November 29. Defeat!

Defeat, it is a word that is probably best defined by the individual that uses it. As a leader, how do you define defeat? How you define it makes a difference for those on your team. We are creatures of habit as it allows our brain to conserve energy.

There is not much thought required to follow your habits. Changing our habits takes energy and in doing so we defeat the old habit. There is that word defeat again. It does not appear as such a negative thing when we look at it that way.

When a leader of a team is battling the team in a manner to defeat them, you have a negative connotation. As a leader, if your definition of defeat is to help to change habits, it has a positive connotation. Which leader are you today? It matters to your family, your company, and your team.

Look to the leaders of the world powers. What would you like them to defeat today? A couple of ideas to consider would be to defeat hate and fear. What habits would you like your team and family to consider picking up? If you want new habits on your team or in your life it is time to defeat the old ones.

Both will take a conscious effort to do. That is one role of the leader. Will you exhibit leadership to help create new habits? What is the first step you can take in the next seven days?

As a people of faith, we are subject to the limits of our habits. Our habits assist us to grow and make progress, to a point. But those habits that get us to point A, are probably not the habits we need to get to point C. We read, “But the LORD is good; he has cut me free from the ropes of the ungodly.” Psalms 129:4 NLT.

If God has cut the bonds that restrict us, why are we holding on so tightly to our old habits? If we want to apply defeat anywhere, our faith is a great place to focus. Who can help you in your faith journey to challenge your perspective?

Which old habits would you like to defeat for new ones? Are you reading the Bible as much as you want? Are you attending worship in a meaningful manner? Is your prayer life as strong as you wish? Be the leader that you want to become by thinking about your habits.

Are you struggling to decide what habits to change? Perhaps you can start with being curious. What area do you believe you can grow the most in the next ninety days? Who do you believe might give you some ideas about some habits that are possible to create?

Our faith journey is not experienced by ourselves but those we are in relationship with. Consider habits that will have a positive impact on others as well. What is the first thing you can do about it in the next seven days?

Let us pray, Heavenly Father, you have defeated many obstacles as we have read in the bible. You have shown us Jesus defeating blindness and disease. You showed us disciples defeating fear as they followed. You have shown us how you defeated law with love.

Send your Holy Spirit to be among us and assist us in defeating anything that keeps us from drawing close to you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen