Pastor Steve Peoples' Blog

As I sit tonight and reflect on the great day we had at the Blvd Campus as all 3 campuses joined together for a combined service, I am reminded of what it means to be a great leader. I saw it demonstrated today by Pastor Bo. I am amazed that any leader would be willing to step down from leading, so someone that worked for them can take the lead. I have had the privilege of working with a great leader for 8 years and have learned many lessons. Every lesson means more today as this transition becomes reality.  The character, wisdom, vision and humility that I witnessed on a daily basis has taught me much but also means I have to follow a great leader. There is only one thing I can do and that is pray a prayer that I mentioned in service this morning.

 
“God let me make a difference for you that is utterly disproportionate to who I am.”
 
Would you pray that for your life as well?

There are certain qualities or traits that we value more than others. Sometimes we think that those who have money are most important. At other times we value those in positions of power, CEO’s, presidents, athletes, and others. In the Old Testament times military leaders were viewed with greater honor. Those who provided safety and security were valued very highly and rightly so. That is what makes Proverbs 16:32 so interesting.
 
Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.
 
In an interesting twist, the writer of proverbs tells us it is better to be patient than powerful. Better to control your tongue and your actions than to be a great conqueror. That leads me to believe who we are and our character is more important thank what we do and what we have.

I just spent part of the day today volunteering at the school for Shideler City Streets. The 5th graders learn how to run businesses, advertize, run city hall, enforce laws and work hard. They also learn how to handle personal finances.
 
As the business owners and managers gave their final speeches to the class one of the recurring themes was that they learned running a business was a lot of hard work. In many ways they learned that life is a lot of work period. Anyone who owns a home knows that many hours of hard work are involved just in the maintenance of the home.
 
Proverbs 13:4 tells us this, "The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied." The NLT reads this way, "Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper."
 
There seems to be a correlation between hard work and having enough to be fully satisfied. When the Bible talks about being fully satisfied, it isn’t just for us and our family or you and your family. We are to use the blessings of life not just for ourselves but to affect those around us as well. 

The older I get, which isn’t slowing down, the more I realize I should have listened better through out my life. When I was growing up I should have listened to my parents instruction more. I could have paid better attention in college and I could have learned more in many other situations.
The writer of proverbs gives us a great one liner to remember for all of life:
My son, obey your father’s commands,
and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. Proverbs 6:20 
He also goes on to tell us the benefits to following the instruction,

When you walk, their counsel will lead you.
When you sleep, they will protect you.
When you wake up, they will advise you. Proverbs 6:22

That seems to be a good reason to listen to parents’ instruction.