by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 20, 2012 | Christian, Christianity, Christmas, Decisions
Here’s a fact: God doesn’t need our approval before He acts.
In case you didn’t hear me, let me repeat it again: God doesn’t need our approval before He acts. There, I said it twice.
Poor Joseph— God didn’t get his approval before acting. Joseph received the worst news of his life: his hopes and dreams for a wife and family came to a dreadful halt (Matt. 1). Before Joseph could follow God’s path, he had to decide if he was on the side of propriety, or scandal.
Before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, Mary became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph and Mary were not yet married, when Joseph was shocked to learn that Mary was pregnant.
Mary and Joseph were in the one-year waiting period when Mary was found to be with child. They had never had sexual intercourse and Mary herself had been faithful. While little is said about Joseph, one can imagine how his heart must have broken. He genuinely loved Mary, and yet the word came that she was pregnant.
His love for her was demonstrated by his actions. He chose not to create a public scandal by exposing her condition to the judges at the city gate. Such an act could have resulted in Mary’s death by stoning (Deut. 22:23-24).
Instead he decided to divorce her quietly. Then in a dream (cf. Matt. 2:13, 19, 22), an angel told Joseph that Mary’s condition was not caused by a man, but through the Holy Spirit (1:20; cf. v. 18). The Child Mary carried in her womb was a unique Child, for He would be a Son whom Joseph should name Jesus for He would save His people from their sins.
God did all of this without asking for Joseph and Mary’s approval.
Can you recall moments when God moved without asking for your approval?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 13, 2012 | Christian, Christianity, Christmas, Encouragement, Mars Hill Baptist Church
Over the next few weeks, congregations will be taking up love offerings (hint, hint) and gifting their pastors with nativity-scene Christmas ornaments, sweaters, neckties, baked goods, and framed pictures of the church building.
Some pastors have no problems articulating their Christmas wishes (I’m one of them). However, some may be sheepish about their requests or feel awkward sharing their wishes.
But what do pastors really want for Christmas?
I thought long and hard about what I would like for Christmas and here’s my list:
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by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 11, 2012 | Accountability, Decisions, Leadership, Self-Leadership, Servant Leadership
Sacrifice is being willing to give up something good for something better. Life is full of boundless possibilities, but in order to transform a possibility into a reality we have to choose — sacrificing the many in order to attain the one. My previous posts suggests, as a leader you sacrifice your time and energy. In case you missed it, you can read it HERE and HERE.
Nothing is gained without something relinquished.
Sacrifice has meaning only in the context of a goal, dream or mission. In pursuing these, we often face obstacles which require us to forfeit physical or emotional comfort in the service of something that matters more. Often, the greater the dream or vision, the greater the shared sacrifice required to attain it. Sacrifice is easier when we stay focused on what we are choosing rather than what we are giving up. In addition to sacrificing time and energy, As a Leader you sacrifice your Ego (more…)
by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 7, 2012 | Accountability, Communication, Decisions, Empowerment, Encouragement, Leadership, Self-Leadership, Servant Leadership, Success
Successful leaders don’t rest on their laurels, because leadership is not a title on a business card. Leadership is a living process – and that means growth, according to Ken Blanchard & Mark Miller in Great Leaders Grow. Ask any leader “what it takes to become a great leader” and I guarantee you sacrifice is right at the top of every successful leader’s list.
My previous post suggests, as a leader you sacrifice your time. In case you missed it, you can read it HERE. I once heard someone say, “in order to go up, you must be willing to give up something.” A true leader will sacrifice their personal agenda for the sake of an organization’s goals. In addition to sacrificing time, as a leader you sacrifice your energy.
The task of being an effective leader requires diligent effort and sacrifice. The principles of servant hearted leadership encourage an aspiring leader to invest themselves in others. This means that you need to pour energy into your team and organization. As a result there will be many emotional, mental and physical demands on you.
When preparing for leadership, know that you will have to sacrifice your energy. To counter this, find ways in which you can keep your energy levels up so that you can remain effective as a leader. Physical fitness has great benefits and is one way in which you can keep your energy resources renewed. The important thing is that you be prepared. Don’t underestimate the sacrifice of energy that leadership requires.
What do you do to keep your energy levels up?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 4, 2012 | Communication, Decisions, Leadership, Personal, Self-Leadership, Servant Leadership
If something is gained by personal sacrifice, how much more valuable is it to you?
An athlete crossing the finish line for their first marathon appreciates that all the time and effort put in to training has been worth it. The same can be said for life. While the idea of sacrifice especially on a personal level makes most people uncomfortable, it is essential if you are to build strong character.
As a leader you will have many responsibilities and be faced with many challenges. It will require a depth of character to achieve your goals. Character is often molded through challenges. As a leader there are three common areas of your life that you may need to sacrifice. Think of them as character building exercises rather than sacrifices and you can become an influential leader.
As a Leader you sacrifice your Time.
A true leader will sacrifice their personal agenda for the sake of an organization’s goals. People will require meetings with you. They will need your input when making decisions and all of this demands your time. Many CEO’s are in the habit of working long hours. They know that they have to sacrifice their time in order to help the organization succeed. Of course a wise leader will balance this with a need for rest. But as a general rule a leader often has to sacrifice their personal time for an organization.
In addition to sacrificing your time, on my next post I’ll share the second sacrifice leaders must make – their energy. Stay tuned!
Have you ever had to sacrifice your time? If so, how?
