Category: Influence

by Dr. Richard Blackaby

“Thou art the man!”

Those four words form one of the most devastating sentences uttered in the Bible. That simple sentence humbled the mightiest king of his generation and devastated a nation. It also marked the highpoint of a prophet’s ministry. Such is the power of God-inspired words.

Of course, the prophet Nathan spoke those words to King David after the king committed adultery with Bathsheba and murdered her husband, Uriah. Scripture tells us that God sent Nathan to King David (2 Sam. 11:1). The prophet told David a story about a poor man who owned nothing except a little ewe lamb. When a wealthy man had a visitor, he refused to serve an animal from his own flock. Instead, he took the poor man’s lamb and carved it up for dinner. When David heard how the wealthy man had so callously robbed the poor man, he was filled with anger (2 Sam. 11:5). Then Nathan pointed an accusing finger at David and thundered those devastating words: “Thou art the man!” Busted!

An interesting prequel to this event is found in 2 Samuel chapter seven. God had finally granted David rest from his numerous battles. The first thing the weary king did was tell Nathan he wanted to build a house for God. Nathan responded, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you” (2 Sam. 7:3). At first glance, this exchange seems entirely predictable. David, the man after God’s own heart, wanted to honor God by building a magnificent temple. Nathan assumed David’s plan was good. At long last, the God of Israel would have a prominent temple like the other gods of that day. Furthermore, God was clearly with David in all he did. If the king felt he should build God a temple, God would most assuredly bless his efforts. So Nathan endorsed David’s plan.

Then Nathan went home. That night, “The word of the Lord came to Nathan . . . .” The word of the Lord had not come to Nathan when he spoke the first time! Nathan made a cardinal prophetic mistake. Prophecy consists of delivering a divine message. Nathan had heard nothing from God before he told David to follow his heart. He misspoke. In fact, God said that He had never asked for a temple. Further, God intended to build a house for David that would last forever (2 Sam. 7:11-13).

We are not sure why Nathan made this mistake. Perhaps Nathan assumed that because God chose David, everything the king did must be divinely inspired. Nathan would soon learn that even God-appointed government leaders can sin. Or perhaps Nathan made the classic mistake of equating his thoughts with God’s (Is. 55:8-9). Maybe the vision of a spectacular temple honoring God seemed so desirable that Nathan presumed he didn’t even need to pray about the matter. One thing is clear. We never read of Nathan repeating the error.

Oh that we would learn from Nathan’s mistake! We often assume that some issues are so straightforward we can figure them out on our own. I confess I have frequently been far too quick to offer my opinion. When my children came to me as teenagers to ask advice, I routinely offered them my best thinking. But by giving them my opinion, I was robbing them of God’s (Is. 55:8-9). How I wish that when my children came to me seeking advice, I had told them that I loved them far too much to offer them a hasty opinion. How I wish I had taken the next few days to pray earnestly and seek God’s mind on the matter. How different it would have been had I then excitedly returned to tell my child what God told me!

I am currently reading a wonderful autobiography by John G. Paton, a missionary to the New Hebrides. When describing growing up in a small Scottish cottage with his godly father, Paton writes the following:

The ‘closet’ was a very small apartment betwixt the other two, having room only for a bed, a little table, and a chair, with a diminutive window shedding diminutive light on the scene. This was the Sanctuary of that cottage home. Thither daily, and oftentimes a day, generally after each meal, we saw our father retire, and ‘shut the door’; and we children got to understand by a sort of spiritual instinct (for the thing was too sacred to be talked about) that prayers were being poured out there for us, as of old by the High Priest within the veil in the Most Holy Place. We occasionally heard the pathetic echoes of a trembling voice pleading as if for life, and we learned to slip out and in past the door on tiptoe, not to disturb the holy colloquy. The outside world might not know, but we knew, whence came that happy light as of a newborn smile that always was dawning on my father’s face: it was a reflection from the Divine Presence, in the consciousness of which he lived. Never, in temple or cathedral, on mountain or glen, can I hope to feel that the Lord God is more near, more visibly walking and talking with men, than under that humble cottage roof of thatch and oaken wattles. Though everything else in religion were by some unthinkable catastrophe to be swept out of memory, or blotted from my understanding, my soul would wander back to those early scenes, and shut itself up once again in that Sanctuary Closet, and, hearing still the echoes of those cries to God, would hurl back all doubt with the victorious appeal, ‘He walked with God, why may not I?’ (Paton, 11-12).

Oh that we took time to hear from God! In today’s society, everyone shouts their opinions. Social media is flooded with various viewpoints. But the world needs a divine word. When offering counsel to our children, a colleague at work, or fellow believers at church, we must not tell them what we think, but what God thinks.

Scripture tells us that when God called Samuel to be His spokesman, “the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground” (1 Sam. 3:19). God made sure that every time Samuel spoke, his words proved true. As a result, Samuel’s words had an enormous influence on people!

How reliable are your statements? How valuable are your posts on Facebook or Twitter? How often do people ask your advice? If you want to ensure that your words exert the maximum impact, make sure they come from God.

by Dr. Richard Blackaby

There is something both comforting and impressive about a fortress. If you are a defenseless peasant, vulnerable to an enemy invasion, then you take comfort in a fortress that guards the road leading to your farm. If you are an enemy seeking easy plunder, a fortress causes you pause for thought. Regardless of what side you are on, it is hard to remain indifferent to a fortress.

In the opening chapter of the book of Jeremiah, God makes a somewhat unusual promise. He declared: “For behold, I have made you this day a fortified city and an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, against its princes, against its priests, and against the people of the land. They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you. For I am with you,” says the Lord, “to deliver you.” (Jeremiah 1:18-19).

What is somewhat unusual about this passage is that God uttered these words to a timid teenager! Earlier the youth had declared he did not even know how to speak, now God is assuring him that the entire land will raise up against him but he will be as an impenetrable fortified city.

God was calling Jeremiah to a solitary calling. He was to stand up for God’s word even though the entire nation hated what he was saying. Jeremiah was being instructed to be entirely politically incorrect! Every time Jeremiah spoke, people would boo and roll their eyes. He would be mocked and slandered. He would be meticulously kept off of everyone’s invite list during the social season. And, to make matters worse, this was not a temporary calling, but one that would last Jeremiah’s lifetime.

No wonder he is called the “Weeping prophet!” How could anyone endure such a difficult assignment? From a human perspective it was impossible. But, thankfully, along with giving us an assignment, God grants us the capacity to handle the task. God developed Jeremiah into a fortified city. As a result, the tender, sensitive youth could endure decades of scorn and opposition.

The truth is that we live in a day of political correctness on steroids. Society becomes angry not only at what we proclaim, but even at what we believe. Not only are people offended when we disagree with them, but they feel slighted when we do not enthusiastically affirm them. It is a difficult time to uphold God’s standards.

However, just as God developed Jeremiah into a fortress, so He can make us strongholds of righteousness in the places we live and work. Not only will we be able to resist the pressures and attacks that inevitably come, but we can also become safe havens for those who would otherwise be victimized by the secular forces that pervade the land. Perhaps God has placed you in your workplace to provide a refuge to others. God may have led you to your neighborhood so your family could be a preserving influence on your neighbors. Your children may provide a stabilizing presence in the lives of their friends.

It can be a challenging calling to be a stronghold. Yet those who find safety in its walls will be forever grateful that you stood strong in the day of calamity. Seeing the impregnable walls of a powerful city brought hope and comfort to those who were endangered. May it be that when your colleagues or neighbors or friends observe your life, they gain hope. May you stand firm in your convictions. May you refuse to compromise your values and beliefs, regardless of the pressures that mount against you. May you resolve that there is simply too much at stake for you to succumb to the onslaught of the world against your faith. May you allow God to build your life into a stronghold of righteousness that advances His kingdom and brings safety to those who dwell within its shadows.

by Dr. Richard Blackaby

Hardly a week goes by that I do not talk with a pastor whose heart is breaking for his people. These tenderhearted shepherds see their people languishing in spiritual lethargy and deadness. They watch their congregant’s children hastily depart their dead church as soon as an opportunity avails itself. They grieve as marriages crumble before their eyes. And, as if that weren’t enough, these pastors watch their congregations carrying on their anemic programming that makes little to no difference in their communities. The spiritual climate in their neighborhood grows increasingly dark while the church blissfully conducts its weekly schedule. Knowing that the Church was intended to be and to do far more, it is discouraging to watch its members remain content with so little.

The pressing question that haunts many pastors is this: Is there anything I can do to awaken my people?

Here is the short answer:

First, no, you cannot awaken your people. That is something only the Holy Spirit can do. You can preach the finest sermon series, you can teach solid, doctrinal, Bible teachings, and you can plead with your people to surrender their hearts fully to God, but unless the Holy Spirit works in people’s hearts, your efforts will be in vain.

Second, there are some things you can do that can become a catalyst for revival. The first, and most important, is to ensure that you are experiencing a fresh touch of God in your own life. Revival is generally caught more than taught. If you fan the flame of spiritual passion in your own heart, the sparks are more likely to begin igniting the dry kindling in the hearts of the people with whom you minister. The fact is, you cannot even orchestrate revival in your own life, but you can certainly choose to surrender yourself fully to God and His work so you are prepared for God to do a fresh work in you. You cannot give to others what you do not have yourself. So, if your own heart is not white-hot for God, then turn your focus away from your people and tend to your own wayward heart.

Third, watch for God’s activity. Sometimes we can be so focused on what we are doing to bring revival to our church, we miss what God is doing! God has innumerable means to revive His people. He rarely uses the same means twice. While you are scheduling another revival meeting, the Holy Spirit may be simultaneously stirring in the hearts of your congregation’s teenagers. You could be so focused on launching your next initiative that you miss the divine work occurring right under your nose.

Fourth, focus on the core. Too often leaders begin by attempting to “revive” the masses. That rarely works. Within the congregation are people whose hearts are hardened and in some cases, unregenerate. These people will not respond to your impassioned pleas for them to return to God. But there is almost always a remnant. Find that handful of people whose hearts are tender toward the Lord, and nurture their souls. Rather than growing frustrated because the average person occupying a pew each week remains unmoved, zero in on the few who are responsive. Meet with them to pray. Put challenging books in their hands to read. Disciple them and encourage their spiritual growth. A few members, on fire for God, can act as leaven.

Fifth, herald God’s activity. Revival has often spread on the wings of the testimony of revived people. As people experience spiritual breakthroughs, encourage them to share their experience publicly. Let people see and hear what you have been praying for. When people see someone who is truly revived, they may discern the contrast between the one testifying and their own spiritual condition. As long as we compare ourselves with other lukewarm members, we won’t feel a sense of urgency. But when we come face to face with someone who is passionate for Christ, we suddenly recognize how far we have fallen. Be quick to herald every good thing God does in your midst!

Sixth, don’t give up! It can be immensely frustrating to serve among a lethargic people. But we cannot give up. When a shepherd loses hope for his sheep, the situation truly is hopeless! When we give up or grow discouraged, we reveal the quality of our faith. There are some things that are simply too important for us to ever quit. You may need to regularly meet with other like-minded pastors or leaders to encourage one another. Remember the exhortation of Scripture: we will eventually reap, if we do not grow weary sowing.

Spiritual leaders are increasingly asking what they can do to see their people revived. These are some basic guidelines that can steer you in the right direction. We cannot “revive” people. But we can certainly become a powerful instrument in God’s hand, if we are willing.

by Dr. Richard Blackaby

Many evangelical Christians have not been happy with the state of the nation over the last few years. There is a plethora of indicators that conservative Christians, and their values, are being marginalized. Moral standards appear to be in free fall. Whenever a presidential election looms, numerous Christians pull out their long list of complaints about how the country is in deplorable condition.

There is a troubling problem, however. Estimates suggest there are roughly 60 million Evangelical Christians in America. In the last presidential election, only about half of those were registered to vote. Of those registered, roughly half showed up at a ballot box. In America, Evangelicals represent a sizable bloc of conservative, morals-based citizens. Their vote certainly could exert an impact on society. Yet many choose to forego that fundamental right, and obligation.

There are various reasons why Christians choose not to exercise their franchise. Some do the math. They look at the millions of voters and assume their lone vote won’t make enough difference to justify waiting in a long line on election day. Others believe voting is nothing more than choosing your poison. The public approval rating of members of Congress is at a historic low. One popular bumper sticker encapsulates this sentiment by saying: “Don’t vote. It only encourages them.” A third reason some Christians don’t vote is that they perceive participation in the election process as attempting to accomplish spiritual ends with secular means. Such people assume that they should focus on building the kingdom of God, not getting politicians elected. They realize that in the long run, the focus of the Democrats and Republicans is not to populate heaven but to gain and hold on to temporal power. As a result, these individuals leave the electoral process to the “secular” minded while they focus their attention on eternal matters.

Of course there is some truth to these concerns. If you live in a strongly “red” or “blue” state, your vote for president might not tip the scales one way or another. Likewise, the political process has certainly provided ample fodder for cynicism. And, the truth of the matter is that despite the billions of dollars spent on election campaigns, very little of eternal consequence results.

Nevertheless, the key to any healthy democracy is active participation by its grass roots. Apathy can be more deadly to a free people than anarchy. But there is a further matter that is vividly highlighted during national elections. That is the desire by ordinary people to make a difference. Apathy essentially shrugs its shoulders and proclaims, “Why vote? My vote won’t make a difference anyway.” When large numbers of Christians choose not to vote, they are declaring that their life cannot make a difference. So why bother?

This attitude ought to be deeply troubling to Christian leaders. Jesus commanded His followers to be salt and light (Matt. 5:13-16). He was saying that the preservation of moral society and the dispelling of evil hinged on His people doing everything within their power to make a difference.

I like salt too much. It seems to bring out the flavor in my food. I especially like to grind my salt and pepper so it’s fresh. But I have never looked at the individual granules of salt to see if each one was doing its job. I just trust that, when each particle does what it can, the cumulative effect is delicious! There are some individuals who seem to single-handedly change the course of history. I have a large biography section in my library devoted to such people. But there are far more people we will never know and for whom no biographical sketch will ever be written, who have changed our world for good. It might not have been spectacular, but over time, doing what they could, they made a difference.

As I was growing up, my father would challenge his children with the famous mantra of the 60s, “If you are not a part of the solution, you are a part of the problem.” He urged us to not sit on the sidelines complaining about what others were doing. He also admonished us that we had no right to criticize any elected leader for whom we had not voted (for or against) and for whom we were not praying. Even then, I don’t recall my father spending his time criticizing what others were doing. He was generally too busy making a difference himself.

As spiritual leaders, we must convey to our people the critical importance of striving to make a positive difference in whatever forum they find themselves. If they work on a shop floor, they must strive to be positive and to produce the best product possible. If they belong to a church, they should make every effort to produce a positive contribution. One thing is certain, those who assume their life won’t make a difference are usually correct!

Leaders today must work against apathy in their people. But, as with most things, you cannot produce in others what you do not have yourself. If you want your people to be passionate about making a difference, however small, then you must have that same passion burning within you. If your people care so little about the state of their nation that they cannot be bothered to head down to the nearby polling booth to cast their vote, you may want to encourage them to grasp a larger vision for their life, and their country.

Scripture teaches that if you cannot be faithful in a little thing, you cannot be trusted with anything great. Becoming an informed, intentional citizen may seem like only a small thing, but it reflects our attitude about the difference one person can make.

by Richard Blackaby

It has been said that leaders influence followers, while great leaders influence leaders. It might be added, wise leaders influence the future. There is much talk these days about leaving a legacy. Perhaps that is because at a certain point in peoples’ lives they begin to wonder how their life will be remembered. Will there be anything they contributed to humanity the following generations will remember and be grateful for?

Too many leaders become so immersed in day-to-day concerns that they fail to take the long view. Investing in their current projects impacts the present. Investing in future leaders impacts the future. Thom and Jess Rainer in their book, Millennials: Connecting to America’s Largest Generation, make some significant comments about the Millennial Generation. Millennials are people born between 1980 and 2000. Presently, the oldest Millennials are 21. The youngest are 11. What makes them significant is that there are 77.9 million of them! Baby Boomers have long held center stage because at 75.9 million, they were America’s largest generation. Not any more.

Being a Baby Boomer myself, I have always been intrigued by my generation. We were known as the “me” generation. We rebelled against our parents and the “establishment.” We felt constricted by our parents’ rules and outdated regulations and thus were born the hippie movement as well as sit-ins and various other protests. In our generation we saw the end of segregation as well as skyrocketing divorce and abortion rates. But being rebels ourselves, how did we parent our children? We indulged them. We took them to lessons bought them Nintendos and cell phones and told them anything was possible. For the most part, they believed us.

When asked if they thought their lives could make a significant difference in their world, 96% of Millennials believed they could. We all know that Millennials are extremely relational as well as technologically savvy. Thus Facebook with more members than the United States has people. But they also have an extremely positive outlook on life and a belief in peoples’ ability to make a difference. The Rainers suggest that 9/11 had a formative influence on Millennials. They realize that life is uncertain and that it is family and relationships that matter. They also recognize there are serious problems in the world that must be addressed.

An interesting fact the Rainers bring out is that Millennials have a positive attitude toward their parents and older adults in general. Why shouldn’t they? Their parents have believed in them, shuttled them, and encouraged them throughout their lives. In fact, 75% of Millennials claimed they would like a mentor who would help them become better leaders (41).

This poses a great challenge and opportunity for today’s leaders. Baby Boomers typically hold management positions in today’s organizations. Brad Szollose in his book, Liquid Leadership notes that Millennials generally question Baby Boomer’s abilities because Boomers are generally not as comfortable with modern technology as the younger generations are. He also notes that Boomers see the young upstarts as lazy, lacking focus, and overconfident. Yet he comments: “Someone needs to get these two generations talking and working together” (101). He notes that wise companies will learn how to harness the creativity and skills of the emerging generation. He claims: “If you don’t start listening to the youth in your company, you will miss the next big idea that is right under your nose” (64).

This may prove especially true for churches. Millennials have little interest in the organized church. The Rainers estimate that only 10-15% of them are evangelical, born again believers. Yet much of this they claim, is because Millennials see the church as divisive, angry, and shouting at those with whom they disagree. For a generation that prizes relationships, this is not good.

So what are the implications for those who are leading Millennials?

First, the “me” generation needs to think about others! It is foolish to expect the 78 million Millennials to begin acting and thinking like and valuing the same things Boomers do! They are the future. We are not! Millennials are looking for people who are authentic, who value relationships, who are willing to make use of technology, and who think globally. Millennials will not necessarily accept what you say at face value just because you are the boss (Not when they can Google your facts on their I-Phone before you have even made your closing argument!). The challenge for today’s leaders is whether they are willing to make adjustments in their style and methodology so they connect with the massive new generation currently entering the workforce.

Second, understand they are bright (the most educated generation in American history), and they want their lives to make a difference. They are also comfortable with technology and have been problem-solving around their video-game consoles since they were preschoolers. Wise leaders will discover how to enlist and maximize their services. For too long adults have been underchallenging their young people. Today’s Millennials are looking for leaders who will encourage them to fully utilize all of their God-given abilities so their lives make a positive contribution to their world.

Third, intentionally make time to invest in the next generation. Most of them want a mentor. Investing in the next generation is not only a smart way to spend your time; it also helps you keep a clear perspective on your own life. Our time on earth is transitory, but our focus on the next generation will elongate our influence. A friend of mine, Ron Wagley, retired from being CEO of Transamerica. He meets every Saturday morning with fourteen young business professionals at his home. He leads these “young guns” in studying how to be godly, effective, spiritual leaders in their home, their church, and their work. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences Ron has enjoyed in his successful career. The question for us is: what young man or woman are we presently investing in who could potentially exceed our own contributions?

Fourth, are we listening to the ideas being generated by Millennials? We need to understand that they are relational as well as technological people. They may view things much differently than we do. But they do have valuable insights and they do know their generation better than anyone else. For those leading churches, Millennials are generally indifferent to the established church. However, those Millennials who are involved in church want their lives to make a difference. The Rainers claim that two key words for Millennial Christians are “missional” and “Incarnational” (260). Those churches that embrace Millennials and enable them to engage in meaningful ministry will find that they attract a corps of dynamic, gifted, motivated young adults who will enable that congregation to enjoy a bright future.

Leaders ought to take an inventory of those people who have emerged as effective leaders under their guidance. Whether you are a business or church leader, there ought to be a new generation of leaders emerging from your organization that have been encouraged and inspired by you. Millennials will pass up higher paying jobs if they can find a place that values them and helps them achieve what matters to them. If there are no bright, motivated, inspired young leaders in your organizational pipeline don’t blame the younger generation. Ask God to show you at least one person you can invest your life in and to bless. It may be the greatest investment of your life.