Significant Truths
This week there has been much talk about money, government programs, concerns about many things. The reality is that the novelty of this season is wearying off and we are facing the reality that we may be here for a while.
Remind you of a couple significant truths:
1. Establish your Non Negotiables.
Matthew 6:24 New International Version (NIV)
24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
This isn’t a money scripture as much as it is a priority scripture. Priority of putting God is a lead position. We typically say it this way establish your non negotiables – your principles. Those anchoring points in which you moor your life.
The principles that have always guided you in life will get you through this. Principles are principles because they are applicable – regardless of cultural differences or cultural shifts. All situations and setting principles apply. Principles are not locked into a person – they are locked into Gods word – so – they are absolute and unshifting. As a matter a fact – heaven and earth will pass away but Gods word – his principles will stand secure.
Priorities and principles are the baseline by which we measure all kinds of uncertainty. Leadership is a constant tug of war – priorities tell you which way to go. When the voices are numerous – when options are plentiful and uncertainty is common place – hold your to your principles.
2. This is a great time to De-Clutter
Hebrews 12:1 New International Version (NIV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
In recent days life has become more complex.
We are thinking about things and being asked things we have never been asked to focus on before. If you are not careful the addition of more and more can have a compounding negative effect on you.
In times like this we need to relentlessly de clutter our lives.
Discard things which are no longer relevant to you and what you are trying to accomplish.
The ability to let go of something so you have enough room, margin, and resources to deal with new challenges and opportunities is a survival skill in leadership.
3. Plan ahead
7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” John 13:7
What an interesting passage.
Jesus admits that they don’t understand what they are watching. In fact they are engaged in it, participating and observing – yet they don’t understand. Instead of explaining the finer points – Jesus says you don’t understand – but later you will. Once their lack of current understanding was established Jesus went on to say
14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
In other words Pastor – your current level of understanding should not stop you from ministering to others – your current level of understanding of all that is occurring should not stop you from following the example of servant leadership Jesus set.
In a time of confusion and lacking understanding – Jesus points them to the future and he points them toward service
Pastor it is time in this situation to stop spending all our time playing defense. It is time to pivot and start looking toward the season when this event is going to end.
What will church be like?
What have we learned?
What has been effective?
What have we been doing that we want to continue doing even when we can gather in crowds again?
What is it that we have not been able to do – that surprisingly has not been missed?
What are we learning about our weak spots that we can correct and strengthen for the next challenge the church will face?
What have we learned about Money? Discipleship? Evangelism?
Scripture makes it clear – 1 Cor 13 we look through the glass darkly.
Without a doubt there is much we do not understand – one day – in the future we will.
It is time for us as leaders to pivot - looking into what the future – post shelter in place – will look like and how we will emerge better and stronger, more streamlined, and still holding fast to the principles from Gods Word that got us through this situation - knowing that they will serve us again and again – come what may.
Click here to watch Pastor Bret’s message on Significant Truths