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?
Preach on Sister Mary (smile)!
I used to be and I mean USED to be one who had to check and double check but with who I have no idea because in “those days” of people pleasing I was checking with people who weren’t even invested in my life! (silly me!). I learned through God’s grace and teachings that He was in the lead and I step in line with His Spirit and when I do then I’m on path.
Now, let me speak with balance because GOD will use (at times) people to speak confirmation into your life of what He’s said but we must be careful not to run to “people” for what we ought to be receiving from GOD.
Ok, that’s my 2 cents and an apple. 🙂
Love you girl!
What a wonderful word..you know the older you get in life the easier it is to say, This is the path God is leading me in, like it or not. I don’t think it is necessarily wisdom but rather the knowing that others thoughts about you and what you may be doing have really accomplished nothing. Only our obedience to God is what produces results. And oh so right, when you have a “word” from God….measure it out…the Spirit will confirm if it is for you or not…but it takes a while to learn this in our faith walk. Great message Mary…keep on preachin’ it girl…..
You go girl!! The thing about letting others run your life is that they aren’t around to LIVE your life. I have often discovered that those who try to hinder the dreams of others are often the ones who are afraid to dream their own dreams!
Following God is the only sure pathway to success!
Good Words!
Oh My Heavens! Thank you so much. If you only knew how much I needed this post.
God sent words…trust me…GOD sent!!!
Love you Sister,
Lisa
Again, I relate to this as a former people pleaser. I often wait until God and I have settled the issue before I tell others and that doesn’t lead to happy people. Some of my friends feel like I’ve excluded them. It’s not that at all. Sometimes I have to shut out the voices in order to hear God clearly.
We would get along just great if we lived closer. 🙂