Critics deny God’s calling on your life, and seek to validate only themselves. They throw spears at you because of their own insecurities.

Catalysts see your potential, speak to it and reveal opportunities to develop it. These people love you, understand your struggle, and walk with your through it.

I am reminded of David and the calling God has placed on his life: to be King. Saul, was his biggest critic. Despite Saul’s “support” and love for David, we read that he became jealous of David, and threw spears at him. This was a direct criticism of the calling that God had placed on David’s life; and one that God was in the process of fulfilling. Saul wanted David out of the picture because it would make his life easier.

Fast forward to David’s darkest hour: David and Bathsheba. Nathan is what I would label as a catalyst. He saw David’s potential and wanted to ensure that it was protected it all cost. Even to the point of proverbially sucker punching David. Nathan exposed the reality of David’s actions and how they effected his realtionship with God (catalysts are Christ centered) and his ability to lead, love, and care for his family. He wanted David to be restored.

Sometimes critics and catalysts look the same and sound the same. You need to determine who’s who in your life.  The way you perceive someone determines how you can receive them and that ultimately determines how we respond to them.

When Sara and I first got married; the woman who was supposed to be my biggest supporter; I felt, became my biggest critic.

There was a time when I would be hurt deeply by some things she would say to me.   They felt harsh, rude and disrespectfull. Even unloving sometimes. And when she said those things, my feelings of rejection would make me bitter towards her and towards God.

I had to determine if she was a critic or a catalyst.

Enter my pain management system.

In case you were wondering… She is a catalyst.

For months now I have been proactively seeking ways to honor the people in my life who have been sacrificing time and their talents to build a new ministry at our church. I have been talking about the value speaking to someone’s potential and being encouraged with those who are closest to me in the ministry.

But outside of my team, I was failing at honoring the most imporant person in my life. MY WIFE.

Honor isn’t an attitude or actions.
It’s a lifestyle.

What I learned:

Dishonor produces insecurity.
Dishonor corrupts intimacy.
Dishonor depreciates trust.

So before you speak out of turn, or say something out of spite; check the price tag.

So I am determined to HONOR my wife and remember that ultimately she magnifies the best in me.

I always wondered why Jesus chose fisherman as the core leaders for his management team. I have a sneaking suspicion that it has to do with the boat. Not because Jesus liked boats but because being a successful commercial fishermen requires team work. Jesus knew that if you can get all the people in your organization rowing in the same direction you will dominate your industry. It’s not finances or cash flow management. It’s not strategy or technology. But teamwork that gives any organization the ultimate competitive advantage.

Is it any wonder that Jesus chose a bunch of fishermen to forge a team of world shaking proportions. Jesus needed some men who knew about team work, building trust, and achieveing results through hard work to lead the team who would ultimately be called upon to expand the enterprise that He would die to create.

How was Jesus was able then, to take 12 drastically different personalities, leadership influences and vocational lifestyles; but still come out on the other end of three years with the most innovative, intentional and vision driven team the world has ever know? Team Work

How are you cultiviating team work in your ministry?
How are you supporting the goal of the team?
Are you rowing in the same direction as everyone else on the team?