What to do to get to the next level is important, but the why is important too.
Everything thats attached to the name of God should be brilliant. Its wrong to thing that she church should use mediocre resources to further its mission. We should be doing the best for His name’s sake and for His glory. We represent the kingdom of God.
Exodus 19:5-6
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
The Israelites had only known slavery and oppression. They had never known freedom. God was calling them to a new and different place, to be a peculiar people who were set above and apart from everyone else.
Deuteronomy 14:2
For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.
Deuteronomy 26:18-19
And the Lord hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments; And to make thee high above all nations which he hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honour; and that thou mayest be an holy people unto the Lord thy God, as he hath spoken.
It is the will of God for us to be above the world, as a peculiar people. Ultimately we want the success in our lives to be connected to God and His kingdom.
Titus 2:14
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
God always wants to take us to the next level, because when we advance in life we become more influential. He wants to use that influence to advance His kingdom.
Ask yourself, “Is my life bringing God glory in the presence of those who don’t know Him?”
Always let the glory of God be your motivation.
Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Judging life by horizontal standard leads to pride.
Judging life by a vertical standard leads to purpose.
Matthew 5:14,16
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Everything we do should connect our faith to our purpose.
STEP 3 – INITIATIVE
Initiative is the power or opportunity to do things before someone else; the energy and desire to do what’s needed.
People of initiative do what needs to be done without having to be told. They take advantage of opportunities. They give their best effort because they recognize they are sons/daughters of God, and everything they do is in service to their Father’s kingdom.
We are not called to be people who wait around for a command. We’re called to take initiative.
When David took the initiative to battle Goliath, it was that enemy that promoted him to the next level. Though he was only there to deliver bread and cheese to his brothers, David saw an opportunity and took initiative. Because of this, he was promoted in the minds of the people who witnessed Goliath’s defeat.
Luke 17:10
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
Jesus was saying that if we only do what we’re commanded, we are unprofitable. He is looking for people He doesn’t have to tell what to do. When you learn how to take initiative, then you’re ready for lordship; to be the head.
If you have to be told what to do, you aren’t ready to be the head. When you are at the top, there is no one to tell you what to do. God cannot make you the head of anything if you don’t know how to take initiative. The only person who can hold you back is you.
God will give you the resources you need. Its up to you to take initiative. Use the resources God gives to obtain the thing you had a vision for. If you ask for fish, He’ll give you a fishing pole.
Proverbs 6:6-8
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
Proverbs 22:29
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men .
Do what needs to be done without being told to do it.