The Phil Files

All of us are put into relationships, networks, situations, jobs, and circumstances where we exercise influence and leadership. What is your greatest joy in those areas of influence?

That’s a much more important question than you might imagine. When Jesus gave the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), the Lord wasn’t laying down a plan for evangelism. No, Jesus’ words push us much deeper than simply sharing the Good News of the Kingdom. Look more closely and you will see the key verb can literally be translated “disciple” — it’s nearly always translated “make disciples” but the focus is on going to people, leading them to the point of baptism, and then walking beside them until the truth of Jesus comes alive in them. This is far more than sharing a gospel presentation. This is a commitment to pass on our our passion and it is a passion to pass on our commitment!

In my post in Heartlight.org this week, “The Greatest Glory,” I emphasize that a leader — parent, teacher, coach, counselor, manager, boss, friend, etc. — finds his or her greatest joy in seeing someone he or she has trained investing and forming others. Take a look at that post and then I’d really like to hear from you about the questions at the end of the post:

Who is someone who has invested in you to help you become the woman or man of God that you are today?

• What would you like to say about them to thank them for their investment?
• When was the last time you said it?
• Why not write them a note and thank them now if they are still living and if they have gone to be with the Lord, then thank one of their children or grandchildren telling them about this person who made such a difference in your life?

Who is someone in whom you are investing — or should be investing — your passion, values, and goals?

• What skills and character qualities do you see in them?
• How can they bless the Kingdom of God?
• When was the last time you told them these things?
• How are you going to share these things with them in the near future?

A friend once said, “We can’t live for our children, that’s too limited a horizon. We must live for our grandchildren! That means we’ve got to help our children pass on to our grandchildren what we hold as most valuable to us.”

What do you think about this thought?

• How does this more accurately reflect what Paul taught to Timothy (2 Timothy 2:1-2)?
• How did Jesus embody this principle of passing on faith to multiple generations?
• How can you embody this principle in your relationships?

What is your greatest glory and joy in your influence and leadership of others?