Leaders Who Last Part 5
Leaders Who Last: A disciplined life
What is the secret of longevity in ministry? After 31 years, I can say, “I am a hard guy to run off.”
I am often asked, “What is the one thing that makes longevity possible”? There is no one thing. It’s like after getting a fly wheel spinning at a high speed asking someone, “What was the big push that made it go that fast”? There is no one push. There are several elements involved.
In this study, we have found we need:
The fourth element is discipline. This is probably the most challenging ingredient for many. The word discipline comes from the same Greek word as disciple. Paul says, “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified,” I Corinthians 9:27 (ESV) and Proverbs 6:6-8 (The Message) states, “You lazy fool, look at an ant. Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two. Nobody has to tell it what to do. All summer it stores up food; at harvest it stockpiles provisions. So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing? How long before you get out of bed?”
First, we need discipline in our walk with God. This walk is the foundation and catalyst to all personal growth and ministry. Do you read the Bible? How is your prayer life? How do you treat yourself physically? What do you feed your mind? Do you cultivate the relationship with your wife and children? Do you set goals and meet them?
Secondly, there must also be discipline in your work and ministry. There is little substitute for hard work. How many hours do you actually work per week. Count them up. I discovered if I work less than the successful pastor, I either think I am far more talented than the next guy or I have no passion for my ministry.
Then, there must be discipline in our relationships. Are you disciplined in following through on your promises? Are you on time to meetings? Are you disciplined in your speech and how you treat others?
An undisciplined person has a lottery mindset. They believe that good fortune is all about luck. They think one day their ship will come in; their big break is coming.
Fulfillment and longevity involve hard work—discipline in our personal lives, our ministries, and relationships. Is this area a challenge for you? Go now, open your Bible. Begin a disciplined life right now.
Next lesson: A willingness to change.
I am often asked, “What is the one thing that makes longevity possible”? There is no one thing. It’s like after getting a fly wheel spinning at a high speed asking someone, “What was the big push that made it go that fast”? There is no one push. There are several elements involved.
In this study, we have found we need:
- A calling to ministry
- A mission within that calling
- A Godly definition of success
The fourth element is discipline. This is probably the most challenging ingredient for many. The word discipline comes from the same Greek word as disciple. Paul says, “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified,” I Corinthians 9:27 (ESV) and Proverbs 6:6-8 (The Message) states, “You lazy fool, look at an ant. Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two. Nobody has to tell it what to do. All summer it stores up food; at harvest it stockpiles provisions. So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing? How long before you get out of bed?”
First, we need discipline in our walk with God. This walk is the foundation and catalyst to all personal growth and ministry. Do you read the Bible? How is your prayer life? How do you treat yourself physically? What do you feed your mind? Do you cultivate the relationship with your wife and children? Do you set goals and meet them?
Secondly, there must also be discipline in your work and ministry. There is little substitute for hard work. How many hours do you actually work per week. Count them up. I discovered if I work less than the successful pastor, I either think I am far more talented than the next guy or I have no passion for my ministry.
Then, there must be discipline in our relationships. Are you disciplined in following through on your promises? Are you on time to meetings? Are you disciplined in your speech and how you treat others?
An undisciplined person has a lottery mindset. They believe that good fortune is all about luck. They think one day their ship will come in; their big break is coming.
Fulfillment and longevity involve hard work—discipline in our personal lives, our ministries, and relationships. Is this area a challenge for you? Go now, open your Bible. Begin a disciplined life right now.
Next lesson: A willingness to change.
Posted in Leadership Lessons
Posted in discipline, leadership lessons, work, ministry, relationships, walk with God
Posted in discipline, leadership lessons, work, ministry, relationships, walk with God
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Leadership Principles of Jesus #3Leadership Principles of Jesus #4Leadership Principles of Jesus #5The Power of TruthThe Deity of ChristThe Incarnation—God With UsLíderes que perduran, primera parteLideri care rezistă, Partea 1Líderes que Duram, Parte 1वे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 1القادة الذين يدومون الجزء الأولLeaders Who Last Part 1Jesus Died for Our SinsResurrection and AscensionOvercoming the WorldThe Promise of PeaceThe Peace of GodThe Spirit of TruthPeace in the Midst of ConflictLíderes que perduran, parte 2Lideri care rezistă, Partea a 2-aLíderes que Duram, Parte 2वे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 2القادة الذين يدومون الجزء الثانيLeaders Who Last Part 2Facing Doubt with Truth
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The Implications of Believing in GodThe Denial of God’s WordEmbracing the Truth for PeaceThe Tabernacle and the VeilThe Sacrifice of JesusBold Access to GodLíderes que perduran, parte 3Lideri care rezistă, Partea a 3-aLíderes que Duram, Parte 3वे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 3القادة الذين يدومون الجزء الثالثLeaders Who Last Part 3Peace in the Midst of TrialsPeace with GodThe Peace of GodLiving in PeaceComfort in Troubled TimesThe Promise of JoyJoy Beyond CircumstancesLeaders Who Last Part 4Líderes que perduran, parte 4Lideri care rezistă, Partea a 4-aLíderes que Duram, Parte 4वे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 4القادة الذين يدومون الجزء الرابعThe Joy of Access to GodOvercoming Internal StrugglesThe Shepherd Who ComfortsExperiencing the Fullness of JoyBuilding RelationshipsThe Reality of PersecutionObedience through LoveLideri care rezistă, Partea a 5-aLíderes que perduran, parte 5वे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 5Líderes que Duram, Parte 5القادة الذين يدومون الجزء الخامسLeaders Who Last Part 5The Importance of CommunityLove Your NeighborThe Reality of BelongingCelebration of CommunityExpecting OppositionThe Power of Seed PlantingStanding Firm in FaithLíderes que perduran, parte 6Lideri care rezistă, Partea a 6-aLíderes que Duram, Parte 6वे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 6القادة الذين يدومون الجزء السادسLeaders Who Last Part 6Choosing Your MasterThe Example of HumilityThe Ultimate SacrificeResponding to God’s Call
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