Comfort Zones and Sweet Spots - Steven Furtick

It’s widely accepted that one of the most important duties of any leader is moving people beyond their comfort zone. I completely agree.

But I also feel like we sometimes get the concept all wrong.

It’s good to stretch someone beyond their comfort zone. To put people in situations that stretch their capabilities and familiarity. It’s how you pull potential out of people they didn’t even know they had. Make them realize they are capable of things they won’t believe until they do them. Past the edge of our comfort and convenience is where God can raise our lives to new heights.

But there’s a crucial corollary point that we can’t afford to forget. While it’s good to stretch a person out of their comfort zone, we have to understand that it was God who wired them, gave them life experiences, passions, burdens, and skills to do what He called them to do.

In other words, they have a God-ordained sweet spot. A place of intersection where God has called them to live in and function out of.

People can’t be anything they want to be. Or anything we want them to be. But they can be everything God created them to be. And this only happens as they’re operating in their sweet spot. Where they’re using everything God has equipped them with to be all He has called them to be.

Stretching someone out of their comfort zone should be a means of developing people in their sweet spot. Not taking them out of it. There’s such a thing as being uncomfortable because you’re being stretched. And then there’s being uncomfortable because you’re doing something you weren’t created for.

I want my creative team sweating because they’re working on projects that test their limits. I don’t want my creative team sweating because I decided to stretch them for a week by running the church’s finances.
Extreme example, but you get the point.

As a leader, you’re responsible for helping people maximize the gifts God has given them. But you’re also responsible for making sure they maximize them for the calling God has given them.

Stretch people beyond their comfort zone.
But don’t force them outside of their sweet spot.

Resource of the Day: For some tips on how to identify your sweet spot or the sweet spot of the people you lead, here’s an old school sermon from a series we did a few years ago: All-Stars.

Related posts in this category: Leadership

Bible Talk 101: Covenant

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Covenant
A contract or agreement between two parties. In the Old Testament the Hebrew word Berith Is always thus translated. Berith Is derived from a root which means "to cut," and hence a covenant is a "cutting," with reference to the cutting or dividing of animals into two parts, and the contracting parties passing between them, in making a covenant (Genesis 15; Jeremiah 34:18,19).
The corresponding word in the New Testament Greek is Diatheke , Which is, however, rendered "testament" generally in the Authorized Version. It ought to be rendered, just as the word Berith of the Old Testament, "covenant."
This word is used (1) of a covenant or compact between man and man (Genesis 21:32), or between tribes or nations (1 Samuel 11:1; Joshua 9:6,15). In entering into a convenant, Jehovah was solemnly called on to witness the transaction (Genesis 31:50), and hence it was called a "covenant of the Lord" (1 Samuel 20:8). The marriage compact is called "the covenant of God" (Proverbs 2:17), because the marriage was made in God's name. Wicked men are spoken of as acting as if they had made a "covenant with death" not to destroy them, or with hell not to devour them (Isaiah 28:15,18).

The word is used with reference to God's revelation of himself in the way of promise or of favour to men. Thus God's promise to Noah after the Flood is called a covenant (Genesis 9; Jeremiah 33:20, "my covenant"). We have an account of God's covernant with Abraham (Genesis 17, Compare Leviticus 26:42), of the covenant of the priesthood (Numbers 25:12,13; Deuteronomy 33:9; Nehemiah 13:29), and of the covenant of Sinai (Exodus 34:27,28;Leviticus 26:15), which was afterwards renewed at different times in the history of Israel (Deuteronomy 29; Joshua 1:24; 2Chr. 15; 23; 29; 34; Ezra 10; Nehemiah 9). In conformity with human custom, God's covenant is said to be confirmed with an oath (Deuteronomy 4:31; Psalms 89:3), and to be accompanied by a sign (Genesis 9; 17). Hence the covenant is called God's "counsel," "oath," "promise" (Psalms 89:3,4; 105:8-11; Hebrews 6:13-20;Luke 1:68-75). God's covenant consists wholly in the bestowal of blessing (Isaiah 59:21; Jeremiah 31:33,34).The term covenant is also used to designate the regular succession of day and night (Jeremiah 33:20), the Sabbath (Exodus 31:16), circumcision (Genesis 17:9,10), and in general any ordinance of God (Jeremiah 34:13,14).
A "covenant of salt" signifies an everlasting covenant, in the sealing or ratifying of which salt, as an emblem of perpetuity, is used (Numbers 18:19;Leviticus 2:13; 2Chr 13:5).
COVENANT OF WORKS, the constitution under which Adam was placed at his creation. In this covenant,

The contracting parties were (a) God the moral Governor, and (b) Adam, a free moral agent, and representative of all his natural posterity (Romans 5:12-19).

The promise was "life" (Matthew 19:16,17; Galatians 3:12).

The condition was perfect obedience to the law, the test in this case being abstaining from eating the fruit of the "tree of knowledge," etc.

The penalty was death (Genesis 2:16,17).This covenant is also called a covenant of nature, as made with man in his natural or unfallen state; a covenant of life, because "life" was the promise attached to obedience; and a legal covenant, because it demanded perfect obedience to the law.
The "tree of life" was the outward sign and seal of that life which was promised in the covenant, and hence it is usually called the seal of that covenant.
This covenant is abrogated under the gospel, inasmuch as Christ has fulfilled all its conditions in behalf of his people, and now offers salvation on the condition of faith. It is still in force, however, as it rests on the immutable justice of God, and is binding on all who have not fled to Christ and accepted his righteousness.
CONVENANT OF GRACE, the eternal plan of redemption entered into by the three persons of the Godhead, and carried out by them in its several parts. In it the Father represented the Godhead in its indivisible sovereignty, and the Son his people as their surety (John 17:4,6,9; Isaiah 42:6; Psalms 89:3).
The conditions of this covenant were,

On the part of the Father (a) all needful preparation to the Son for the accomplishment of his work (Hebrews 10:5; Isaiah 42:1-7); (b) support in the work (Luke 22:43); and (c) a glorious reward in the exaltation of Christ when his work was done (Phil 2:6-11), his investiture with universal dominion (John 5:22; Psalms 110:1), his having the administration of the covenant committed into his hands (Matthew 28:18; John 1:12; 17:2; Acts 2:33), and in the final salvation of all his people (Isaiah 35:10; 53:10,11; Jeremiah 31:33; Titus 1:2).

On the part of the Son the conditions were (a) his becoming incarnate (Galatians 4:4,5); and (b) as the second Adam his representing all his people, assuming their place and undertaking all their obligations under the violated covenant of works; (c) obeying the law (Psalms 40:8; Isaiah 42:21; John 9:4,5), and (d) suffering its penalty (Isaiah 53; 2co. 5:21; Galatians 3:13), in their stead.Christ, the mediator of, fulfils all its conditions in behalf of his people, and dispenses to them all its blessings. In Hebrews 8:6; 9:15; 12:24, this title is given to Christ. (See DISPENSATION .)

Penetrate the Culture

Devotionals by The Alternative

Dr. Tony Evans:

In His Presence: Colossians 3:17

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world . . . Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-14, 16).

When we look closely at a culture that is deteriorating, we will probably see the people of God withdrawn from that culture. For example, when Christians began abandoning inner city and urban neighborhoods, taking their skills, resources, and moral influence with them, those neighborhoods deteriorated. When Christians left the public school system, moral values were systematically erased until they became almost illegal to teach. When Christians vacated the media, a spiritual approach to defining everything we hold dear went with them. When Christians decided to get out of politics, righteous political decisions left with them.

God’s people have been called to penetrate society. Of course, evangelism is always first because without forgiveness of sins, anything else we give a person is temporary. We have been called first and foremost to win people to Christ. But after a person receives Christ for eternity, he must represent Christ in history. Christians must give out hope; no earthly institution offers real hope for the world.

One Minute Please

The absence of righteousness in our culture has everything to do with the absence of God’s people penetrating the culture. When there is no yeast, the bread stays flat.

Source:  Are Christians Destroying America? Pp. 31-34.

Encouragement

From: The Unofficial North Point Blog:

Life App #5 [Encouragement]

April 19, 2011 in Chad,Messages with 0 Comments

Final Life App... Encouragement

[Sunday Message Review tuesday]

Jeff Henderson –  Life App #5 [Encouragement]

Jeff did some research pointing out that during conversation the ratio between encouragement and criticism is:

1 encouragement to every 6 criticisms

World Full of Toxic Talk

You and I both know this is true… the worst part is that its even true of Christians. When you look at this shocking fact you realize why the workplace is the way it is, why marriages are failing, and children turn out the way they do. This is toxic and must change.

Proverbs 11:25 – … whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

God is always sending people into our lives or circle of influence. We have the choice to speak life into them everyday. According to the proverbs this in return will leave you refreshed.  Truett Cathy said it best…

If a person is breathing then they need to be encouraged.

Encouragement vs Criticism

Our Role:

You must continue to ask the question…What is my ratio between encouragement and criticisms? Jeff quoted this Sunday,

Don’t wait to breathe life into someone at his or her funeral, breathe life into someone while it’s still called today.

What if God has called you to be a voice to the people in your life? We must change the scale and start to encourage more.

Bottom Line:

When you replenish others you will be replenished.

-Chad

Hillsong - Lead Me To The Cross

Hillsong - Lead Me To The Cross


Savior I come
Quiet my soul remember
Redemptions hill
Where Your blood was spilled
For my ransom
Everything I once held dear
I count it all as lost

Lead me to the cross
Where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees
Lord I lay me down
Rid me of myself
I belong to You
Lead me, lead me to the cross

You were as I
Tempted and trialed
You are
Te word became flesh
Bore my sin and death
Now you're risen

To your heart
To your heart
Lead me to your heart
Lead me to your heart

Tested Before Proven

Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn.C. S. Lewis

In case you can't tell by the title of the blog, I love airplanes. In fact, I have a fascination with most modern marvels that extend human capability: trains, planes, bridges, cars, you name it. But none of these inventions became what they are over night nor without proper proving and testing.

When we allow God to move in our lives it works the same way. In order for us to reach our full potential and purpose, we have to undergo a period (actually, several periods) of testing and proving ourselves ready to move to the next level.

Testing 1, 2, 3. Seriously, would you want to fly in an airplane that hasn't proved it's ability to fully function as an airplane ought to? I wouldn't! How then can we expect to be who we're meant to be without proper testing and proving? There is a huge element of responsibility in carrying out God's purpose for our lives that He and we have to know for sure that we're ready to go. Just like we entrust our life in the air to planes, we have to be able to trust and believe in ourselves. No "fake it til" you make it here.

Multiple Choice? Essay? What does testing look like? It's been my experience that you should be careful what you ask for because God will give it to you in ways that you don't expect! If you ask for patience, He'll send an "annoying" co-worker. If you ask for love He'll send you someone who needs it more. If you ask for success He will teach you how to handle failure. God uses unique challenges in our lives to test our ability to respond and overcome. Through that overcoming we find out who we are and gain the wisdom and experience to help shape us into who we are called to be.

Have you experienced testing and proving in an area of your life? Did you think you were ready to fly but found out you weren't yet?

Bible Talk 101: Reconciliation

Bible Talk 101

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Reconciliation

In Colossians 1:21,22, the word there used refers to a change wrought in the personal character of the sinner who ceases to be an enemy to God by wicked works, and yields up to him his full confidence and love. In2 Corinthians 5:20 the apostle beseeches the Corinthians to be "reconciled to God", i.e., to lay aside their enmity.

Romans 5:10 refers not to any change in our disposition toward God, but to God himself, as the party reconciled. Romans 5:11 teaches the same truth. From God we have received "the reconciliation" (RSV), i.e., he has conferred on us the token of his friendship. So also 2co 5:18,19speaks of a reconciliation originating with God, and consisting in the removal of his merited wrath. In Ephesians 2:16 it is clear that the apostle does not refer to the winning back of the sinner in love and loyalty to God, but to the restoration of God's forfeited favour. This is effected by his justice being satisfied, so that he can, in consistency with his own nature, be favourable toward sinners. Justice demands the punishment of sinners. The death of Christ satisfies justice, and so reconciles God to us. This reconciliation makes God our friend, and enables him to pardon and save us. (See ATONEMENT .)