Being Humble

Proverbs 29:1 Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be broken beyond repair. (NLT)

This is hard for me. I am a very prideful person. I take a lot of things personally that are not necessarily personal. I think being able to hear my critics and honestly listen to them is hard. Because to my core I am a critic. When I read proverbs like this, they tell me I have to stop being a critic and actually start hearing my critics and the people who honestly want to help me. They want to see me be a better leader, a better father, a better follower of Christ. I need to stop being stubborn in my response and actually listen. I just heard a sermon from a pastor of a large church talk about their influence in the community, and how it will be limited by the way they respond to their critics. I think as believers we are so quick to not listen to people who criticize especially if they have a different belief system. If we believers all agree that, all truth is God's truth, then if someone is showing us truth in ways that we need to change, then that is from God. I guess the bottom line is, I need to seek God in everything. In anyway that He chooses to speak truth in my life, even if it is by a critic (bad or good).

Youthful Arrogance

1 Timothy 1:5-7 The purpose of my (Paul's) instruction is that all the Christians there (Ephesis) would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith. 6 But some teachers have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time arguing and talking foolishness. 7 They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don't know what they are talking about, even though they seem so confident. (NLT)

As a young leader I fall into this. I find myself arguing or talking about things I am not sure I understand. With the way that I talk, I come across as knowing about what I am talking about, but I may not. I was talking with someone yesterday about the housing market. When I was done I looked at the person I was talking to and said "like I know anything about the real estate market." I need to watch what I am so confidently proclaiming and make sure it lines up with what God wants or desires to be taught. I need not get involved in fruitless arguments that I may not completely understand, or that are not that important in the economy of God. Paul's whole desire is that ministry would happen through love of God and others.

Is love what drives me to teach others about Jesus? Is love what drives me everyday? I guess these are the diagnostic questions that need to be asked.

Responsibility

Jeremiah 23:1-2
1 "I will send disaster upon the leaders of my people the shepherds of my sheep for they have destroyed and scattered the very ones they were expected to care for," says the LORD. 2 This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says to these shepherds: "Instead of leading my flock to safety, you have deserted them and driven them to destruction. Now I will pour out judgment on you for the evil you have done to them. (NLT)

Wow, this puts being in church leadership in perspective. I am responsible to God how I lead. I will be judged for how I lead. I have to be in prayer to lead the way God want's me to lead. I cannot do it in and of myself. As a leader in the church I think it is good to be remineded that leading is rewarding. When you are leading as God wants you to lead, He will bless you, or at least reward you in heaven. If you lead apart from God you will be awarded with Godly discipline. This needs to be in my mind as I put together lessons. This needs to be on my mind when I am doing anything in leadership. Am I leading as God desires me to lead?

If you are seeking to lead God's people, think about this before you go down that path. A lot of people are in ministry for themselves. This is the cause for some of the problems we face as the body of Christ.

Our God is a good God. He is a mighty God. He is a loving God. He is also a God that seeks our obedience. As I lead I need to lead through obedience to Him.

This one hit me between the eyes

Proverbs 18:13 He who gives an answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to him.

If any of you know me, you would know this fits me completely. I am the person in a discussion that doesn't let you finish a sentence. If we are arguing, it is even worse. My wife would definitely confirm this. It is great how God can use something that was written so long ago, yet it teaches me today. This is the whole "quick to listen and slow to speak" thing James talked about.

This is my maiden voyage

I was told by a friend of mine that I needed to start blogging. So, Dan here it goes. I
am not sure were to take my maiden voyage. I have so many thoughts in my head that I think would be great topics to blog on.

I guess where I will start is I am a believer in Jesus Christ. I believe He is God. I believe He came to this earth as a man and made a way for you and me to have a relationship with Jesus . He set up His church which is made up of believers. The church is not a building. His followers make up the church. I think in America we have a limited view of what the Church is. I have a desire to see the church in American change from being an organization, to being the people who believe in Jesus as the forgiver of their sins.