Andy Stanley - one of the leader/teacher/communicators I most respect - delivered an address I'd heard via CD some time ago. But, one I needed to hear again.
Who ya gonna cheat?
I can't be all things to all people. I can't git 'er done - in all places. Someone's going to have to be "cheated". Will it be my church... or will it be may family?
And my family is quick to tell me when that's happening.
Perhaps the word "cheat" seems harsh and uncomfortable, but I think Andy's right. Because these two worlds call on me, pull on me, lean on me... there is a sense of "competition", one against the other. In that light, then, someone's going to get cheated. My sense of loyalty can't be equal to both. Someone's going to get less of me.
Although Laura and I (I'm married to her) have worked hard at this over the years, I still feel the fear Andy identified today: If I don't do it... it won't get done.
How arrogant of me. How self-serving of me. Who said it has to be done?
Of course when fear raises the question and the question presses hard, guilt can quickly follow.
I'm renewing my cheat list. My family - my wife, Laura, and our daughter, Olivia, will win.
God does command it. Jesus models it.
Ministry will get done... and better because I'll need to keep handing off and building great leadership partnerships that honor God and value our families.
And all the while, people who matter to God will come to know him, 'cause it's his gig, his Church, his kingdom.
Cheating,
Mark
