Start Where You Are

One of the most common questions I get asked regarding the health of a team or an organization is this one:

“what if I’m not in charge?”

If you are not leading the team or running the organization, how much can you really influence it’s health? It’s a fair question. And, if you are not in charge you can begin to feel discouraged and hopeless.

It makes me think of Paul’s teaching in Romans 12:18 “where he says If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Paul is talking about how we respond when we have been mistreated or hurt. I love the phrase “as far as it depends on you”. Paul recognizes that we can’t control the response of the other person, but we can control our response. We can control our heart. And, we can control our actions.

So, if you are not the team leader or the lead pastor, I would give you a very similar challenge. As far as it depends on you, be a champion for spiritual health in your organization. There are things you don’t control and decisions that aren’t yours to make. Right now, picture a circle that represents your whole church or organization. Within that larger circle of the organization picture a smaller circle that represents you and your influence, authority and responsibility.

You may not have much influence on the bigger circle of the entire organization, but you do have influence and at least some control over the small circle.

You have 100% percent control over your own heart, thoughts, words, and attitudes. Maybe the first step for you is not influencing the whole organization, but rather it is in managing your own life well. As you personally lead a spiritually and emotionally healthy life, people will notice and it will have impact.

You also have control over your interpersonal relationships. You can be an encourager. You can be interested in people personally, not just professionally. You can pray for and with people.

And, even if you are not the leader, you might be able to influence your team meetings. Maybe you can be the person that encourages th e team to stop and pray over problems that come up. Maybe you can be the person who refuses to gossip. Maybe you can be the person to share what God is teaching you.

Decide today… as far as it depends on me, I will be champion for the spiritual health of my organization.

Question to consider: In light of your position in the organization, what are 3 specific ways you could be champion for spiritual health?