Process is Tied into the Heart

Most of you are familiar with David of the Old Testament.  God chose him as king on the basis of what was in his heart, not how he looked.

“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  (1 Sam. 16:7)

The heart is so significant because it guides how we do what we do.  “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.” (Lk. 6:45)

Serving Out of a Heart of Integrity

David was well aware of this truth.  How he served mattered.

“I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity.”  (1 Chron. 29:17)

“And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.”  (Ps. 78:72)

In God’s economy, the end does not justify the means.  The process matters.   How interesting that 1 Corinthians 3:13 says that “the fire will test the QUALITY of each man’s work.”   Accomplishments, no matter how great they might seem, will be like the “wood, hay, or straw” that will burn up on the day of judgment (1 Cor. 3:11-15) if not accomplished with an integrity-filled process.

Ignoring Process Misses the Big Picture

If we are not concerned with the process, we might just find ourselves trampling on the very people we are called to serve.  In an effort to check something off our “to do” list, we might miss the big picture if we do not concern ourselves with the process.

Preachers, Teachers: It isn’t just about saying the right things.  Your heart and life must back up what you say.

Parents, Teachers, Leaders: It isn’t just about solving problems.  You need to consistently address wrong-doing, training people with the truth of God’s Word, but you must do it out of a heart of love, demonstrating both grace and truth.

Children’s Workers: It isn’t just about methodology.  You need to creatively engage students in the learning process in ways that fit their developmental abilities but methodology must never take the place of relationships which stem from a caring heart. Children need to know you love them.

People Helpers: It isn’t just about doing your duty.  You should give to the poor and help those in crisis due to natural disasters and other losses but also feel their pain.  Are you weeping with those who weep? (Rom. 12:15)

Don’t be fooled.  The process does matter!  To think otherwise is to follow the ways of the world. Let’s dare to be different. Let’s maintain a heart of integrity and love in all we do so that both the process and the end result glorify God.

Sometimes we focus on the “what ifs” of life, bemoaning what could have been.  Often these are circumstances over which we have little or no control.  As a result, we are pulled down rather than built up.

“What Ifs” can be constructive if used for evaluative purposes, to examine choices we tend to make and ways we conduct ourselves over which we have the ability to change.  “What if” we did things different in our walk with God and ministry? What kind of difference would it make?

Here are some “what ifs” to think about that could potentially revolutionize your ministry:

• What if you spent more time daily communing with God in His Word and through prayer?

• What if you cared more about what God thinks than what people think?

• What if you spent more time listening to others than trying to promote your own agenda?

• What if you acted with a little more grace toward those who stand in opposition to you?

• What if you spent more time responding than reacting?

• What if you expressed your appreciation and gratitude for people more often?

• What if you tried to get people more involved in the process rather than doing it yourself?

• What if you stopped and prayed before every decision you had to make?

• What if you thought outside of the box more often rather than doing it simply because “we’ve always done it that way”?

• What if you put more emphasis on Jesus than on programs and your own image?

• What if you were as good of a role model for your own children as you act in front of others?

• What if you acted like you really believe what you teach or preach?

Maybe you already do these things.  Great!  Just remember that there is always room for improvement.    None of us have arrived but we can all press on (Phil. 3:12).

Maybe you need to make some changes.  Think of the difference it would make in your own life and in the lives of those in your sphere of influence.  Look to God for power to change.

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Phil. 4:13)

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)

Church leaders aren’t the only ones who need wisdom as they serve.  In whatever way you serve, you need wisdom.  Who doesn’t need wisdom in all facets of life?  How wonderful that we simply need to ASK God for wisdom.

Application of truth

ASK: How does this truth relate to my responsibilities, attitudes, and decisions?  (Col. 1:9-12)

We need to get beyond simply “knowing” truth.  Knowledge must be coupled with insight.  The implications and application of truth bring relevancy to God’s Word.  We will be more fruitful when we pull on His wisdom and strength.

Stewardship of time and resources

ASK: How can I make the most of every opportunity God gives me?  (Col. 4:5)

We need to know how to juggle our schedules and budget purposefully.  We can get consumed by the “tyranny of the urgent” and that which seems to cry out to us the loudest.  We will find ourselves making practical, common-sense decisions that effectively use what we have and at the same time make a difference when we exercise His wisdom as we serve.

Keeping on the path

ASK: What must I do to stay within God’s will? (Prov. 3:5-6)

We need a big picture perspective that helps us understand how what we do fits into God’s eternal scheme.  Our own understanding will be limited in scope.  We will be more purposeful and persevering when we seek and apply His wisdom.

Walking in wisdom makes sense.

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