Some create quite a cloud of dust around themselves. They appear as a blur as they rush past! They take on a new project, start another ministry, try a new experience, chase a new friendship. When you blow away the dust you don't find much substance. They're busy, but for what? Others appear to be move effortlessly through life. They sound no trumpets, make few headlines, but they create beauty, build lasting relationship, and often only much later; people realize what a blessing they are. Something is happening that is out of sight, under the surface, that makes them truly effective. They have the edge of effectiveness.
Are you keeping that edge that is necessary for effectiveness? The Bible reminds us - "Since a dull ax requires great strength, sharpen the blade. That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed." (Ecclesiastes 10:10, NLT) Are you putting in long hours, sweating and toiling, but not really getting much accomplished? Perhaps you’re focused more on activity than effectiveness.
Stephen Covey, author and coach, reminds us that we need renewal in four dimensions: the physical, the spiritual, the mental, and the social.
We need to take care of these physical bodies that serve as our earthly houses. The decline of strength with age is inevitable, but too often we hasten the process by foolishly ignoring the simplest tasks of maintenance. Many of us take better care of our cars than ourselves! God has made our bodies so wonderfully, with amazing recuperative powers. Monitor your diet, weight, exercise patterns, and rest if you want to stay effective.
The spiritual part of us is the core of our being! Yet, many push 'soul maintenance' to a place low on their list of priorities. Obvious choices keep a keen spiritual edge in us: regularly worshipping with others, practicing spiritual disciplines of prayer and Scripture intake, and serving God and others regularly. Then, there are the less obvious choices that are critically important. Are you quick to forgive? Refuse to drag around resentment and/or bitterness because nothing saps spiritual vitality from a person like simmering resentment and a bitter heart. Jesus urges us to forgive quickly, because He knows it is our choice to do so and that we need to do it. The Bible says that God's love when accepted deeply, inevitably causes us to love others. "First we were loved, now we love. God loved us first." (1 John 4:19, The Message)
A mind is an amazing thing. From the mysteries of our brains flow creativity, artistry, problem-solving, - all the creative gifts of God. A mind terrible thing to waste, but it happens so easily. Read books! Listen to good music. Spend some time in conversation about something other than the weather. Learn something new, just for the joy of knowing.
Some are more blessed than others with natural abilities to 'connect' with people around themselves. But, all of us can learn to build relationships, if we realize the importance of them. In a strange paradox, we are the most 'connected' society on earth in all of recorded history yet most of us don't know even our next door neighbors. We live in little cocoons, inside our homes, with media as our company. Constantly tending to the real living connections to people around us, especially those key people whose gifts complement ours, brings maximum effectiveness for God.
All this isn't a new revelation, is it? It's really common sense. It is the middle of this Summer when it's more easy to lose the edge, to slip into apathy, indolence, or empty pleasure. My prayer is that God will stir you up. Spend a few moments setting some goals. Make them specific. Share them with somebody, maybe even posting your list on the frig for your family, so they can help you stay on task. Pray that God, the Holy Spirit, will give you insight, too. Ask Him to restore the edge so you won't just be working hard, but also working effectively.
Here’s a word from the Word:
"Live wisely . . ., and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and effective ..." (Colossians 4:5-6, NLT)
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