Monday, December 26, 2011

Do more of and do less of in 2012

December ought to be a time not just of celebration, but of reflection. Whether it is true that time seems to pass faster when one grows older, time will always a precious commodity. Each second spent is either spent wisely or foolishly. I wonder if we are called to account for our time some day, what would our report card be like?

Proverbs 20:4 (NIV)
A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.

Over a delightful lunch with an older couple, the husband was complaining to me about his wife's over involvement in ministry. It was merely his loving ways of being concern over his wife's health as she is a cancer survivor. I know where he's coming from. The wife on the other hand feels that she would really like to do the best she can in the remaining part of her life as they both felt God had given them a second chance to come alive spiritually in their 60's. I know where their hearts are. I was waiting for that stroke of wisdom or brilliance from the Lord, which I often would pray when I am stuck and not knowing what else to say. :)

It came. I turned to him and asked him this simple question. "What would your report card and your wife's be like when you meet the Lord one day?" We both know there will come a day when we will be judge too for our rewards. Thankfully God did not list down what the merit points will be. Otherwise, we will all be serving for the wrong reasons!

He asked back, "What do you mean?"

"You agree someday that Jesus will ask us to account for what we have done for Him?"

"Yes."

"What's yours like and what's your wife's"

It seems like something struck him.

He said, "Yah ... never thought of it that way."

His lamenting stopped and I could see a smile on the wife's face. We took the chance to affirm the husband's concern and encouraged the wife to take care of herself too.

That begged question: What would your report card, and mine, be like?
I think it is good to reflect and I did a short exercise with my office colleagues. My question to them was: "What is one thing you would more, and another thing to do less, in 2012?"

That sparked off many interesting discussion in their breakout groups. There will probably be more than one thing. But often, it is better to do one thing and do it well, than to do 10 and do them mediocrely, or not at all. 

Why don't you sit down for an hour and work that through. It may change the way you live out 2012. There are a number of areas you can work through:
  • Physical (e.g. exercise, travel)
  • Social (more time for leisure, hobbies)
  • Emotional (counselling, healing)
  • Mental (challenging the mind, reading)
  • Spiritual (prayer, Bible, conferences, trainings)

There will definitely be a need to cut down on time wasters and make more time to invest in things that last for eternity and they are inevitably always link to people and relationship.

Apostle Paul had a different way of saying it and that is to "put off" and "put on".

Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; [24] and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Blessed Christmas and a fruitful year of 2012!




Friday, December 16, 2011

How to keep yourself fresh and motivated

My Senior Pastor shared this with us pastors about how to keep ourselves fresh and motivated in ministry. Thought it may help some of you. Here's the main headings (in red) he shared. I'll add in my comments in black.


1. Daily time with God


The Word of God refreshes us in the spirit. When our inner man is refreshed, it allows our soul and body to follow suit.


2. Time away on a regular basis (Sabbath principle)
        Reflect Renew Refresh Rewire


God commanded Sabbath for a reason. He knows we will wear ourselves out with our need to achieve. This is one of the consequences of sin in our lives.


3. Read as much and as broad (even secular stuff)


I would add that we need to read with discernment. As much as there are many good stuff out there, there are also equally loads of rubbish. Choosing a good book is important. Go for at least one book a month. Share with someone what you read. I find sharing with someone helps me crystallize my thoughts on the book.


4. Go for seminar and conferences


Again, choose a good one. Make sure you write down immediately something that captured your mind.


5. Be in a 'Iron sharpening iron' small group

  • Circle of friends
  • Encouragement and support
  • Accountability
  • Partnership in ministry


6. Have one to three people who can speak into your life


Be thick-skinned enough to ask. As a mentor myself, I often find it hard to refuse someone who is persistent :)


7. Be in a mentoring relationship as a mentor


One can only mentor if you have something to give. Mentoring keeps you on your toes.


8. Exercise regularly
A healthy body is essential to start with.


9. Teach and impart


A teacher always learn more than the student! When you teach, you are motivated to learn.