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.

I have been learning some valuable leadership lessons lately. Rather, unlearning self reliance and dependence on Christ the King. I was moved by Philip’s (Acts 8:26-40) uncanny passion and drive to respond to God’s call.

God spoke it – Philip Did it – and God blessed it!!

So many times my heart can be so deceitful and when God speaks, I convince myself that he isn’t.

God commands generosity – But you’ll run it through my check book.
God calls you to change direction – But you’ll do a risk assessment.
God wants you to develop new friendships – I’ll right out the pros and cons.

Ultimately I try and talk my self out of God’s purpose. Because I fear hurting myself, letting people down, stepping on people’s toes or disappointing God.

Not this time. If you’ve got it.. Give it…

Sometimes the only way out of the rut is push people harder.
Sometimes the only way to grow is to cut things out.

As a Christian leader we cannot afford to wield influence however, apart from the direction of the Holy Spirit. The role of scripture and the ministry of the Holy Spirit can never be overestimated.

If you’ve got it. Give it

“This is the only time in history when I get to fight for God. This is the only part of my eternal story when I am actually in the battle. Once I die, I’ll be in celebration mode in a glorified body in a whole different set of circumstances. But this is my limited window of opportunity, and I’m going to fight the good fight for all I’m worth.”

This was Joni Eareckson Tada’s response to the question: How do you keep going – how do you keep leading and serving and creating – despite her physical challenges.

There is no greater opportunity than to serve God in all that you do. There is no greater success than to serve God wholeheartedly. There is no greater challenge than to fight on God’s behalf. And there is not greater blessing than seeing God fight on your behalf.

What are you waiting for? A window of opportunity?

The opportunity is already before you. What if your cross to bear became your destiny to share?

What if you spent more time with your children.
What if you told your son you loved him more than sports center.
What if you turned off the TV and prayed.
What if you apologized for lying.
What if you thanked your parents for preparing you for adulthood.
What if you gave grace instead of harsh words.

It’s there. Just dig in and do it.