One of the points of instruction that Matthias Nowak (one of my mentors) gave me when he visited our church a few weeks ago was, "Be sure to focus on making your church feel warmer, not on making it work better." He went on to explain that when we focus on doing a really good job, it can often leave our culture feeling cold, distant, and sterile (like a hospital). But if we focus on loving people more, it will create a warmth and life that's less focused on performance.
These words have been ringing in my ears again and again. It's so helpful and encouraging to remember that we focus on the people, not the job. Although the job is important, it must be put into perspective -- which is often a decision of faith and willpower (because I'm often tempted by a performance-orientation).
Here are a couple of personal examples:
- When my email inbox is full, instead of being overwhelmed by the size of the project (which often leads to procrastination), I want to see it as an opportunity to offer each person a glimpse of my heart (which is way more fun and personal).
- When a meeting is scheduled, I want to anticipate the opportunity for connection and teamwork. The enemy wants to steal away the joy of anticipation before I arrive by telling me that my schedule is too full and that this meeting is a burden.
- When I'm taking lots and lots of time crafting my thoughts, and over thinking and over planning my outlines, my emails, etc., it's a trigger to me that I'm falling prey to the pressure of trying to “sound and look smart” and to “have my act together.” Instead, I want to simply share my heart and thoughts with the people God has brought into my life.
