You don ’ t have to let everyone in , but you must let someone in . In fact , the first problem God realized existed in the perfect world He created was that it was “ not good for the man to be alone .” ( Genesis 2:18 NIV ) So God created Eve . Whether you have a crowd around you or not , you were created for community . Don ’ t attempt to live without it .
# 4 : If your responsibility increases , increase shared leadership .
Kingdom leaders don ’ t collect more followers ; they cultivate more leaders .
Then he said to his disciples , “ The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few . Ask the Lord of the harvest , therefore , to send out workers into his harvest field .” Matthew 9:37 – 38 NIV
As the work increases , build up those around you and share the load . Many operate as though the litmus test of leadership is how many people you lead , but true leaders lead through other leaders and refuse to take on the full load alone . See others the way God sees them : as His treasured creation . Then believe in them in such a way that they begin to get glimpses of how God views them . Put in the time to teach them what you ’ ve learned along the way . Do your part to help pull out what God already put in them .
# 5 : If opportunity increases , increase your focus .
Opportunity always looks good , but it might not align with the mission . Measure every opportunity up against the mission , and you may realize that some opportunities are actually obstacles .
I love the way my friend Angela Mader says it : “ Don ’ t let what you ’ re capable of get in the way of what you ’ re called to .”
Wouldn ’ t it be sad to let our capability be what stops us from doing what God calls us to do ?
44