Dear Cornerstone Family,
Every few months, the leaders of Cornerstone will hear me say, “You don’t typically take people farther than you’re willing to go.” This phrase usually gets voiced at a point where initiative is needed in a difficult situation— when it’s clear God is calling us to step outside of our typical comfort zones, and we’re afraid to do it.
Leadership often feels this way. This is why leadership books and podcasts always talk about courage. It’s scary to stick your neck out there, take responsibility, and have others look to you for help and direction. In my experience, one always feels ill equipped for the task and thus overwhelmed by it. Who is fit for these things?
Every one of us is called to lead in one way or another. For instance, if you’re only six years old, and you have a sibling that’s three years old, you’re a leader. For good or bad (and it’s likely both!), the three-year-old is going to look to (and ‘up to’) the six-year-old for direction and help. Even though the six-year-old didn't sign up for it, she is in an informal leadership role, because she has influence over the three-year-old by virtue of age, relationship, and proximity. This informal leadership dynamic is at work around us all the time!
Let’s apply this to the church. You may not be a leader in a formal sense right now in the church. You’re not a church officer, or a team leader, or a Sunday School teacher. But you have influence. Maybe you’re a junior or senior in the youth group. How could you use your unique position to bless, encourage, and support the middle school students joining the youth group this summer? Maybe you have years of experience raising children. How could your experience benefit the younger parents wrangling their littles in the pews each week? Maybe you’re retired after decades of experience in business. How can you open up pathways with younger businessmen and women to help them live for Christ in the workplace? Ask yourself, “What stewardship has God given me, and how can I use it to influence others for God’s purposes and glory?”
Now, almost as soon as you do this, you’ll become fearful and overwhelmed. Why? Because you feel ill equipped and afraid to fail. These are the emotions that show up whenever we’re called to something that’s going to stretch us beyond where we’re comfortable. But let me challenge you: don’t give into those feelings. You feel them because you’re looking at the task and then at yourself, and you’re thinking, “There’s no way God can use me!” You’re wrong. Your feelings and thoughts are lying to you.
Instead of trusting your feelings and thoughts, let the always trustworthy voice of God rise above your fears. In other words, let the truth of the Word take up the throne of your heart, quieting your fears and strengthening your resolve to answer God’s call. Yes, you are weak and foolish. I know that. I’m right there with you! It just so happens that God uses people just like you. It just so happens that he’s chosen “what is foolish in the world to shame the wise... what is weak in the world to shame the strong” (1 Cor. 1:27). That’s right, it’s not the best and brightest he needs. No, he uses the failing and faltering assuring them that, “My grace is sufficient for you; for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
My college pastor once said to me, “Nate, don’t bury your talent” (Matthew 25:14-30). Now, go ahead and replace my name with yours: “_____, don’t bury your talent.” Together let’s commit not to squander the stewardship God has given us. Let’s refuse to leave a sad legacy of missed opportunities. Instead, let’s trust God and let the promise of his presence and power lead us to use whatever influence he’s given us for the good of the church and the glory of Christ.
Your servant,
