Tripp Atkinson

Pastor, Speaker, Consultant

Leadership

The Most Important Person You Lead

by

“You are the most important person you lead today.”

That can’t be true, can it? It sounds a bit selfish, maybe even arrogant. Certainly I’m not more important than my kids, or my spouse, or the ministry I lead. I may be the leader of a team, but I’m called to humbly serve that team. After all, isn’t servant leadership about making yourself the least important person in the room?

Jesus Christ was the ultimate servant leader. But Jesus also demonstrated an important principle… I must lead myself well if I’m going to serve others well.

I must lead myself well if I’m going to serve others well.

Click To Tweet

Jesus’ Model for Self-Care

Commissioned with the most important mission and ministry in history, Jesus was certainly driven and busy. But even with people pressing to get to him with needs, Jesus repeatedly took time to withdraw from the crowds.

Jesus was divine, yet he was also human and had legitimate human needs. Though completely dependent on his divine nature to lead and empower his earthly ministry, he cared for the physical realm through which that power and ministry flowed.

After ministering to the crowds, Jesus made a practice of withdrawing and refueling before he poured himself out again. Jesus practiced and modeled good self-care. He didn’t hide his physical or emotional needs, but asked his friends for support. While Jesus’ life certainly involved rigorous service, sacrifice, and suffering, it also involved self-investment and self-care. By making it a practice to invest in himself, he was better able to humanly care for those whom he was called to lead.

The most important person you lead really is yourself. Through investment in yourself, you are able to best lead others. A spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy you honors God and best fulfills the incredible calling God has entrusted to you.

Consider those in your life you would think of more highly than yourself. Don’t you want the best for them? Don’t they deserve the best you?

Lead them well by leading yourself well today.

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. – Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)

Good self-care begins with self-awareness of your comprehensive health.

All of You: Why Your Comprehensive Health Matters

You matter to God.

In fact, every domain and aspect of your life matters to God.

The apostle Paul notes God’s holistic concern in 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24:

Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.  God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.

God wants to impact every area of our lives, and he wants us to use every area of our lives to love and glorify him. When questioned about which commandment is greatest, Jesus responded,

The most important commandment is this: “…you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” The second is equally important: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” No other commandment is greater than these.  – Mark 12:29-31

God loves all of you, and he want you to love and honor him with all of you.

Comprehensive health matters because we are to love and honor God in every aspect of our being, relating, and doing.

What is comprehensive health?

Comprehensive health, or holistic health, refers to one’s wellness in each area, or “domain,” of life.

While there are several popular models used to divide life into domains, I find the model developed by Michael Hyatt to be most helpful. Hyatt identifies ten interrelated life domains, grouped together into larger domains of “Being,” “Relating,” and “Doing,” as follows:

BEING
– Spiritual: Your connection with God
– Intellectual: Your engagement with significant ideas
– Emotional: Your psychological health
– Physical: Your bodily health

RELATING
– Marital: Your spouse or significant other
– Parental: Your children if you have any
– Social: Your friends & associates

DOING
– Vocational: Your profession
– Avocational: Your hobbies & pastimes
– Financial: Your personal or family finances

Hyatt stresses the interconnected nature of each domain. For example, job stress can impact our physical and emotional well-being, strain our family relationships, and isolate us from friendships. Lack of health in one domain can quickly erode well-being in a number of other domains.

Because of the interconnected nature of each domain, it’s imperative to understand each domain and constantly assess our health in each area.

 

 

Your comprehensive health matters because…

 

1) It honors God.

Simply put, we were created to honor and glorify God (Isaiah 43:7, Romans 11:36, Colossians 1:15-20). 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us, “whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

Comprehensive health is really a matter of stewardship. The apostle Paul reminds us that we do not belong to ourselves. Everything we have, even our own bodies, were given to us by God and belong to God.

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

How we use our bodies, minds, talents, and resources is all a matter of stewardship. As we are good stewards of each domain, we honor God.

2) It impacts your witness.

In his final moments on earth, Jesus reminds his followers of their mission: “…And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere…” (Acts 1:8). We are to be witnesses for Christ, not only in word, but in example. In the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), Jesus clarifies that part of that mission is to “Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.” If we are to teach everything Jesus commanded, that includes teaching on finances (Luke 10:29-37, Romans 13:6-8), marriage (Matthew 19:4-6), friendship (John 15:12-17), and rest (Matthew 11:28-30).

Jesus had much to say about being, relating, and doing.

Ultimately, our lives are to be a reflection to the world of what Jesus thinks about identity, relationships, and how to experience abundant life in him. All of this points to the most important message at the heart of our calling:

So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” – 2 Corinthians 5:20

3) It impacts your service.

Ephesians 2:10 reminds us: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” There is no doubt that we were created with purpose to honor and serve God well. Our health in each domain impacts the quality and longevity of our service. For example:

  • Spiritual health leads to an awareness of the leading of the Spirit of God and the bearing of spiritual fruit.
  • Emotional health leads to greater emotional intelligence (an awareness of our emotions and those of others) with which we can better empathize and care.
  • Physical health leads to wellness and more energy to serve well.
  • Financial health paves the way for increased generosity to meet needs.

Because the health of each domain impacts the others, if we desire to serve well we need to be intentional about each aspect of our health. Comprehensive health is a big deal because it impacts how we honor, represent, and serve God.

Comprehensive health is a big deal because it impacts how we honor, represent, & serve God.

Click To Tweet

It is at the heart of the Great Commandment to love God with everything we have. What greater motivation is there to get moving on the path to holistic health?

 

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.  – 3 John 1:2

 

I want to help and encourage you in your journey to comprehensive health.  Click the image below to check out a resource that can help you win.

Remember, you are the most important person you lead today. Honor God by leading yourself well!

6 Vital Small Group Lesson Prep Questions

by

What an incredible privilege and responsibility to teach the life-changing truths of Scripture. To offer the best we have as a teacher and avoid the temptation to simply regurgitate (read) curriculum, let’s consider these six important questions we need to answer when preparing to teach:

1) What is the BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE? (Keyword: Preparation)

Everything we teach should bring students back to the Bible. Our stories, opinions, and advice do not have the power to change a student’s life. The Word of God does. (2 Timothy 3:16) That is why we believe the Bible is a BIG DEAL and why we want to graduate students who have biblical principles engrained in their minds and hearts. As you prepare, identify and focus on the biblical principle.

2) What is the TAKEAWAY? (Keyword: Clarification)

It’s important to begin with the end in mind. Once you identify the biblical principle we are trying to communicate, clarify the exact main point we want students to grasp as a result of our time together. With every lesson I teach, I clarify the “140,” that is the point of my lesson in 140 characters or less. Remember, your “takeaway” is not just taught through the lesson, but through the entire small group experience.

3) Why is this IMPORTANT? (Keyword: Persuasion)

Identify the significance of your takeaway. This not only creates a sense of urgency in your approach to lesson prep, but also clarifies how you persuade students of its importance. The WHY always drives the passion and urgency of the WHAT.

4) How do I make this REAL to a child / student? (Keyword: Illustration)

The ability to effectively illustrate a biblical truth in a way that makes it “real” to a student is what moves teachers from being good to GREAT! Object lessons, stories, and illustrations that connect a biblical truth to their world are invaluable to helping students understand and remember truth.

5) What does this mean to ME? (Keyword: Application)

Once you communicate biblical truth in a way that students will understand, the goal is to help them apply this truth to their lives personally. Application of biblical truth is the primary end goal of our teaching. As a teacher, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing your investment pay off when a student applies truth in their life.

6) What NOW? (Keyword: Demonstration)

Let’s not make the mistake of helping students realize where they need to go, but not showing them how to get there. A great lesson ends with practical and specific actions steps that answer the question “What now?” Students should leave small group with a clear understanding of next steps.

Let’s never forget…we are not called to teach lessons, we are called to teach people. Let’s give our best as we prepare to teach God’s life-changing truth!

The 140:
We are not called to teach lessons; we are called to teach people.
Let’s give our best as we prepare to teach God’s life-changing truth!

Click To Tweet

 

See what I did there?

Chasing Greatness (5 ways to turn season goals into long-term success)

by

I was recently asked to challenge the Lanier High Football Team before they set individual & team goals for their season. The challenge was to approach season goals in a way that would pay dividends far beyond the game. Here are a few suggestions…

Great coaches, educators, and team leaders realize the value of leading individuals in an exercise to set goals that will challenge and motivate the team.

Such an exercise can provide much more than a target stat or team record for which to aim. It can also provide an opportunity to evaluate some foundational issues that will maximize the opportunities ahead of you.

As you evaluate the season ahead (in sports and life), consider these 5 ways to maximize your opportunity and turn pre-season goals into long-term success:

1) BE before you DO.

Before you determine what you want to DO, establish who you want to BE.

What you do flows from who you are. A right understanding of this can keep our focus in the right place. We get it wrong when we focus on the by-product more than the source.

Smoke & Fire
What if I woke up at night to a strong odor of smoke in my house and my biggest concern was opening the windows and turning on fans to get the smell out of my house? What would you say about me? That’s right…I’m an idiot!! Why? Because my focus should not be on the smell; my focus should be on the SOURCE of the smell…fire! Smoke is simply a by-product of the fire.

We realize this simple principle when it comes to fire, but sometimes we forget to apply it to our lives.

So many athletes are more concerned with:

– recruiting exposure than improving their game.
– having a microphone than having something to say.
– wanting to be a captain than actually leading.

The by-product always flows from the source. Get the source right, and the rest will take care of itself.

Like my friend Reggie Shaw (Head Coach, Byrnes High School) says, “You’ve got to BE before you DO.”

The Name on the Front

In setting goals, not only consider your identity, but also the identity of the team for which you play.

The name on the back of the jersey has got to embody the culture of the name on the front of the jersey. You have a responsibility to uphold the values and goals of the program that gives you an opportunity to play.

For example, Coach Korey Mobbs has determined that the Lanier High Longhorns are going to be about Character, Class, & Commitment in all they do. To put on a Longhorn jersey, each player must commit to represent those values both on and off the field. Make sure this is part of your goals.

 

2) Count the cost.

Determine what your goal is going to cost you. If it doesn’t cost you, it isn’t a worthy goal. Nothing great has ever been achieved without a great cost.

Your commitment and work ethic has got to match your goal.

Some people have got a $1 million goal and a 50 cent work ethic. That’s a problem. You either need to change your goal or change your roll!

If you are serious about your goal, what has to change to meet it? (5% more effort will probably not give you 60% more results.)

Nothing changes until something changes.

Some people have got a $1 million goal and a 50 cent work ethic. That’s a problem.

Click To Tweet

 

3) Take the lid off.

Don’t hinder the greatness that is in you from coming out of you.

As a coach, the hardest thing to see is wasted potential.

One thing I tell student athletes all the time is, “There is greatness in you….now go let it out!”

I constantly remind them not to put a lid on what they can achieve by:

– Making excuses. (“No excuses, no explanations.” – Tony Dungy)
– Listening to the noise of others’ expectations / opinions.
– Failing to see what they uniquely bring to the team.

You are unique and offer something to your team or organization that no one else can. Find what you offer, and give that better than anyone else. Realize your greatness and let it out!

 

4) Be Real.

Don’t pretend that you’re going to be someone on the playing field that you’re not in the classroom or in the community.

The playing field is simply a stage that shows a bigger audience who you really are.

If you are pursuing excellence in one area, but not another, then you have an identity crisis.

Faking
Social media has sold us a lie that it’s ok to change who we are based on the audience or circumstance. I know some students who are managing 3 or 4 social media accounts on the same platform. Why? Students are settling into a “Finsta” lifestyle of playing to different audiences.

How to be real
I love that Coach Mobbs is teaching his team these four ways to be R.E.A.L….

Relentlessly pursue excellence (in every area)
Exceed expectations (unmatched effort)
Always do the right thing
Live a life that matters

A life that matters
There is no better time than now to evaluate the things that matter most and make sure your priorities are in the right order. As important as sports are, they are not the most important thing in your life. Sports are not more important than Faith, family, or education.

If you look for fulfillment in sports, you will walk off the field feeling empty. Every. Single. Time. But as you understand the things that matter most and get those things in order, you can play the game with deeper significance. You can find more meaning and purpose in how you play and enjoy your sport. It starts with getting real.

 

5) We > Me.

Your biggest goals should be about the WE, not about the ME.

You shouldn’t strive to be the best ON the team before you strive to be the best FOR the team.

How are you putting the team above yourself?
In what ways are you seeking team recognition above your own exposure?
How are you adding value to your teammates?

The success of your team starts with you.

Your daily motto should be “If it’s going to BE for the WE, it’s up to ME.”

It’s not up to you to be the best player… but the best TEAMMATE.

I promise that those in the locker room with you care less about how good a player you are than how good a teammate you are.

Good teammates:
– work hard to get better individually for the good of the team.
– make those around them better.
– adapt to the changing needs of the team.
– embody the vision of the program.

It’s not up to you to be the best player… but the best TEAMMATE.

Click To Tweet

I’ve heard it said, “It’s not the team with the best players that win. It’s the players with the best team that wins.” This is true in sports, and it’s true in life.

0-0

The best part of the preseason is that everyone is 0-0. There is nothing but opportunity ahead…individual opportunity and opportunity for your team. Set goals that will push you to achieve your potential and make your team better. As you pursue such goals, I have no doubt that you will see success both on the field and in life.

Go let it out!

 

What drives you? (Identifying your personal leadership philosophy.)

by

Do you have a personal leadership philosophy? You may not have it written down, but we all have certain core beliefs and attitudes that drive our behavior.

It is a good idea for any leader to identify these core beliefs and write them down as a personal leadership philosophy. A written leadership philosophy not only easily communicates to others your core values and beliefs, but it also serves as a personal reminder for how you want to lead and what difference you want your leadership to make. It defines the why, what, who, and how of your leadership.

My Leadership Philosophy

Let me share my personal leadership philosophy with you, and then explain an easy way to think about identifying and writing yours.

I believe that identity and purpose are found in Christ alone.
I believe I am called by God to represent Christ to the world, in service & love.
I believe that God can do the impossible IN me and THROUGH me.

I have a purpose to point other to Jesus.
I have a passion to see others discover and live God’s very best for their lives.
I have a plan to empower others to change the world.

I will love people, not position.
I will lead people, not programs.
I will serve people, not praise.

I will seek to honor God in all I do.

Where To Start

The internet is full of ideas concerning how to go about developing a personal leadership philosophy, and the dozens of formulas / guides to writing one reveal that there is no universal “right” way. While many strategies focus on waxing eloquent on what leadership is, I think it is more helpful to focus on what leadership does.

Far more important than being able to talk about leadership is being able to lead in a way that makes a difference!

The most important part of developing a leadership philosophy is determining the foundation from which you lead.  Consider what a philosophy is and what it does. A philosophy begins with a foundation that guides behavior.

Philosophy: a theory or attitude held by a person or organization that acts as a guiding principle for behavior.

We all get to choose what we base our leadership on. Our leadership can come from ever-changing leadership theory (a supposition or uncertain belief) or it can be rooted in unchanging truth that leads to a settled way of thinking (attitude). 

Writing a personal leadership philosophy forces a leader to identify what guiding principles lead them as a leader.

A Simple Approach

Instead of basing your leadership on uncertain beliefs or the latest leadership buzz words, consider this simple (but more sure) approach to a philosophy of leadership:

TRUTH >>> ATTITUDE >>> ACTION (BEHAVIOR)

Reflect on these three key elements and take some time to answer the developmental questions on each one…

TRUTH:
“the state of being the case: fact”

Jesus concluded the Sermon on the Mount by telling a story about two guys who went out and built houses. One built his house on a shifting foundation and the other built his house on a solid foundation. When inevitable storms hit, only the house built on a solid foundation stood. To build your life or leadership on anything other than God’s unchanging truth is to lead from a place of instability and uncertainty. Define what core biblical truths you want to shape your leadership and actions. Identify at lease 2-3 truths, and try to keep them as succinct as possible.

– What 2-4 foundational biblical truths do you want to shape your leadership and your actions?


ATTITUDE:
“a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person’s behavior.”

A leader who builds their life and leadership on unchanging truth can have a confident and settled mindset (attitude). They can have a certainty in purpose, passion, and vision. For the follower of Jesus, the goal should be to have the same attitude as that of Christ. (Philippians 2:5)  What do you want to communicate about your mindset, based on the core truths that drive your leadership?  This is a great place to say something about your purpose, passion, and vision.

– Based on the truths you identified, what is your settled way of thinking about your purpose?
– What passion do you want to drive your behavior?
– What influence do you want to have / what difference do you want to make?


ACTION (Behavior):
“the way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially toward others.”

The impact of truth on one’s attitude is reflected in behavior. The end goal of leadership is action, both personally and through influencing others to action. Leadership that is not actionable is not influential.  Effective leaders have the same mindset as the apostle Peter when he encourages his readers to “prepare your minds for action…” (1 Peter 1:13). What will be the focus of your action? What can others expect of your behavior as it relates to the core truths from which you lead?

– Based on truth & attitude, how do you want to act towards others?

 

One Last Challenge…

Now that you have identified these important elements, I have one last challenge. Take everything you have written and condense it down into one brief summary statement. Yes, I know this can be tough. But if someone asked you to describe your leadership philosophy or approach in one sentence, what would it be? (Again, try to keep it at 25 words or less.)

SUMMARY STATEMENT:

– If you had to reduce your entire personal leadership philosophy to one statement, what would it be?

 

Here is how my personal leadership philosophy breaks down based on the elements defined above:

TRUTH
I believe that identity and purpose are found in Christ alone.
I believe I am called by God to represent Christ to the world, in service & love.
I believe that God can do the impossible IN me and THROUGH me.

ATTITUDE
I have a purpose to point other to Jesus.
I have a passion to see others discover and live God’s very best for their lives.
I have a plan to empower others to change the world.

ACTION (Behavior)
I will love people, not position.
I will lead people, not programs.
I will serve people, not praise.

SUMMARY
I will seek to honor God in all I do.

 

Please don’t see my leadership philosophy as the “right” way to write one.  (Remember, there is not one right way and mine is unlike every “right” way I’ve seen described.)  But this statement serves as a great reminder to me of what I really value and from what foundational truth I want to lead. 

I’m confident that taking the time to identify and write your personal leadership philosophy will prove to be helpful in communicating to others and reminding yourself of why and how you lead.

Helpful Tips:

  • Don’t be overwhelmed by the goal of reducing a lot of things you value into a concise document. Start the process. It’s OK if the document evolves over time as you live with it and continue to hone it. Just start somewhere. The process of developing a written philosophy may be more important than the finished product.
  • Once you have a written leadership philosophy, put it somewhere you can see it daily. Mine is on my bathroom mirror. Begin each day by considering why, what, and how you will lead today.

 

If these thoughts on writing a personal leadership philosophy are helpful, please feel free to share.  Also, to have future blogs send directly to your email, feel free to subscribe by clicking HERE and entering your email address on the right.  (Don’t worry, if my blogs become lame, you can unsubscribe at any time.  I promise I will not be offended, and we can still be friends.) 

God’s Masterpiece

by

Who Am I?  I am God’s Masterpiece.

“This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb…” 

– Isaiah 44:24 

In the fairytale Snow White, the Queen (step-mother) finds daily disappointment in looking in her mirror only to be told that her beauty doesn’t quite measure up to that of Snow White.

While most children want to be Snow White in that story (or the handsome prince…sorry guys), the reality is that most children grow up to find themselves playing the role of the vain step-mother; obsessed with what their mirrors “tell” them each day.

Imagine the amount of time teens spend looking in the mirror.  For many, what they see in that mirror is not a reflection of who they really are, but an image that’s formed through the lens of what others have told them they are.   Good or bad, the labels that are put on teens can distort their true identity.  Labels such as “fat”, “ugly”, or “reject” can lead to a lack of self-worth and an obsession to change one’s appearance.  Labels such as “hot”, “cute”, or “popular” can be just as damaging, often acting like a drug to those who become obsessed with maintaining such an others-pleasing image. 

Imagine what would happen if students looked in the mirror, and instead of first noticing their hair, complexion, or shape, they noticed the amazing realization of Isaiah 44:24… they were formed by the Lord.  The Hebrew word for formed means to fashion or mold, much like a potter would create a work with a specific purpose in mind.  The NLT translation of Ephesians 2:10 communicates this same amazing message, “For we are God’s masterpiece!”  What an awesome truth!

When God created you, He assigned a value and purpose to you that is priceless. Because your value has been assigned by your Creator, no label, sin, circumstance, or person can ever change that value.

 

[bctt tweet=”When God created you, He assigned a value and purpose to you that is priceless.” username=”TrippAtkinson”]

 

Take time today to thank God for creating you as a masterpiece.  Confess to Him the times you’ve accepted labels others have tried to place on you and how you’ve allowed them to shape your identity.  Pray that you’ll see the beauty and value God has given you.  So, as you look in the mirror today, celebrate that value with the prayer of Psalm 139…

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” 
– Psalm 139:13-14

 

*Devotion by Tripp Atkinson as it appears in Impact Student Leadership Devotional.  To purchase, click here.

The Gift of YOU! (How to give something that no one else can…)

by

Countless time and money is spent on searching for the most unique and special gifts to communicate value and love to others.  While physical gifts can be quite special and meaningful, don’t overlook the greatest gift you can share with someone.  The greatest gift you can give is actually the most valuable gift; in fact, it is priceless.

It’s THE GIFT OF YOU.

Take a few moments to consider the value of you and some things you can give that are truly unique.  What is it you can share with others that is unlike anyone else?

 

1) Your encouragement…

Your encouragement is something that no one else can give.  It is unique to you, and no one will be able to give it just like you.  When considering the encouragement you can offer others, keep these things in mind:

  – Everyone needs encouragement.

Everyone.  Some may need it more than others today, but everyone needs it.  Even people you think have a perfect life and have it all together, they need encouragement.  In fact, it could be that those whose lives you envy most may need the most encouragement.  It is often those without the obvious or public problems that receive the least encouragement.  Perhaps those around you with the most on the outside are hurting most on the inside.

– Saying something is always better than saying nothing.

Have you ever thought about encouraging someone and just didn’t know what to say…so you said nothing at all?  It is often said, “It’s the thought that counts.”  Well, that’s just not true.  Just thinking about encouraging someone is really no encouragement at all.  In fact, if you were to tell someone “I thought about encouraging you a while back, but didn’t” that probably communicates the opposite of your desired sentiment.  What you are really saying is “I thought that you may need encouraging, but I didn’t value you enough to do it.”  If you think about encouraging someone and don’t know what to say, just say something.

– Do it now!

If you think about it now, do it now!  If someone comes to your mind to encourage, there is most likely a reason for it and timing is everything.  As you see an obvious need or situation, now is the time to encourage.  If someone’s name “randomly” comes to mind to encourage, it could be that the Spirit of God is leading you in that moment to be a blessing to them.  Perhaps they are praying in that moment for encouragement from God and God has chosen you to be His voice to them.  If you think about it now, do it now…later will probably never come.

 

2)  Your time.

How do you spell “love?”  T.I.M.E.  Nothing communicates value more than giving your time to someone.  Your time is valuable… extremely valuable.  Your time on earth is finite and is a non-renewable resource.  Although you don’t know how much time you have, you know that time is running out every day.  While most people don’t live in the reality of this truth, most understand that when someone willingly gives you their time, it is a precious thing.  When considering how to communicate value by giving your time, consider the following:

– Pause to see needs.

Most of us would give our time to help loved ones in need if they were to ask.  But how much more precious is it when someone offers their time.  Sometimes we get too busy to see even obvious needs around us.  Pause a few minutes and look around.  Who around you is hurting?  What needs do you see?  Who around you could use help?  Take the time to identify needs and how YOU can meet those needs.  Maybe the need is simply someone to talk to.  Maybe it is help with a project.  Pray that God will help you see others’ needs and look around.  Walk slowly through the crowd and look beyond the obvious.  Consider the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:35-40.  Pause to see needs.

–  Schedule it.

Intentionality is key when it comes to investing your time in others.  Life is so busy and if you wait on the perfect moment, it will never come.  If you want to give the gift of your time to someone, put it on the calendar.  If you are having a hard time figuring out who to invest your time in, schedule time to think and pray about it.  Scheduling makes giving your time to others and serving a priority.

– Involve others.

Sometimes your individual and sole attention is the most valuable thing you can give someone.  Often times, as you invest your time you can include others as you do.  Including others as you encourage or meet needs can be an encouragement to them as well.  By involving others in ministry and service you are not only meeting the need of one person, but also challenging another to make a difference.  By doing so, you have multiplied the gift of your time and been a blessing to more.

 

3)  Your faith.

Of course you can’t really give your faith to someone else; but you can share it.  At the core, everyone’s greatest needs are to be loved and to belong.  Both of these needs are ultimately and completely found in God, and with His people (the church).  There is no greater encouragement than to spiritually encourage someone.  There is no greater investment than helping someone discover and live God’s best for their lives.  As you consider how you can share your faith with others, think of the following:

– Recognize those hurting.

You probably know those around you who are hurting spiritually right now.  Have you considered that God brought you into their life so that you can be their spiritual encouragement?   Maybe you have never talked about spiritual things with them.  Perhaps the idea of that is a little awkward.  Consider what is at stake.  If you don’t love someone enough to talk to them about the most important thing in the world, what kind of friend are you?

– Tell your story.

You have a story and your story matters!  In fact, your story is part of the greatest story ever told!  Two of the most powerful and encouraging things you can share is how you came to know God (salvation testimony) and how God has worked in your life (growth story).  God can use both of these in a powerful way to encourage others and point them to how God can work in their lives.  Telling your story communicates to others that they are not alone.  Your story could be the most significant way to communicate the life-giving Good News of Jesus.  Tell it.

– Realize the power of Scripture.

Have you ever been at a loss for how to encourage someone spiritually?  Don’t forget about the power of Scripture.  Simply sharing a Bible verse with someone can be the most powerful encouragement you can give.  Sharing Scripture is sharing something that can speak to needs you may not even understand.  Don’t forget this truth of God’s Word, “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” (Hebrews 4:12)

– Pray with someone.

When we pray for someone, we are lifting them before the One who knows their deepest needs and can best meet those needs.  But sometimes we can go an extra step with our prayers.  My mom reminds me of the power of not only praying  for someone, but praying with someone.  When we tell someone we are praying for them, that can be encouraging for sure.  But when we take the time right then to pray with them, that could be a moment they never forget.  That is also a great way for them to hear your faith as you lift them before God.

– Don’t underestimate what God can do through you.

Don’t forget that if God can do the impossible (and He can), then God can do the impossible IN you and God can do the impossible THROUGH you.  The most life-changing prayer you can pray today could be “God, what do you want me to do?”  Such a prayer can be life-changing for both you and those around you.  Would you be willing to be used by God today?  You do what you can do and allow God to do what only He can do in you and through you.

 

In a season of looking for the perfect gift to give others, don’t neglect the most valuable (actually invaluable) gift you can give…the gift of yourself.  Pray about how you can invest your unique encouragement, giftedness and time in others.  Ask God how you can best share your faith and enjoy giving to others what God has richly given to you!

Give well,

Tripp

A Leadership Checkup (A health evaluation of effective leaders)

by

Regular checkups are a good idea.  Whether with your doctor, dentist, or mechanic, checkups ensure that the condition of something is made clear, and allows for even small changes that can greatly improve health and performance.  A periodic leadership “checkup” is a great idea for to ensure you are maximizing your influence and leading in a healthy way.  Effective leaders are healthy leaders.  How are you doing in these areas that are critical for leading well today?

In 2 Corinthians 5:11-20, the Apostle Paul discusses some important principles of meaningful and effective influence.

Effective Leaders:

 

1) …earn influence through character & consistency.

While many strive to lead from a place of position or title, the most effective influence is earned through character.  Certainly people regularly follow leaders they have to, but we should strive to be a leader others want to follow.  In a social media age, don’t fall into the trap of focusing on your reputation (what others think you are) over your character (who you really are).  A reputation fueled by character will never need to be filtered or touched up.

In earning influence, consistency in character is key.  Anyone can fake integrity in the moment, but true character is obvious over time.  Consistency proves the authenticity of character.  NFL great JJ Watt said, “Success isn’t owned, it’s leased.  And rent is due everyday.”  Successful and effective influence is earned by consistent display of character that others would want to follow.

2 Corinthians 5:11-13, “Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too.  Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart. If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit.”

 

2)   …are motivated by a vision bigger than themselves.

Vision is vital to effective leadership.  In describing the indispensable value of vision for a leader, leadership expert John Maxwell says, “Vision leads the leader.”  Vision is what fuels the passion of a leader, and is the target to which one aims their life. Vision is what gets effective leaders out of bed without being told each day.  Helen Keller once said of vision, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”

The most valuable thing you can give the world is yourself.  Make sure that the size of your vision is worthy of your unique and priceless life.  If you can’t articulate your vision and dream for your life, stop and consider what is worthy of giving your life for.

If you don’t have a vision, then you don’t have a target.  In order to BE IT, you have to first SEE IT!  If you can’t see where you are going, where are you leading others?

For the follower of Christ, your vision should reflect the eternal significance of mission and purpose that is in, through, and from Him.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15, “Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.”

 

3)  …see the big picture, & are not easily distracted.

Fueled by vision, effective leaders have the ability to see everything in light of the “big picture” and do not easily lose focus.  Great leaders are fun to watch.  How they act at an event usually mirrors how they live their lives.  Effective leaders typically walk into a room and look around.  They identify and meet needs.  They evaluate everything around them in light of purpose and vision.

“Big picture” leaders clearly identify who and what is best for the vision, and are good at eliminating distractions.  How are you at evaluating “dream makers” and “dream breakers” in your life?  Are you surrounding yourself with friends and mentors who know your vision and push you to achieve it?

Effective leaders are not easily distracted by pettiness and drama. They resist the temptation to become occupied with things that will lead to regret and they typically view time management as a matter of stewardship.

How does your calendar reflect the significance of your vision?

2 Corinthians 5:16-17, “So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view.  At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now!  This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

 

4)  …build bridges, not roadblocks.

Effective leaders solve problems.  They unite.  John Maxwell says, “People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision.”  Effective leaders establish genuine relational capital with others through authentic concern and service.  They see success as making others successful.  They seek the good in and for others.

“Bridges” are relational roadways that supersede those things in our culture that some allow, or even use, to divide. (race, religion, politics, etc)  In addition to building bridges, effective leaders also proactively work to eliminate relational “roadblocks.”

As a follower of Christ, you are called to build bridges that lead people to God.  Paul refers to this as the ministry (message, task) of reconciliation.  Wise leaders, motivated by this vision and understanding the big picture, will make choices in light of “bridge or roadblock” consequences with people.  For example, there are some issues that are just not worth discussing (arguing) openly on social media, for they tend to divide way more than unite.  You may have strong opinions, but in light of the big picture, it’s just not worth it. Likewise, there may be things you have the freedom to do, but it is just not wise in light of your vision.  Effective leaders use wise discernment in these areas.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19, “And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.”

 

5)  …understand branding.  

Branding and marketing are a part of our everyday lives.  Although they don’t understand all the ins and outs of marketing, even my elementary school kids know well that brands carry reputations and clear messages that are associated with them.  While we understand the damage a bad review or flaw can cause a product, we don’t often understand what branding has to do with leadership.  Here is what many people miss:  YOU are a brand!  Everything you say and do sends a message about who you are and what you are about.  Every social media “like,” repost, and comment tells a story about your brand.  Countless students have been passed up for athletic or academic scholarships because of the way they have tarnished their brand via unwise choices.  Countless leaders have lost significance influence because of the way people see their brand.

For someone who is a follower of Jesus, brand awareness is of huge significance.
2 Corinthians 5:20 states, “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!’”  When we put the label “Jesus-follower” on our lives, we are representing the person and message of Jesus to the world.  Even more than that, we are speaking on behalf of God to this world as we build bridges for others to know him.

What do our lives say and show others about who Jesus really is?

2 Corinthians 5:20, “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”

 

These principles are significant for leading well in any area of your life.  These verses are a great reminder that that God wants to use your influence for eternal significance.  Honestly assess how well you are doing in each area, and make necessary changes where you can improve.  Your future self (and others) will thank you for the work you put into your leadership today!