It's hard to believe this is the last Sunday of the year already. 2013 has been a full and unique year. What will the coming year look like and will we make a difference? Today's visit is advice about looking forward.
Have a sense of duty. One of the things I appreciate most about our team is their ability and their desire to get things done. We are to use our God given talents to work hard and make things happen.
Accept the responsibilities given you. Not all jobs are simple or easy. Sometimes we are asked to get out of our comfort zone. I have been given some extra responsibilities for next year that will require God's direction and help. But remember, He always listens and promises to help if we ask.
Have a plan. Just because God promises help doesn't mean He's going to do the work for us. We need to have a direction, set goals, work as a team, and do everything we can to accomplish our job.
Have a positive attitude. It's so fun to be around folks that are happy and look on the bright side of things. It's no fun to be around a person that is always negative and feels life stinks. Life is 10% what happens and 90% how we handle what happens. Just hanging out complaining about life turns us into rotten apples and no one likes a rotten apple.
Be a Patriot. Be someone people can count on. So often we have good intentions but just never get around to getting the job done. I live in the best country and work around the best folks in the world. God expects me to be an honorable man and do my part.
Have a purpose. A purpose is different than a plan. A purpose is a direction, not a job. The world says survive. God says serve.
Stick to a set of principles. Integrity and character is the yardstick used to measure what's out of bounds. The world says be successful. God says be significant.
Practice your God given roles. Whether you are washing trucks, having a meeting, making meals, or raising kids, God expects us to do our best.
The world says our roles are a status thing. God says they're a shepherding thing.
Learn patience. It was hard for me to just wait while Kurt and Emily's little Jackson was in the hospital and folks weren't quite sure what was wrong. So often we want answers now. Another good time for patience is when you hear something someone said and you want to immediately react. Wait. It might not be true. It might not be worth reacting to.
Be generous. There is such a joy in heartfelt giving. As God blesses us He expects us to bless others. It's the difference between making a living or making a life.
Be grateful. Sometimes it's harder to receive than to give. By receiving you are helping others experience the joy of giving. Count your blessings and remember to say thank you. Genuine appreciation goes a long ways.
Be selfless. While Christ was here on earth he was always giving a hand to the helpless and downtrodden. Don't overemphasize your accomplishments. Our example outlives our achievements. A good leader allows others to lead. It's called discipleship.
Be transparent. You know where you stand with someone when you can see their heart. Be genuine. People don't like digging through layers and walls trying to find out who you really are. Jan and I feel blessed to have so many of you as friends. We hope and pray that you have a happy new year and that with God's help you are truly looking forward to 2014.
"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
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