“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Luke 6:45, NIV).
An empty tank leads nowhere.
We must constantly address the need for fuel in our vehicles. The maintenance checklist is always repeating. The same is true for our life and ministry! Jesus taught us the parable of the wine and the wineskins for a reason. If we are not making a positive difference in our lives each morning with the new mercies and grace that God gives us, we are setting ourselves up for failure. Do something positive with the newness of each day. Become a new skin and allow God to fill you with something new. Otherwise you may burst, burn out, and fail.
Failure is not an option.
You will have nothing to pour out if you don’t first get poured into. Your ability to lead and minister will become impaired if you’re not healthy. The commitment to listening to life-building podcasts, reading, studying, journaling, and resting is not to be taken lightly, and should not be considered optional. IT’S NOT OPTIONAL.
Discipline yourself spiritually.
Podcasts are free and readily available. Ask peers and even your senior pastor for recommendations. The conversation you have seeking help may even provide opportunities to grow closer to those individuals through a shared experience. Fellowship is a sharpening process that every person needs. Great leaders understand that they cannot lead alone or on empty. There may be conferences, Facebook groups, and opportunities in your life that you are missing out on or not taking advantage of. Don’t just attend or follow to soak! It is critical to connect!
Address and assess your physical and mental health!
The task of serving is rewarding, stressful and strenuous. You obviously have a desire to improve your ability to minister and lead. Now take the necessary steps to ensure you can lead as long as possible, by taking care of your health. Get your life organized and in order. Discipline yourself and watch God bless and use you to be effective for a long time!
Recommendations:
Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast
Think, Learn, Succeed and
Switch On Your Brain Dr. Caroline Leaf
