"God made all of us (not just horses) to be more effective when we work in fellowship with others. In fact, the Bible warns us of the danger of isolating ourselves from others." (page 111)
How many times have you given up on a big idea before you started just because it seemed too hard to do on your own? What could you accomplish if you worked together with others to achieve your goals?
These are the questions addressed in this chapter, which goes on to offer ten tips for a collaborative effort:
1. Start with questions.
The book offers six initial questions to ask yourself:
- What is God saying to me about this idea?
- What is the advice of my parents and others I trust?
- Am I the one to lead? If not, can I be a catalyst and help get things moving?
- What are my personal strengths and weaknesses?
- Which people I know can help fill the gaps where my ability or knowledge falls short?
- Do I care enough about this issue to not just start something big, but to see it through no matter what?
Spend time with those older and wiser than you for guidance. Teens have the energy; adults have the wisdom but not always the energy. Seek out godly mentors in your local church to help you with your idea.
3. Don't overlook home field advantage.
Let your family be some of your best team members. Everyone can do something to help; don't overlook your primary source of mentoring and collaboration.
4. Use technology to grow your team.
Take advantage of technology to "connect with like-minded people regardless of location" (page 123). If you don't have many people to help you in your immediate vicinity, use the internet to find more people to help.
5. Treasure constructive criticism.
Often, you need input from others to know whether your idea is wise or could use tweaking, or whether certain aspects of it are working. Don't respond defensively to criticism; welcome it and use it to improve.
6. Credit is free if you give it away.
Focus on accomplishing something together. Don't allow pride to get in the way and demand more credit for yourself or a bigger role in everything. "...focus on the needs and accomplishments of others and of the group as a whole...makes for a much happier, healthier, and more effective team." (page 125)
7. Other people are sinners too.
"Even good, solid, sincere Christians are sinful and imperfect (that is, difficult if not impossible at times). And pressure, weariness, and frustration often brings out the worst in people." (page 126) We have to be willing to be patient and forgiving with the people that we are working with.
8. Expect a nightmare or two.
Don't be surprised when things go really, really wrong. "...our best response is to be forewarned--and not to panic when it happens. Actually, we've found that nightmares give your prayer life a real boost--and teach you a whole lot at warp speed." (page 128) Trust that God has everything under control.
9. Don't give up.
"Successful collaboration almost always requires a lot of people working together over a long period of time. So teamwork requires perseverance." (page 128) Don't give up just because you lose the enthusiasm you had to start with. Keep working toward your goal!
10. Success happens (in more ways than one).
Just because you don't "succeed" in what you are doing doesn't mean you didn't succeed. "...we should measure our success not just by the goal we're shooting for, but also by how well we work together to get there. Look inside your team effort for small but important victories." (page 129)
God will bring the help that you need to accomplish big things. Don't just give up if it seems too hard on your own; look for those that can help you do hard things.
Homework Assignment: Read chapter 8, "Small Hard Things", in preparation for next week. If you don't have a copy of the book, get one and start reading along!
Have you ever achieved something big through collaboration? What could you do? Tell me in the comments!
No comments:
Post a Comment