One thing I’ve been realizing lately is that awareness by itself is not enough.
It is not sufficient to just be aware of a problem. If I am aware that I have cancer and yet do nothing to kill and destroy it, the cancer will still kill me. Only when I take action against the cancer does it ever go away.
Raising awareness is good. Knowing your enemy is good. These things will prepare you for the battle.
But there is still a battle.
As it says in a song I like, “How can you expect to win this war if you’re too afraid to fight.” And the fight will be hard, but it is better than not fighting at all.
Be aware. But also take right action.
[ Image by mendhak ]
Sad fact: leaders in the church don’t always get fed.
Who leads worship leaders into worship? Who preaches to and teaches the pastors and teachers? Who mentors the mentors?
Burnout is a very bad thing. But we too often do so much for the sake of the kingdom that we forget to rest and be filled. God created the entire universe and He still got a day of rest in there! There’s a reason.
Leaders, don’t be leading so often that you forget to be filled by God or forget to learn from other leaders. No one can do it all by themselves. Look for new perspectives or better methods from other leaders. Take a day to sit and talk with God, or just to enjoy the day with your loved ones.
This isn’t to say that you should neglect responsibilities, but be sure you don’t overdo it.
Balance, my friend. Balance.
[ Image by a4gpa ]
Thought I would share my current desktop image.
I’ve been finding some cool space art online and this one I decided to use for my desktop. I love science fiction scenes, and have ever since Star Wars caught my attention when I was a kid.
Found anything cool for your desktop image?
[ Image can be found here. ]
Sometimes the way forward is just that; forward. Sometimes the next thing you need to do is the thing that you should have been doing all along. Most times, we know where the next step is, we just don’t want to take it. We feel like we can’t, or aren’t allowed, or shouldn’t. We just need to start walking in that direction.
I play music. It’s something I’ve loved since I was in grade school. I’ve played in bands at church before, but recently I haven’t been playing.
Here’s the thing: I have been given a talent from God to play music. It’s something that I am passionate about, and I love playing music. But lately I haven’t been using my gifts.
Now, for a time, taking a break is fine. But to not use the gifts God has given you is bad. You lose something about yourself when you don’t use your gifts.
This past month, I started using my gifts again by getting involved in a new band at my church. And it feels great! I don’t know why I waited so long to get back into playing.
So here’s the point. You all have talents and gifts from God that you can use. Are you using them? You can’t keep your gifts and talents to yourself and stay whole. You have gifts and talents for a reason.
Move towards using them. Move forward with your task. Take the next step.
[ Image by carnavalet ]
