LISTEN

Philippians 1:9-10 NIV. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.

Today I want to remind you of just two great principles from scripture to assist you in your continued leadership during this season of preaching and leading the local church ministries and other essential services to your community.

 

1.   Listen to the right things.

19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20

I am certain you would join me in agreement that there is no shortage of opinion and news everyday about the circumstances we are all navigating in our own cities and towns – as well as – across the globe. Not all that talk is positive or even useful.

 

Often, we teach this passage

-      Listening quickly & Speaking slowly. Great concepts.

But I also want you to see the connection between what you are listening to and the relationship it has with becoming angry.  This week there was an uptick on the national stage as leaders are becoming increasingly angry – the grace and tolerances seem to have worn thin.

 

Be quick to listen – to the right things.

Don’t forget that what you hear, think about and meditate on – that is what spills out of you.

 

Listen to the right stuff.

I personally have started listening to scripture – having it read to me over my phone.  I have felt the need to flood my ear gate with positivity from Gods Word. 

 

Two questions on what to listen to:

  • What inspires you?

  • What encourages you.

 

Today – as always – inspired leaders who are encouraged – are powerfully effective.

2.   Do not forget who God made you to be.  

23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.  James 1:23-25

  • You are exactly designed the way God envisioned.

  • You come equipped with strengths and weaknesses – all by Gods design

  • You have aptitudes and short comings

  • You have abilities to grow yourself into new skills sets and areas of learning.

 

Again – all designed by God.

God knows you – he selected you to serve where you are serving.

He placed you knowing that today – April 18, 2020 would hold all the events and challenges you will encounter.

  • God has gifted you and entrusted you with opportunity.

  • Don’t forget who God made you to be.

  • Stand secure in the fact that you were made for this.

  • Lead the way God made you.

  • Lead in accordance with your abilities and strengths

  • Lead while growing and learning. 

 

The result in knowing who you are –

  • Understanding that reality in light of Gods word will keep you in a position of not only being blessed but allows you to be a blessing to others.

The only other option is to forget who you are and allow the confusion, panic, and lack of direction to overwhelm you - that has no place in the life of a Christian leader.

  • Be quick to listen to the right stuff

  • Know – really know – that God not only put you in that position – he created you for it.

  • We need you – don’t forget who you are and who God made you to be.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,

Philippians 1:9-10 NIV

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