Reaching Our Goals

17 It so happened that after Pharaoh released the people, God didn't lead them by the road through the land of the Philistines, which was the shortest route, for God thought, "If the people encounter war, they'll change their minds and go back to Egypt."
Exodus 13:17

As eveidenced in this passage with the Israelites, God doesn't always work in the way that seems logical to us.  Instead of guiding the Israelites along the most direct route from Egypt to to the Promised Land, He took them by a longer route to avoid fighting with the Philistines. 

What I understand from this passage is that if God doesn't lead us to our goals along the path that is the shortest or that makes the most sense to us, we shouldn't complain, resist, or think He has left us.  We should know He is with us and follow Him willingly.  We should trust Him to lead us safely around unforseen obstacles.  He can see the end of our journies from the beginning and He knows the best route to take.

Being a "Friend Winner"

I don't think anyone would argue that a natural character trait needed for success in sales is the ability to establish rapport.  Dale Carnegie is known for his book How To Win Friends and Influence People .  Carnegie believed that most successes comes simply from an ability to communicate effectively rather than having brilliant insights. In his book he shows his readers how to value others and make them feel appreciated rather than manipulated.   Carnegie wrote, "You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you."

He wasn't the first writer writer and trainer to teach us that showing genuine interest in others is key in creating and maintaining unity.

Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing.  Philipians 2:4

Look familiar?

Paul was speaking to the church in Philippi that had a very diverse composition of members.  Because of Jesus' example of humility, Paul encouraged the people of this church to safeguard against any negativity that might lead to dissension.  We can apply his teaching today in our homes, our churches, our neighborhoods, and in our business (both internally and externally).  I am encouraged to stop, to listen, to be humble, and to truly think of others better than myself so that I may be genuinely interested in the people God has placed in my path. 

The Way He Wants You to Live

I believe the leadership principles given to us in the Bible are applicable to us today.  These principles apply to all leaders in church, our homes, business, schools, etc...  God's call for Christian leaders today has the same urgency as it did in the time of Moses over 3,000 years ago.  I believe the verse below is a great place to begin changing the way we lead, so our actions as Christian leaders are clearly different from the actions of a non-Christian.  And, so people far from Christ who we work for or who work for us will say "I want what he/she has, whatever it is, I want that."

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

^12-13And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!
^13-15Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other's nerves you don't snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.