One Sentence Can Change Your Life

One sentence. That shouldn’t be too hard to write, right? It’s just a handful of words. If you are reading this right now, it’s likely you could be writing a sentence. So I have a challenge for you. Some of you will probably read this challenge and think it’s an interesting idea – but not do it. You are busy and although this is a good idea (perhaps even a great one), it’ll save for a rainy day when you have the time. We all know when that day will come. So try this out, right now if possible.

The Challenge: Write out your job description in one sentence.

I think you should be able to do that. If you can’t, then I respectfully suggest that you are very likely busy doing a lot of things that may not be touching the most important thing. Remember Jesus’ words to Martha?

“‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her.’” Luke 10:41-42

How many things are you ‘doing’ that aren’t really needed? How would you know? One of the best ways is to write out your primary purpose in the ministry context you find yourself in (whether you are a pastor, elder or usher). You should do it in one sentence though. It needs to be short, clear, and concise.

You’ll need to think about it a lot first. You’ll probably start with a paragraph (or maybe a page); but don’t break the rule – one sentence only.

Here’s what I think you’ll discover about yourself and your ministry, perhaps even your calling...
A lot you didn’t realize. I think you’ll discover that you are doing many things you shouldn’t. I think you’ll find out that the things that are really important for you to do are sitting on the shelf to get done, ‘someday’. Here’s a scary thought: you might actually find out that you really don’t know what your supposed to be doing.

Try it. If you succeed, please either post your sentence here or email it to me at transformingleader@elimgospel.org. I would love to read it and celebrate with you.

Note: Andy Stanley talks about this very idea in his podcast entitled, “High Performance Teams“. Good stuff.

Image compliments of floortje at istockphoto.com.