NOW THAT'S SOME GOOD ADVICE!!!

First of all, I need to apologize for being so delinquent in getting this blog up to date. I don't really have a good excuse... I'm generally free from midnight to 4 am, but that's about the only time I have to try and squeeze in some shut-eye. As I've said before, my job sure interferes with my business. At any rate, I'll try to be a little more punctual in getting this up and running.

We talk an awful lot around here about leadership. Our church body is blessed with men and women who understand the role of leadership and who walk in it on a daily basis. What a blessing it is to have people who are "real" leaders.

There are an awful lot of people who want to lead, but for whatever reason, they just can't. It's sort of like the old saying; "If you're in leadership and you're leading... turn around and look behind you... if no one is following, you're not leading, you're just out for a walk". I might be a little bit cynical, but I decided a long time ago that it pays to be tad particular about who you choose to follow.

There are some things about leadership that are really fun... and there are some things about it that really AREN'T. Some of the fun things are: seeing people "get it". Seeing the light come on and watching them grow and mature in the Lord. Watching people work their guts out at something and seeing them succeed. Noticing how God multiplies His blessings among His people... fun things, indeed.

Some of the things that aren't, are: having to watch people you love, leave. Making decisions that other people don't want to make isn't a lot of fun... and then not being able to explain WHY you made some decision because if you did, it would violate someone else's confidence isn't much fun either.

Choosing who you're going to hang out with is critical to the success of any degree of leadership. I know that sound's simple, but it's not always as simple as it sounds. People can literally propel you to uncharted heights... or they can literally suck the life right out of you. And one of the signs of a good leader is his or her ability to discern the difference.

T.D. Jakes, one of the most prolific pastoral writers of this age recently posted a deal that some of you may have seen. It is without a doubt, priceless for EVERY leader to understand, to practice, and to master. It is, in part, as follows:

There are people who will walk away from you. And hear me when I tell you this! When people walk away from you, let them walk. Don't try to talk another person into staying with you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, or staying attached to you. I mean hang up the phone.
When people walk away from you, let them walk. Your destiny is NEVER tied to anybody that left.
LET THEM GO!
It doesn't mean that they're a bad person, it just means that their part of the story is over.
If you're holding on to something that doesn't belong to you and was never intended for your life...
LET IT GO!
if you're holding on to past hurts and pains...
LET IT GO!
If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and see your value and worth...
LET THEM GO!
If someone has angered you...
LET IT GO!
If you're holding on to some thoughts of evil or revenge...
LET IT GO!
If you're involved in a wrong relationship...
LET IT GO!
If you're desperately holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or your talents...
LET IT GO!
If you have a bad attitude...
LET IT GO!
If you keep judging others so you'll feel better about yourself...
LET IT GO!
If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to move you to a new level...
LET IT GO!
If you keep trying to help someone who won't even help themselves...
LET THEM GO!
If God can't fix a situation in your life because you won't turn loose of it...
LET IT GO!

You know... it doesn't matter who you are or what your station in life might be at this particular moment in time... THAT'S some good advice. Talk about FREEDOM!!! But then I think I read somewhere that we've been set free by the blood of the Lamb.

Doesn't make much sense to keep sitting in your cell, pouting, after Christ has unlocked the door for you... DOES IT? It doesn't to me... but then, "It's Just A Thought".