Sunday 1.25.15

Setting Course 2015 - Week Three

As we conclude this series on being a highly effective Christian and church, we explore the final three habits that help people be successful.

Habit Five: First Understand, Then Be Understood
Scripture Focus: James 1:19

James connects listening and avoiding anger. Many people come to us with concerns or requests for change in our life, but do so in anger and frustration. When that happens, we cannot hear them, and often in our own anger or frustration we try to talk over them to seize control of the conversation. It reminds me of God's appearance to Elijah in 1 Kings 19. In verses 11 through 13 we read about loud winds and thunder, but God was not in them. Then a gentle wind comes and Elijah hears the words of God. How often do we meet the loud winds and thunder of other people by attempting to talk over the noise. Could it be that if we wait for the storm to pass we may hear what is trying to be said?

Habit Six: Synergize 
Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 12:12-14    

Synergy is the mathematical equivalent of saying 1+1=3. In other words, the sum is greater than the parts. Paul's analogy of the body being more than just it's components is one we should realize rings true in the body of Christ, the Church, as well. One pebble is not going to make much impact, but many together at the same time in the same direction, can cause an avalanche and reshape a landscape. Read the book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament. Here is a great example of one person, moved by God, partnered with others to accomplish more than they could have all done individually. They rebuilt the wall around Jerusalem, and restored hope to a shattered nation!

Habit Seven: Sharpen the Saw
Scripture Focus: Ephesians 4:11-12

The principle of preparing and practicing what we learn is one that God has valued for eternity. When we fail, and chances are we will occasionally, we must learn from those failures and be better next time. We also can learn from the experiences, both good and bad, of others to help us navigate life. Paul tells us in Romans 15:4 "everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in Scriptures and encouragement they provide we may have hope." Experience is the best teacher, but God has provided us ample examples of experiences so that we do not have to suffer in order to learn. What a blessing!