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Managing Ourselves

In our prior broadcast, we began considering how lifestyle worship looks in the context of being a manager. How does a manager, whether at home, at college or at work, show that he or she is also worshiping God in spirit and in truth?

We concluded by admitting that perhaps the most difficult management challenge is the challenge of managing ourselves. This discipline is a prerequisite to managing others in a way that pleases God. So...let's look today at ways God wants us to manage ourselves.

A true worshiper and manager walks in love. We will walk our talk, demonstrating godly character through the power of God who is within us. The book of Ephesians makes this clear. Following 16 verses of specific instructions regarding personal character in chapter 4, verses 17-32, Ephesians 5:1-2 lays down a clear challenge: Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

At the core our walk is love. Emerging from that love, personal character is part of the worship of walking with God. A true worshiper walks in love.

A true worshiper and manager is a person of prayer. One of the most impressive prayers of the Old Testament came from the heart of Nehemiah. But who was Nehemiah: a prophet? No. A priest? No. Nehemiah was a king's cupbearer, called by God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He was a manager, and he was a man of prayer. How important to you is prayer?

A true worshiper and manager is a person of prayer. A true worshiper and manager sees the big picture. Hebrews 12, verse 2, directs us to look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross. Jesus saw no joy in the agony and humiliation of dying on a cross for our sins. Yet, He obeyed God the Father because He saw the big picture, and understood His role in redeeming us, whom He loves very much.

We, too, need to see the whole picture - not just our own slice of the pie. Most managers compete with other managers for bigger budgets or more employees. In contrast, a true worshiper and manager sees the big picture.

A true worshiper and manager is a servant-leader. Ephesians 5:2 is God's call to servant leadership. You might say it this way: 'Service is hot; self-service is not!' Jesus Christ emptied Himself of many rights when He came to earth, in order to accomplish something of far greater value. As we manage others, we need the mind-set of Jesus Christ. We need to serve those we manage by focusing not on our control but on their success. In serving them this way, we will manage for God's glory rather than for our ego. A true worshiper and manager is a servant-leader. A true worshiper and manager knows that people are more important than projects. One of God's clear priorities is this: People are more important than projects. As easy as it is to say that and hear that, it's a hard priority to maintain.

Years ago, a good friend of mine accepted an invitation to become the senior pastor of a large church. Until this time, he had been an associate pastor to a couple mid-sized congregations, so this was a major move.

Before leaving the church he was then serving as an associate minister, he asked several members what advice they had for him as he began this new responsibility and new setting. He told me about the priceless input of one person: "Sometimes I get the feeling that you are walking right past people on your way to another project." My friend remembered that advice. The church he now pastors is flourishing under his people-centered care.

How many times have you seen or heard of a project that was slowed down because of people problems? How many building projects around the world are still unfinished because there is not genuine support for them? How many times have you heard of a church splitting because believers disagreed about music in the worship services? How many people do you suppose have gone to hell while mission agencies competed for control over the ministries that would have given them the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ?

Take care of the people first. Then, it's amazing how quickly the projects are taken care of as well. A true worshiper and manager knows that people are more important than projects.

A true worshiper and manager is a mentor. If you've been managing your home or your department for a while, you have collected a lot of valuable experience. Wouldn't you have been thrilled if another, more experienced manager had shared experiences, insights and contacts with you early in your career?

One of the men the apostle Paul mentored was a young man named Timothy. In 2 Timothy 2, verse 2, Paul says to Timothy, ..."The things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." I'm impressed with the fact that Paul mentored Timothy not only as a developing man of God, but he also expected Timothy to mentor others in the same way. Why not share yourself with another Christian up-and-comer in the spirit of 2 Timothy 2:2? God wants you to help prepare others for godliness and ministry. Can you manage that? A true worshiper and manager is a mentor.

We've seen today that a true worshiper and manager:

Walks in love
Is a person of prayer
Sees the big picture
Is a servant-leader
Knows that people are more important than projects
Is a mentor

The 'great commandment' permeates these characteristics of a true worshiper. It's as if these qualities are marinated in that person's love for God and love for others! Does it seem like a lot to expect from a person? It is a lot. But what a wonderful reminder it is that God lives within us, and empowers us to do His will!

Let's close with this encouraging reminder from Philippians 2:13: .It is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.