Rekindling Our Commitment

Over the past few weeks, I have had quite a few conversations that centre around what I like to call “reflection and projection”. The idea of reflection is to spend time taking a look at the recent past for the purpose of understanding successes and failures. The practice of increasing awareness of these things then translates, whether consciously or not, into a “projection” that stimulates growth toward a better future. The conversations are always enlightening and the commitment made to developing new activities that helps Individuals progress in their business is always motivating and encouraging.

Most often, part of these discussions centres around the idea that what once started with fire and passion has lessened in impact and value. I often ask the question, “Where, or when, did you start to relax in your commitment to doing the right things that once had great value and return?”.

Sometimes the timeline of deviation is obvious, and other times not so much; it was a slow deterioration that resulted in a decline of quality and purpose.

Q: Take a moment to reflect. Can you identify any areas you have allowed to relax that needs to be led again? If so, when did they start to change?

Thinking more directly, I wonder if our Corpath community has also done something similar. I wonder if the comfort and increasing familiarity of the relationships built within our smaller forum groups has caused some to relax in the activities and efforts in which the group originally engaged with when they started.

In some cases, our purpose, rooted in mutual encouragement, prayer, and support for one another's business endeavours, seems to have waned. As we navigate the demands of our professional lives, I sense a need for us, as Corpath members, to revisit the core values that once anchored our commitments to Godly fellowship that encourages each of us to “pursue excellence in business, life and spirit”. If we aren’t careful, a subtle shift away from these values will eventually project into a gradual departure from the intentional focus that initially brought the group together.

With this in mind, I want to propose that the significance and value of the Forum Groups can be enhanced if we allow ourselves to follow, and commit to, the concept of being R.E.A.L. in our meetings.

Using HEBREWS 10:24-25 as a guide, let’s consider a few thoughts…

Responsibility:
In the fabric of Christian fellowship, responsibility weaves the fabric of trust and mutual support. Hebrews 10:24 encourages us to "consider how to stir up one another to love and good works." We all have a responsibility to contribute well to our forum groups. As Christian business leaders, are we embracing our responsibility to uplift and inspire our peers? How can our unique skills and experiences contribute to the collective growth of our community?

Encouragement:
The beauty of gathering lies in the encouragement we offer one another. Let's ponder on how our words and actions align with Hebrews 10:25, urging us not to neglect meeting together.

Do we actively seek opportunities to lift each other's spirits? How can we infuse our encounters with genuine encouragement that extends beyond the confines of our monthly meetings?

Accountability:
Accountability serves as the compass guiding us on our Christian journey. As stated in Hebrews 10:24, we are called to provoke one another to love and good works. Reflect on the ways in which accountability fosters growth in our personal and professional lives. By participating in wholly in the forum group, we know we may sometimes be held accountable, and also hold others accountable.

How can we refine our approach to accountability within our group, ensuring it is both constructive and supportive?

Love:
At the heart of Christian fellowship is love—the glue that binds us in unity. Hebrews 10:24 speaks of stirring one another to love.

How can we manifest love in our interactions, not just in words but in actions? In what ways can we demonstrate the sacrificial love that mirrors the example set by Christ? As Christian business leaders, how can we foster an environment where love permeates every aspect of our collaboration?

In our pursuit of the "R.E.A.L." principles of Responsibility, Encouragement, Accountability, and Love, we see a roadmap for building a community that stands strong in faith and mutual support. Our monthly Corpath forum group gatherings are more than just meetings; they are opportunities to embody the essence of Hebrews 10:24-25, stirring one another to love and good works, not forsaking our assembly. Together, we create a space where our faith flourishes, and our businesses thrive.

My encouragement is for you, as part of the Corpath community, in each of your forum groups, to strive to be REAL in everything you do as you meet together. Rekindle your commitment to pursuing excellence in all ways.

My Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you with gratitude for the fellowship You've blessed us with. May we embrace the responsibility to uplift and support one another, stirring hearts toward love and good works. Grant us the courage to offer genuine encouragement and the humility to receive it. Strengthen our accountability, guiding us to walk in paths of righteousness. Let love be the prevailing force in our interactions, reflecting Your perfect love for us.

In Jesus' name, we pray.

Amen

Steve Shrout
President, Corpath Forums
Cell: 403-390-3772
Email: president@corpath.ca

"Pursuing Excellence in Business, Life and Spirit"

Special Note:
If you enjoyed today’s message, then share it with someone.  Also, use this content and questions as a discussion guide in your next Forum Group meeting.

Attached to this is a printable/ fillable PDF you can use to help with your meditation and reflection.  I encourage you to print it, answer the questions, and then keep it in a Corpath binder or folder for future reference and thought.  You will receive a new PDF each week with each new Monday Meditation, and, over time, your binder will become a book representing your Corpath journey of BUSINESS thoughts, personal LIFE development, and SPIRITUAL growth.