Organizing the Inside 365 Days
Empowering Christian Women To Get Organized and Discover God's Plan for Their LivesArchive for Leadership
Organizing the Inside – Day 298 Do Your Rules Impede Their Faith?
Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.”
Galatians 2:16 (NLT)
Simply put! There is nothing that anyone needs to do to be made right with God, except have faith in Jesus Christ. NOTHING!! Christians are constantly putting stipulations on others about how to be made right with God, converting back to the law. We cannot put people under bondage because we know the law. Many principles found in the law work, but doesn’t faith work better? Indeed there is a more excellent way; God’s law is now written on our hearts. Does that mean we shouldn’t learn from the written law? Absolutely not, but false teachers teach the law to manipulate others and they also suggest that by following the law one is made right with God. Those who teach such untrue doctrine will indeed be held accountable for their works and words.
For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, Romans 4:14 (NLT) because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression. Romans 4:15 (NIV)
Well then, am I suggesting that the law of God is sinful? Of course not! In fact, it was the law that showed me my sin. I would never have known that coveting is wrong if the law had not said, “You must not covet.” Romans 7:7 (NLT)
We are made FREE in Christ.
If we teach that by obeying the law we are made right with God, what is faith for. Christ came to fulfill the law (Matthew 5:17) When I first gave my life to Christ I cut up my miniskirts. I took great pride in wearing long-sleeved shirts and high collar necklines. I wanted to please God by obeying someone else’s ideas about how to be made right with Him. I wanted to obey all the “Christian rules that I was supposed to follow” I took my cues from those who preached and the message that their lifestyle brought. Eventually, the notion that I had to do all kinds of “acts” and “good works” in order to please God became overwhelming. 3How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? 4Have you experienced so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it? Galatians 3:3, 4 (NLT) I knew I had a relationship with God; my faith was strong and He’d answered many prayers. Troubled by the law, (the position it seemed to hold in the church) my faith was perhaps impeded. As years went by with all my errors, poor choices, mistakes and outright disobedience, God never left me and He never once cursed or forsook me. I began to realize that this walk was a walk of faith and not of laws, rules and regulations. I was made the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe… Romans 3:22a (NIV)
I began to distinguish the difference between the Word of God and the traditions of men. I rediscovered my faith, which had never left me; but it was now clear to me that it was (only) through Jesus Christ. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; Hebrews 12:2 (KJV) I sometimes wonder if my life, growth and encouragement was slowed down by those who chose to teach the law instead of the message of grace.
17But suppose we seek to be made right with God through faith in Christ and then we are found guilty because we have abandoned the law. Would that mean Christ has led us into sin? Absolutely not! 18Rather, I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore down. 19For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. 20My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die. Galatians 2:17-21 (KJV)
For those who are teachers, I understand the desire to have people “act right” and the sincerity of some who only want others to “live right.” We will see clearly and understand this matter also when we see Christ face to face. Meanwhile, as I grow (in my understanding of His love and grace) I go forward. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Philippians 3:12 (NIV)
Be careful those among us who teach following the law as a means of being right with God. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, Romans 8:1 (NIV) If you have ears to hear, then hear what the Spirit is saying to the church!
Satan is the accuser of the brethren, this is not our role. We are not to condemn and accuse anyone in Christ, but are to reconcile others to Christ. All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 2 Corinthians 5:18 (NIV) God knows those who are for Him. He also knows and understands far more than any of us the place which His law truly holds in today’s modern church.
In conclusion, God knows and He sees all hearts. His Word is able to penetrate and discern the motives of men. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (KJV)
May the message of God’s Word and our faith in Him through Jesus Christ be the overriding theme we live by. May no other foundation be built again, may no other gospel be preached to men. In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters and he lives in all of us. Colossians 3:11 (NLT)
Organizing the Inside – Day 288 Ignore Haters, God Has Your Back
1Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews, 2saying in front of his friends and the Samarian army officers, “What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they’re doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices? Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap—and charred ones at that?” 3Tobiah the Ammonite, who was standing beside him, remarked, “That stone wall would collapse if even a fox walked along the top of it!” Nehemiah 4:1-3 (NLT)
Have you set out to do something for the Lord? Are you being mocked and ridiculed by others who aren’t doing anything? The critics will always have co-signers who go along with whatever they are attempting to tear down with their tongues. The good news today is that if you are doing the will of God then He will send people who believe in the vision. The people who God sends will have the skills needed to help you carry out the vision, and they will also have willing hearts to serve.
Are there haters who want to see you fail? If so, just know that even the great men of old had haters who stood on the sidelines or tried to run interference with their evil schemes to hinder God’s plan. Ignore the haters, don’t meet with them, and don’t eat with them. Let God deal with them, be single-minded and stay focused on the vision. God will give you every resource needed to bring it to pass. Never lose focus.
Organizing the Inside – Day 286 Keeping Cool in the Pressure Cooker
16So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. 19At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. 21Daniel answered, “O king, live forever! 22My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king.” 23The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. Daniel 6:16a, 19, 21-23 (NIV)
Read Daniel 6
Daniel stood firm in his convictions. He trusted God and found strength through his relationship with God. Daniel’s heart was settled; serving God was the only option for him. When the time came and Daniel’s faith was tested he remained cool and was not afraid. His trust in God made all the difference in his choices. Daniel did not cave in to the pressure to stop serving God and bow to the king instead. God rewarded Daniel and punished his enemies. Daniel’s faith even provoked a change in King Darius and inspired change throughout the land. The story of Daniel is an encouraging reminder for us. Our faith will prevail if we put our trust in God.
7 Non-negotiable actions we can extract from the life of Daniel.
When our faith is tested we must:
1. Keep trusting God and don’t give in to the pressure of the circumstances. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:2 (NIV)
2. Keep serving God no matter what jealous people might think, say or do. When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7 (KJV)
3. Keep praying as you always have. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10b (NIV) Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Mark 14:38 (NLT)
4. Remember when you are at your weakest then you are strong. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)
5. Remember your position may make you a target for the enemy. But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 1 John 4:4 (NLT)
6. Remember God will use your faith to show Himself mighty through. For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. 2 Chronicles 16:9 (KJV)
7. Stand firm, and don’t be afraid to face the impossible. For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37 (KJV)
Daniel was a man of great faith. We are made right with God through our faith in Jesus Christ. Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.” Galatians 2:16 (NLT) God has given us all the faith we need to stand firm in the face of adversity. Victory is based upon faith, not what we do. We must however, act upon our faith to experience victory. Resist the temptation to give in when times are tough. God will reward your decision to stand up for your convictions and not bow down under pressure. Your faith can have a huge impact on others. Your life is a living testimony to the sustaining power of God.
Organizing the Inside – Day 279 Please God, Not People
Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. Galatians 1:10 (NLT)
Don’t be a people pleaser.
How many times have you hesitated to do something you felt was right because you considered what someone thought? Caring about another person’s feelings is something that any loving Christian should do; but that’s not the real issue. Let’s take a moment to look at what happens when we care what others think. When you spend time caring too much about what people think, you can easily lose yourself. How many times have you held back, and even resisted doing God’s work (His way) because you stopped to consider what others might think. People who cave under the pressure to please others, often do so at the cost of forfeiting their God-ordained future.
You shouldn’t be surprised.
Don’t expect people to understand your sold-out lifestyle. Don’t be surprised when even some who call themselves Christians raise an eyebrow at how you choose to raise your family, or your prudent decisions not to indulge. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Matthew 7:14 (NLT) Remember what Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 7:21 (NIV)
Please God First.
If we do the good that we know to do, then God will deal with those who would rather judge and criticize instead of praying for success. When we fear rejection we often act outside of God’s will in order to avoid experiencing the emotional uncertainty that’s associated not being accepted by man. There comes a time when the choice between pleasing God and pleasing man is obvious. Don’t make the mistake of trying to please people because of emotional dependency or a need for approval. Life becomes complicated when we don’t put God first. Seek God first and He will guide you in every decision. The choice is yours; choose to do what pleases God. For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 (NLT)
Apply knowledge:
- Know what you should forget about. (what people think)
- Know what you should remember. (God’s Word)
- Be led by the Spirit, not fear and not emotions.
- Know that God’s rewards for obedience are real.
Organizing the Inside – Day 259 Say Yes to God and No to The Status Quo
But forget all that–it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? Isaiah 43:18, 19a (NLT)
Too many are willing to accept the status quo.
Those who say things like, “the devil is busy, “and “God is in control,” make excuses by using casual religious clichés to keep from having to take action. These are lukewarm Christians who have discovered the unambiguous comforts of passivity. They stand as passersby commenting about current conditions but are unwilling to take action to help bring about resolution. They warn others that God is in control, but don’t they realize that Jesus gave us the keys of the kingdom of heaven? And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven. Matthew 16:19 (NLT) Some whisper valid solutions, yet only under their breath, believing that offering an answer may require a helping hand. Participation in the facilitation of change sounds like too much work, so instead they stand by on the sidelines never really getting in the game; spectators and debaters they mostly use up tissue and suck up oxygen.
Christ wants to do something new.
If you want things to be different wishing for it won’t make it happen. Status quo supporters are only followers and it’s an exercise in futility to expect them to lead or bring about any sustainable difference. Let’s start by listening first to the voice of God. What He’s already told you will likely not change until you do what He’s said first. Then as you seek Him He will guide you into all truths. When ready He’ll take you through to the next steps.
Are you willing to take the risks of being labeled?
There is nothing innately wrong with labels, but only choose to wear the ones that fit. Wear the labels that God gives. You are a “child of the King.” Now, are you willing to lead change and make a difference? When you see something that needs to be done, be willing to step forward and use the resources God has placed in you. If it is for you to help, God will guide you and give you everything you need to be successful. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) You must definitely push fear aside. Fear not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yea, I will help you; yea, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)
Surely you are ready for service.
Have you thought about it? Have you kind of watched as your heart leaps inside at the thought of using your TAGS (talents, abilities, gifts and skills) to get more involved? Maybe God is saying now is a good time to jump in and get involved? Consider what God has placed in you and how helpful your gifts could be. Organize yourself and step out in faith. Make up your mind to go for it, and God will reward your obedience. You’ll see, a man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. Proverbs 18:16 (KJV) Today we’re saying yes to God and no to the status quo!
Here’s a test you can take to help you better identify your gifts. They also provide some help with identifying ways to possibly use your gifts. Be prayerful, but act upon what God has put in your heart.
Organizing the Inside – Day 257 Keep A Godly Inner Circle
Now these are the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who gave him strong support in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel. 1 Chronicles 11:10 (ESV)
Who are the people surrounding you?
Are the people in your inner circle women of God or are they women who are in the world? When you are surrounded by strong women of faith your own faith is strengthened. The opposite is also true, when surrounded by women who are negative, doubters you too will begin to doubt. Fellowship is vitally important to your spiritual growth and fulfilling God’s purpose for your life, but be mindful about who you fellowship with.
Be careful not to isolate yourself.
Being in isolation is a trick of the enemy to keep you from certain protections God has placed in the body of Christ. Having access to the gifts that your sisters in Christ have could mean the difference between you having the support and resources needed to fulfill God’s purpose and not having them. There are times when certain gifts are critical to fulfilling God’s plan for your life. A good example would be the gift of healing. In sickness you may need the gift of healing and if you have isolated yourself from other believers you likely may not have access to that gift.
Organize an inner circle of faithful Christian sisters.
Everyone needs an inner circle, that core group of believers who love God and can give advice and support. You can open up to those in your inner circle and share each others burdens. The strong men that surrounded David were there for a purpose. Sure David was a man of great valor, but he also had a very capable group of men around him who were loyal to him. David was surrounded by men who had his best interest at heart and many were willing to go to battle and die for him.
You cannot go it alone.
Organizing an inner circle is a very smart thing to do. When organizing an inner circle of Christian women there are a few things to keep in mind. Those in your inner circle should know, see and appreciate your vision. The quantity is not at all important, but quality is.
- Everyone has something of value to give. It’s important to love the people in your inner circle and be willing to also invest in their lives. If you are too busy to invest in others it is selfish and unfair for you to expect them to want to invest in your life.
- Respect the gifts of others and let them be authentic to who God has called them to be. In other words, don’t try to change people to suit your likes or dislikes. People are at their best when they are operating in their God-given TAGS, talents, abilities, gifts and skills.
- Pray for discernment and wisdom when inviting people into your inner circle. You don’t want people close to you who won’t challenge you to expand your thinking and grow in your relationship with God. You also don’t need people who are always going to be in constant conflict with you because of their own agendas.
Organizing the Inside – Day 255 Tolerating Sin vs. Tolerating the Sinner
Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? Romans 2:4 (NLT)
Should the church tolerate sin?
I believe “Tolerance” has been misinterpreted and many will have to answer for that. The love of God is not shown by our willingness to agree with sin, nor does God’s love require that we acknowledge sin as a perfectly acceptable lifestyle. The love of God causes us to denounce sin, but love the sinner. The world has done an excellent job at twisting things around. The lies of the enemy have been very creative by making what’s right, seem wrong and what’s wrong, seem right. We must not be deceived. We should make no provisions for sin, your own or anyone else’s. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. Romans 13:14 (KJV) God did not put some stamp of approval on sin when He tolerated us in our sinfulness instead of destroying us. God’s tolerance of us gave us time to repent. Even still sin remained sin and righteousness did not change. Indeed we ought to give the ungodly a chance to repent, but their repentance is not up to us. Their repentance is between them and God. If we had received what we deserved, then there would have been no need for Christ to die. We each have benefited from the unimaginable patience and love of God toward us, But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (KJV)
Let us be clear about difference between the love of God and the act of condoning sin.
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV) As Christians who represent and serve a holy God, we must be careful not to allow our views of right and wrong to be dictated by anything other than the Word of God and the divine leadership of His Holy Spirit, both of which are always in agreement with one another. It’s important to take a stand, but caution to the one who is found standing on the wrong side of truth.
Related articles
- True repentance (thebereanway.wordpress.com)
- Organizing the Inside – Day 230 God’s Gift Of Acceptance (lizmason.wordpress.com)
Organizing the Inside – Day 241 I’ll Take The Pure Gospel of Truth
For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. 2 Corinthians 1:12 (KJV)
Forget about it, just forget about it.
True peace can only be found through Jesus Christ. True peace is not something you can take a yoga class to attain. Even the most astute psychiatrist cannot help you find it. It cannot be found among the absence of noise. True peace is something that God gives as a result of one’s personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27 (KJV) The world would have you believe that peace is something you can find within your own intellect or ability to manipulate your spirituality to transcend all the confusion and chaos on earth. None of this is possible outside of a relationship with God. The plain and simple truth is that people spend billions of dollars and years searching for hidden secrets in broken vessels, when all along the answers they have need of are found in the Word of God.
There must be a greater sense of urgency to share the gospel.
Who can know God unless He reveals Himself to them? For if the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself for the battle? 1 Corinthians 14:8 (KJV) If the gospel you share is not pure, if it is unclear to those who don’t believe, how will they detect the urgency of the time? As Christians we are responsible for going far beyond the feel good principles taught by many well-meaning church goers. There is nothing sinful about having happiness, but we can’t exchange our desire to make others feel good for the only thing that can save them. Holiness is not about smiling and making folks feel good; although living right before God, especially once you’ve been redeemed from a world of sin and filthy wickedness will put a smile upon your face. The great commission calls believers to share the unadulterated truth and there is but One, Jesus Christ Himself. For, I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes–the Jew first and also the Gentile. Romans 1:16 (NLT) So shall we support diverse lifestyles propped up by the “feel good” gospel in order to promote one’s own agenda? We must share the “full gospel” and it’s not full, if it’s watered down with human reasoning.
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (NLT) There is a lot of noise out there on the internet, on the street, among believers and pagans alike. By seeking to know Him more and yielding on the inside we can clearly hear the sweet call of God; the call to live a pure life that is distinct, not filled with the distorted logic of men, but one that is rich and uncorrupted, where genuine peace resides.
Dear Lord, help me to stick with the true gospel, and indeed Lord forget about the rest. Help me not to worry about how many people are made to feel good or become highly motivated, unless they are motivated to love and serve you. Teach us your ways and lead us down the plain, uncomplicated path of truth for your name’s sake.
Organizing the Inside – Day 240 Think Creatively, Plan Strategically
Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. Genesis 1:26a (NLT)
God is the Ultimate Strategist.
He calls every believer to think creatively as He does. Even those who are not necessarily leaders are required to think through their decisions. It was never God’s intent for man to follow along blindly; if that were so, I suspect He would have only given the ability to think and see to those in leadership. In Genesis we read about how man is made in the image and likeness of God. When I consider the awesome creative qualities of God, I can’t help but wonder if we are really living out our full potential in life. God, who created heaven and earth, actually formed you and me to be like Him. (Genesis 1:27)
God obviously had a plan “B”
In order to be a creative thinker who plans strategically you must follow God’s pattern and improve systems and processes. He sent Jesus to redeem us, that we would have an abundant life. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10b (KJV) Sin had separated man from God and He made strategic plans for a more excellent way. No longer are we to sacrifice bulls or goats. How awesome, God did all this because He loves us and wants to have fellowship with us. We are no longer under the system of legalism, working feverishly to obey all the written laws to please God. No longer are His laws written only on stone, but now He has placed them on our hearts. We no longer obey Him through the law, but now we obey Him through our personal relationship and faith in Jesus Christ. After all that He then put on the finishing touch by filling us with the power of His Holy Spirit, which seals us and ensures our success. It is mind-boggling to me the great planning that went into God’s redemption of man.
What old systems in your life do you need to change?
Consider your daily routines and how they are working with your lifestyle. What about the way you handle your finances, or manage your time? Do any other systems need to change? You were created in the very image and likeness of God. He is a creative strategist who indeed has been known to consider making changes to the original plan. Take a moment to say yes to what God has already spoken to your heart about changing. Don’t just consider making changes, but make them. All the planning and strategic thinking in the world means nothing when they aren’t acted upon, and remain as ideas in our heads. Are there things that are no longer working in your life? Just as God changed the old system of laws, by sending Jesus to fulfill the law, make whatever changes are necessary to bring all areas of your life in line with God’s plan and purpose for you. Smart people think strategically, and truly successful people do so while being led by the Holy Spirit. Start now, change what’s not working.
Organizing the Inside – Day 227 Take Time To Ask
29As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. 30Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” 31The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” 32Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 33“Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” 34Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.
Matthew 20:29-34 (NLT)
I enjoy reading about the boldness and determination of the two blind men who paid no attention to the crowd telling them to be quiet. Actually they shouted all the louder, as they called out to the Lord for help. Jesus responded by asking them a question. Jesus knew exactly what they wanted. He also knew what they needed, yet He took time to ask them, “What do you want me to do for you?” He’d just taught the disciples about service. (Matthew 20:20-28) The lesson continued with His example. He could have simply given the blind men what He knew they needed most, but instead He took the time to ask them about what they wanted.
Service is about giving people what they want.
Once we do, they will follow long enough to also discover what they need. Often I think we assume we know what someone needs and instead of taking the time to first find out what they want, we often just offer them what we think they ought to have. I find it interesting that many Christians seem so busy with their own agendas, that they don’t take time out to ask those they serve, “What do you want from me?” There are leaders who will tell you without blinking, “I already know what you need, and don’t have time to worry about what it is you think you want; so sit here while I tell you what you need to do.” They sometimes forget that they’re not the only ones with a special direct line to God. What arrogance is displayed by some who are supposed to be servants.
It wasn’t until the two blind men got what they wanted that they followed Jesus.
So much could be said about this last verse. Successful business leaders know that customer loyalty is created within a relationship of trust. When those you serve realize that you can and will give them what they want, then they trust you, and know that you care. Caring is what creates true loyalty in business and life. We love him, because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19 (KJV) A strong bond is established when a leader is humble enough to first find out what they can do for the people they serve. It’s important not to assume we know what someone else needs. Show how much you care by taking the time to ask the simple question, “What do you want me to do for you?”
Organizing the Inside 365 Days 