Top Ten List – Ten Months, Ten Learnings
1. Being Faithful — Above all else. In a success obsessed…bigger, better, faster, stronger culture — be it the world or the church, know what God’s calling is. Not success, but faithfulness. I am learning contentment in working the part of the Kingdom field in which God has called me.
2. Being Grateful — I don’t “have to” I “get to” are words a friend often reminds me, as I have ranted about a busy schedule. I am increasingly learning what it means to be appreciative of my life and all God chooses to do in and through me. I “get to”!
3. Being Astounded — Walk by faith and not by sight. Far too long I worked and walked in my own strength, effectively saying, “I’ve got this one God”. Taking my hands off the wheel, allowing God to be my guide, well it’s just more fun! God is showing me some of his amazingness!
4. Being Patient — When the student is ready, the teacher appears. God’s work and my life run on “God’s time” not “Jim’s time”. I am learning (and at times struggling) to rest in his timing and pace.
5. Being Open — God’s ways are better than my ways. If I choose to listen, he directs my paths. He sets my ministry direction. Seemingly never a straight line, often unpredictable, but always in reflection, just where and what I need to be. Imagine that!
6. Being Real — I often tell people, “I wish I had Billy Graham’s testimony, but I don’t.” God has given each of us a story. I should embrace my own, recognizing that God always chooses to work through my brokenness rather than through my self-projected strengths.
7. Being Gentle — Primarily on myself, and then toward others. God has been awfully gentle toward me. I don’t need to always get it right. I am more so embracing the words of Jesus,
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11
8. Being Relational — Jesus was. Introvert, extrovert or whatever, it doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, Jesus was the friend of sinners and lived in close community with those he discipled. I need you, and you need me. That’s just how God has wired us.
9. Being Charitable — Is not about what I give, it is about who I am. Being generous is about living in an open handed posture. As a grateful mercy recipient, I am increasingly learning how to gift God’s grace and mercy to others.
10. Being a Part — I am not better than or less than, I am part of. I am part of my neighborhood and community. I am part of God’s family. I am part of the human race. I am learning how to walk freely and live fully in the places God has placed me.
Be Blessed,
Jim
