For
years I lived under the lie that I should be “working on my weaknesses.”
Somehow, after years of diligent working, some of my weaknesses grew even
weaker and weaker. (I am not talking here about character flaws or morality.)
Then a book by John Maxwell liberated me, when I read that my strengths were
why people associated with me and the my ministry.
Since
then, I have been working on my strengths and allowing the Lord to simply raise
up people around me who are strong where I am weak. There is a huge freedom in
this, as many leaders live under the misconception that we have to “be
everything to everyone”. This is just not true or sustainable. No one
can live under that yoke, it will wear you out.
For
years I lived under the lie that I should be “working on my weaknesses.”
God
wired my wife, Clara, and me in a certain way, and so my family and our Ministry
will look like something that comes out of our heart DNA. I can’t look at other
leaders, churches, or ministries and try to emulate them, or wish we could do
things they’re doing. I need to be myself and let that freedom affect every
ministry around me. Many look at the Rescue Operators and emulate the
structures and the little things we do. Our Last Rural Rugged mission was the
envy of many. Lots of pundits in Mission have even indicated interest to join
our crew when next we are on it. Ultimately though, each church and ministry
has a unique thumbprint and True Freedom
Is Enjoying Yourself And How The Lord Has Wired You.
I
encourage you leaders to develop yourself and your ministry around the
strengths that you have over time developed. One may be very hospitable, and so
food and fellowship will be a major element. Another may be very prophetic and
musical, and so worship and prophecy will be a major element. In this way,
ministering in the grace God
has given us will allow us to minister with longevity, and avoid the burnout that so often characterizes
leaders in ministry.
Perils
of Leaders in Scripture:
Ø Immaturity [Joseph]
Ø Inadequacy [Moses]
Ø Sexual temptation
[Samson, David, Solomon]
Ø Depression [Elijah]
Ø In the shadow of a
mentor [Elisha]
Ø Marital stress
[Hosea]
Ø Impulsiveness [Peter]
Ø The love of power and
prestige [James and John]
Ø Oversensitivity
[Timothy]
Ø Criticism - being the
target of [Paul]
Its
best you note that understanding of your strengths will do the following:
- Have realistic
expectations of yourself and others
- Recognize your
limitations and those of others
- Be alert for
your vulnerabilities and those of others
- Live and serve
as the unique person God created, and encourage others to do the same
- Be prepared for
difficulties – your own and those of others
- Be free to be
yourself instead of striving to be someone you are not, and allow others
the same freedom
- Maximize your
strengths and those of others
- Live positively
with your weaknesses and those of others
Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth
give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters
roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Proverbs 18:10 The name of
the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.
Nehemiah 8:10 Do not grieve,
for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with
you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
What
are your strengths? Work on them. Be happy with who you are and those you
minister to will become happy too. Happy
leaders, happy sheep!
Title : DEVELOPING YOUR STRENGTH AND NOT YOUR WEAKNESS
Description : For years I lived under the lie that I should be “working on my weaknesses.” Somehow, after years of diligent working, some of my ...