I’m taking some summer time off, but rerunning some of my favorite posts from days gone by….
You can’t lead by committee and you can’t live by committee.
I had a boss who used to tell me the first part all the time. He didn’t mean I didn’t need a team to work with and support. He just knew that I needed the courage to step out in confidence.
Standing on my own convictions and not leading by committee. It’s that simple, but it’s something I struggle with daily. It’s the people-pleaser in me. I want people to like me and I want to please them — I miss the mark, a lot.
I’ve been struggling with some things and I’ve polled people for their opinion only to get a wide array of answers. It hit me today — it doesn’t matter what people think, I will do what God calls me to do. It’s that simple.
Does this mean I’ll never listen to another word spoke over me — no, not at all. I cherish those friends who have the heart to speak up when I’m heading down a bad path or making questionable choices. I NEED these people in my life.
When I say lead or live by committee, I’m talking about making sure everyone likes my idea to:
- paint the living room red
- cut my hair off
- change jobs
- pick a new Bible study
- stop teaching on Wednesday night and begin a Monday night class outside of the church
- change the women’s retreat to a girlfriends roadtrip
It’s not that I don’t value input, but some things are just between me and God. I have to follow where He leads me. Even as I write this I’m worried that some people will not like it. That’s just life.
I do NOT want to march to the beat of someone else’s drummer
I do NOT want to stand still because I’m comfortable
I do NOT want to miss the blessing of stepping out in faith
I do NOT want to miss one second of God’s calling on my life
So, I ask you today….
Do you lead or live according to what God has for you or do you choose to double check everything with friends before moving forward on faith?
Aaannnddd…if it is a Baptist church you have a ‘committee on committees’. Can you even believe that? I just about dropped my jaw when I heard that.
Leah
🙂 I remember this one. As I recall it came at a time in my life when I really neded it. Through this post the Lord gave me some much needed direction*. So, once again, it comes at a time in my life to not only remind but to refresh the call on my life and provide direction*.
Enjoy your summer break.
Love you girl.
Lisa
(*sounds better than “good kick in the britches” and easier to say than “discipline”) 🙂
Mary…..love, love the new layout on the website….you look beautiful. I love you and miss you bunches!!!!