believe. Lead your people to a living faith.

 

AUGUST 27 - JESUS, NOT MEN

 Jesus told them (the disciples arguing over which of them would be greatest), “The powerful abuse their power to manipulate, while calling themselves faithful helpers. But, not so with you. If you want to be the greatest, then you will serve the most. Focus on meeting the needs of others, as I have done.” (Luke 22:25-27)

                   What will you do? The world says to seize power, “Manipulate if you must – there will always be casualties, it can’t be avoided. The task must be accomplished.” Jesus says, “Meet their needs and send them to me. Don’t seek their approval or to have power.”

                   Choose carefully between these options, because Jesus is clear in His assurance that your choice will determine your future, and that of your people. He continues, saying, “The Father’s kingdom is yours because you have continued with me; my way. You will reign forever in His kingdom, with Me” (verses 28-30).

                   Will you choose the kingdom of men or the kingdom of God? Power, abuse, and manipulation seeking more power, wealth, and selfish notoriety pave the road to the top by the world’s standards. Submission, obedience, cost, and even suffering is the price of serving Jesus’ way. Choose well. Choose God’s eternal kingdom. Continue with Jesus, not men.