September 3. Over Emphasized Or Under Recognized.

In your area of providing value to others, as a leader, what has worked well this year? When we are focused on value, I would like to think that we can be successful. But we need to be careful to see what we are to be credited for and what we are not to be credited for. There are always some unknowns that have contributed to our successes.

There are also likely to be some places that we are being active that are not all that valuable. Our teams are a piece of the bigger value picture as well. If we can really focus on what we have been doing well, we can improve our value to others. Look closely, are you taking too much credit where the team is contributing?

Is there a place where the team is getting credit where individuals have stepped up their game? A team’s synergy is limited by the weakest member. How can you increase the value by looking at the team and extending their value? When you look closely, you may find your value proposition has also been undervalued in some way or by some people.

The last quarter of the year is quickly approaching. Are we willing to be inspired enough to take the challenge to examine who needs to be acknowledged? What is the first thing that you can do about it in the next seven days?

As followers of Christ, we have been cleansed. We have been washed anew and lead a new life. So, what did you do to earn it, to work it off and to repay your debt? The answer of course is nothing. All you did was to ask Jesus Christ to be your Savior and to believe in him. So, what credit do we get for that? The same nothing, I think, is the answer.

We read, "We will not boast about things done outside our area of authority. We will boast only about what has happened within the boundaries of the work God has given us, which includes our working with you...Nor do we boast and claim credit for the work someone else has done. Instead, we hope that your faith will grow so that the boundaries of our work among you will be extended.” 2 Corinthians 10:13, 15.

Notice how this passage reminds us of our value here and the call to extend it. We can move forward with the love of Christ and take his message into the world. How are you doing with that task? What is holding you back from sharing this gift, this experience and the most wonderful relationship we have been given the opportunity to live with?

Overtime in a game is about a tie score but extending in our faith is about love. Perhaps we can think now of what impact our faith can have on others for the last quarter. The people of the world not only need love, they want love. What is the first thing that you can do about it in the next seven days?

Let us pray, Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of the day. Guide us today to be extenders, to be reaching out where we may not be comfortable. There is no greater value than spreading your word and love. Embolden us not to keep you a secret.

Raise our voices, let us shout it from the mountain top and whisper it in the quietness of the meadows. May your love be extended and may you receive the honor. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen,