Every year people make New Year’s resolutions to eat right, to live right, to exercise, to be more kind, etc. Those things are great but I love this statement: Leaders are readers. In other words, we need to be “constant learners.” Leaders don’t just read, but we listen, we write, we process information and release it at the appropriate time. We should not be reading just to regurgitate facts, trivia, or even the truth, but to be able to apply what we have learned and give it away to others. Scripture reminds us of what a constant learner does.
"But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it."
James 1:22-25 NLT
My goal this year is to take a learning retreat. I want to get away from TV and other time wasters and snuggle up with my slippers, Kindle, coffee, and laptop for a few days and to do nothing but read, write, and listen to what God's Word and other books have to say to me as a Christ Follower. I want to read through the books of the Prophets, the Pauline Epistles, and read about the church in the NT to get a fresh perspective on how to love others like Jesus. During this time, I want to be able to read 3-5 other books from my favorite authors and friends, who are not theorists but people who are doing the mission - doing what God has given them to do. It's not to gain head knowledge, but for me to fall in Love over and over with my Lord. Now that’s a resolution worth sticking to, one truly worth seeing come to pass. Hum, now I need to find a good retreat spot… maybe a cabin in the mountains, or a cottage near a lake.
My Thot today is: forget the New Year’s resolutions. Make goals for learning, not for the sake of head knowledge but get heart knowledge.
Until Next time grab a FREE Refill of the King's Brew @ the Soul Café.
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