2018-10-24
Philippians 2:5 NIV
Achievers: Achievers love to overcome challenges and perform for others. At best, they’re motivated to grow, stretch, and learn. They inspire and move people to action and enjoy being in front of crowds. Giving a talk energizes them. Without a chance to develop and shine they lose their motivation. Achievers want to make an impact, can be tempted to live for the image they portray, and end up idolizing their own performance. They’re apt to measure success in terms of applause and recognition. When John the Baptist said about Jesus, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30 NKJV), he demonstrated the kind of surrender that can be difficult for an achiever. Simon Magus thought he could buy a spectacular ministry like Peter’s, and offered Peter money in exchange for the ability to give others the Holy Spirit (See Acts 8:18-22 NIV). Similarly, an unredeemed achiever can turn what looks like serving God into serving himself. For many of us “the sin that so easily trips us up” (Hebrews 12:1 NLT) is pride. While achievers have the ability to accomplish great things and enrich the lives of others, they can also become preoccupied with their own image and success. What’s the answer? Paul says: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves…look not only to your own interests, but…the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3-5 NIV).
Soul food: Isa 4-7; John 5:31-47; Ps 5; Prov 27:13-16
2018-10-23
Ephesians 6:7 NIV
Servers: Servers love to be needed. They’re natural caregivers who’ll fluff up your pillow even when it doesn’t need fluffing! They remember birthdays and anniversaries, and they’re often first to get up from the table and wash the dishes. Servers often work in social settings where they support other people. They’re most comfortable when they have something to do. But while they’re drawn to help people, that helping often comes from their own neediness. Lurking under their servant-hood is sometimes low self-esteem that demands to be fed. And because it can never be fully satisfied, they end up draining others. Martha is a great illustration. While she was busy serving, her sister Mary sat at Jesus’ feet (See Luke 10:39-42.) On the plus side, servers demonstrate love in action and have a natural other-centeredness that makes people feel cared for. On the minus side, they sometimes use their “giving” to manipulate others. And the problem is that when you try to lighten their burden and lift their load, they won’t let you. Their innate fear of not being needed makes it impossible for them to set healthy boundaries. So what’s the answer? (a) Make sure your first priority is serving God, not people. “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.” (b) Understand that your reward comes from God, not other people. “The Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does” (Ephesians 6:8 NIV). (c) Don’t complain. “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault” (Philippians 2:14-15 NIV).
Soul food: Isa 1-3; John 5:16-30; Ps 15; Prov 27:10-12
2018-10-22
Ephesians 4:32 NLT
Because of how we’re wired we often find ourselves drawn to certain sins. Consequently our areas of weakness are usually consistent and predictable. It’s like having a “sin profile.” In his book Signature Sins: Taming Our Wayward Hearts, Dr. Michael W. Mangis identifies nine of these patterns using an ancient system called the Enneagram. It’s somewhat controversial because it’s been used by many spiritual traditions. However, it’s thought to have originated out of consideration of the seven deadly sins and the fruit of the Spirit, therefore it can be applied within a Christian framework. To help you become more self-aware and build a defense against your particular area of vulnerability, let’s spend the next few days looking at these nine pattern sins, and the people most likely to wrestle with them. Reformers: Reformers are drawn to perfection. They have a high standard of excellence and their greatest fear is being flawed. (They make good surgeons – and excellent golfers.) At their best they’re crusaders, watchdogs, and prophets. But because they wrestle with perfectionism and self-righteousness, they tend to judge others whose standards aren’t quite so high. The prophet Amos is a good example. He writes about “a plumb line” that shows how far short people fall of God’s standards (See Amos 7:7-8). Writing to the reformers, Paul said, “Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” As a reformer your greatest challenge will be to demonstrate love, patience, and grace in your dealings with others. And with God’s help you can do it.
Soul food: Exo 39-40; John 5:1-15; Ps 41; Prov 27:7-9
2018-10-21
Hebrews 12:1 NLT
In his book The Me I Want to Be, John Ortberg points out that a “pattern sin” is one you’re habitually drawn to. That doesn’t mean nobody else commits it. It just means you’re vulnerable in that particular area. Usually the pattern of your sin is related to the pattern of your gifts. Just as home-run hitters in baseball also strike out a lot, your gifts and passions can indicate your areas of vulnerability. For example, extroverts who have the ability to inspire and encourage others are sometimes prone to gossip. People who love to learn may be tempted to feel superior and talk down to others. People who are spontaneous and have a great appetite for life often struggle with impulse control. Good listeners can become passive enablers. Optimists are often susceptible to denial. Greek mythology speaks of the nemesis (an enemy who seems unbeatable). Your nemesis is like you in almost every way, except he’s the ruined version of you. Sherlock Holmes’ nemesis was Professor Moriarty, also a brilliant man. He was like Holmes would’ve been if he’d gone wrong. Because there’s a relationship between the best and the worst versions of you, in many areas of life you’re your own nemesis. And what they have in common is – they’re both you! Why is it helpful to know this? Because awareness and sensitivity to your own proclivities are the first steps toward building a defense. We have a staggering capacity for self-deception and self-justification. Addressing careless, coldhearted believers in the end-age church, Jesus told them they needed “ointment [the Holy Spirit] for your eyes so you will be able to see” (Revelation 3:18 NLT).
Soul food: Acts 13:21-22; 1 Sam 16; 1 Sam 17:32-51; 1 Sam 24:1-17
2018-10-20
Exodus 4:2 NIV
The Bible says, “Moses answered: ‘What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, “The Lord did not appear to you?”‘ Then the Lord said to him, ‘What is that in your hand?’ ‘A staff,’ he replied. The Lord said, ‘Throw it on the ground.’ Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake” (vv. 1-3 NIV). Throwing down your staff, the thing you lean on, is frightening and counterintuitive to all of us who are control freaks. But as long as you hold on to it and try to control it, God can’t use it. In golf, when an amateur wants to drive the ball farther they grip the club tighter, but it has the opposite effect. The key to a long drive is loosening your grip. Moses’ staff represented his identity and security. It was the way he made his living as a shepherd, and the way he protected himself and his flock. So when God told him to throw it down, he was asking Moses to let go of who he was and what he had. Question: What are you not willing to let go of? Answer: You don’t control whatever it is you’re holding on to, it controls you. If you don’t throw it down, your staff will forever remain only a staff. But if you have the courage to surrender it to God, it can become the lightning rod of His miraculous power. What’s in your hand today? You can hang on to it and see what you can do, or hand it over and see what God can do. Today let God use what you’ve got.
Soul food: Exo 36-38; John 4:39-54; Ps 87; Prov 27:4-6
2018-10-19
Genesis 19:17 NKJV
One time in the West Indies five ships, one of them British, were anchored in the harbor when a monster storm rolled in. The British captain immediately raised anchor and sailed out to meet it. Two days later, battered but still intact, he returned to the harbor and discovered that the ships that hadn’t sailed for fear of the storm had all been driven ashore and destroyed. Generally speaking, as a leader the best way forward is to face challenges head-on and “not look behind you.” Author Jon Gordon points out six important things: (1) Who you are makes a difference. People follow the leader first and his vision second. (2) It’s all about relationships. Pastor Andy Stanley said, “Rules without relationship lead to rebellion.” You can implement all the rules in the world, but if you don’t develop a relationship with the people you’re leading, they’ll rebel. (3) It’s not just about what you do, but what you can inspire, encourage and empower others to do. You bring out the best in people by sharing the best in yourself. (4) Lead with optimism, enthusiasm, and positive energy. Guard against negativity and teach people to focus on solutions, not complaints. (5) Recognize that you don’t have all the answers, and build a team of people who either have the answers or will find them. (6) Accept that success is a process, not a destination. John Wooden, the legendary basketball coach, recognized that winning was an offshoot of great leadership, teamwork, focus, commitment, and implementing the basics.
Soul food: Exo 33-35; John 4:27-38; Ps 32; Prov 27:1-3
