Love well. Then lead.

Sometimes sequence is everything. I want to lead in a way that makes Jesus well-known and well-understood. But there's no chance to do that if my attempts to influence others are not clearly characterized by his love. Love well. Then lead.

My challenge? This sequence is not natural to how I'm wired. I thrive on teaching, illuminating, strategizing and sharing from the fruit of my mental loins. I have been known to find non-possessive warmth and empathy when I Google them. But even though my natural style is cool and analytical I don't get to rearrange Jesus' unmistakable priority of loving others if I'm going to represent him.

Crap. I'm 55 years old and this isn't getting any easier. So how do I explain the tingle in my toes? Here's my hypothesis: renewing my commitment to become the person God intends me to be uploads hope, energy and purpose into my soul (and, apparently, its suburban location: my toes). And that's true no matter how much work it will take to change. I'm just glad the Lord's master plan does not require me to generate all of this self-improvement on my own.

For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him. (Phil 2:13)