You are a leader!
You are an important part of your organization – job, church, little league team, civic group, and even family. It doesn’t matter what role you play, you are vital.
You are vital because you are a leader. You may not have the title or position, but people are following you. They are looking to see what you will say, do, respond.
You then have a part of the growth of your organization. You are key to it’s success.
Personally, I love that knowledge. It spurs me on to do something.
The other day, I was reading in the Book of Acts about the church not long after Jesus left earth and went back to heaven. A group of persecutors arose and the new believers scattered for safety. This continued until Saul (who became the Apostle Paul) was converted.
Upon his conversion, the persecution calmed down. Luke, the author of Acts, said this about that time:
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. -Acts 9:31
The organization grew.
If you look closely, you’ll see three things that happened – 3 tips to growth in any organization. These are things you can take to your organization, even from the grassroots level.
1. Peace
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened.
There is a value to struggle. It shapes character and develops resolve. However, we can’t live in that place forever. Constant and continual struggle will lead to decline and death.
If you want to grow, you need to find peace. Dave Ramsey is such a believer of peace in the workplace that he has instituted a “no-gossip” policy in his organization. He gives one warning, and the second infraction is grounds for termination.
20 years ago, my church saw it’s lead and founding pastor leave under a cloud of disgrace. It lead to years of turmoil, pain and suspicion. Finally, a new pastor was hired, who ushered in peace.
It took years, but the cloud has finally lifted off of the organization. A result is growth.
If you want growth, you need to find peace.
2. Obedience
Living in the fear of the Lord…
The phrase “fear of the Lord” simply means to respect, honor and obey God. Often, obedience is equated to omission – I won’t lie, cheat, steal, etc.
More often obedience means commission. I will do what God is asking me to do – love, believe, hope, pray, etc.
Obedience means to take a step in the direction he is leading you in. This means two things:
- Know what step you need to take.
- Take that step.
I don’t know that one is easier than the other. They both are difficult in their unique ways. However, both are equally important. You can have obedience without both hearing and acting.
When I hear God, and I act, I grow.
3. Blessing
…encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
Ultimately, the blessing of God brings grow. Peace and obedience are good, but with the power of God’s Spirit, they are great.
Blessing is paradoxical too. There is an aspect where it is reliant upon us. There is an aspect where it has nothing to do with us. Which leaves us with one option…
As Mark Batterson says,
Work like it’s up to you. Pray like it’s up to God.
I’ve been listening to some podcasts on this theme of blessing and abundance lately. Blessing has gotten a bad rap due to American theology from the 80’s and 90’s. Because of this, many of us are afraid to ask for blessing and abundance.
Stop.
Stop not asking. Ask for blessing. Ask for abundance. Ask for growth.
Lead to Growth!
Within your part of the organization you are in, do your part. See peace, obedience and blessing increase!
As a leader, see your organization grow.
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