November 17. A Well Oiled Spirit.

Leaders, I think this is a good time of year to do an audit. Think of your team and processes you assemble as an electrically operated machine. You might have people that are called the operators of the machine. You might have maintenance people to keep the machine functional.

You might have technology people to keep the machine running. You probably have people that sell your services or products. There are also accounting and management responsibilities and many others. Not every leader or team has all of the same functions as others. But we all have different parts to our machines.

But what is your role going to be as leader? In the next ninety days, does your role need to be the same as it has been in the past? I think that all of the team members have an equal part in keeping the machine producing value. But having an equal part as a team member does not mean that they have the same duties, skills, or talents.

We certainly do not want our machines breaking down. I like to believe that one of the major roles of the leader is to keep the team accountable. I recall an individual who had a conversation and told me he was going to achieve six significant improvements with himself and the team in just a week.

It was a big commitment. I know that he provided a consequence if he did not keep the promise. Low and behold, would you believe he kept all six promises. Six small but potentially life altering adjustments were made, just because I asked.

Where does your team need some attention? What can you do about it in the next ninety or maybe just seven days?

As a Christian, we are to be in relationship with Christ. But we can get isolated believing that we must do everything ourselves.

We read, “In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.” 1 Peter 3:7 NLT.

I like that this verse brings a husband and wife together as equal partners. But I envision that I am to be an equal partner with my brothers and sisters in Christ as well. We are called to love one another and to bring others to Christ together. It is our invitations to others, to know Christ, that allows the Holy Spirit to act as our partner as well.

It is the Holy Spirit that warms the heart and puts people into action. How are you doing with going out and plugging into your relationship with Christ so that your machine is ready to run? If you have not got the power of Christ at the top of your mind and tip of your tongue it might be time for a recharge.

We are the ones who can be accountable for getting plugged in. If we are plugged in, may the Holy Spirit come today and turn us on and into action. What is the first thing you can do to get plugged in the next seven days? Make a promise to do it this week and make it happen.

If you do not have an accountability partner, feel free to send us your promise by email and tell us how it went.

Let us pray, Jesus, we have heard your call and we are so happy to be in a relationship with you. Help us to work together to honor you and our relationship with you. May our partners do their part as we do ours. Assemble us together to be productive in sharing your love with the world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen,