The 5 Steps to Personal Development: ACTION
As business leaders, we all have the desire to grow, produce and advance. We creatively and strategically develop plans for our businesses that, hopefully, will help it succeed in the days, months, and years ahead. Do we take the time to do the same for ourselves?
This week, Monday Meditations will continue to explore:
“The 5 Steps to Personal Development”
Week #4: ACTION
When we take the honest step of ASSESSMENT (step 1), we then develop a greater level of AWARENESS (step 2). When our awareness is heightened, we need to pause and let it gently lead us into the area of APPRECIATION (step 3). Then, our appreciation leads to take ACTION (step 4).
“Don’t just stand there… do something!”
“Get in there and make something happen!”
“If not you, then who?”
Everyone is called to take action at some time or another. We are called to participate. Contribute. Respond. Lead. Taking an active role in something means we commit ourselves and our resources to get involved and to influence a positive outcome. This is much different than someone who responds passively.
Q: Think of a time when you decided to take ACTION. What was the situation? What caused you to get involved? What was the outcome of your action?
Taking action requires us to make a choice. We can decide to be passive and allow events to unfold without our participation. Or, we can get involved and, hopefully, influence a better result. Either way, our choice leads to something.
If we have taken the time to properly ASSESS information, become AWARE of our role, and APPRECIATE the situation then we can adequately decide what we should (or shouldn’t) do.
Sometimes, our decisions to take action is based on several factors:
RISK
If the risk is low, then we might act quickly. If the risk is high, we may decide to withhold our involvement.
REWARD
If there is much to be gained, then we may choose to proceed. If the reward is low, then we may take a step back and determine if the effort is really worth it.
REGARD
On occasion, we may choose to get involved with something simply because we have high regard for the situation and the people involved (think charitable contributions of time and finance). Our personal connection to them leads us to do something. At other times, when we aren’t connected or aligned, we might choose to refrain from getting involved in the affairs.
I’m sure there have been times when you likely have made your decision based on one or all of those three factors.
So, what should we, as Corpath members, think about our decision to take action?
First, I would suggest that sometimes we are CALLED to take action.
Consider the story in Exodus where God responded to the pleas of the Israelites. He called Moses to do something to help fulfill His obligation to the chosen people.
In Exodus 3:7-10 we read,
“Then the LORD told him, “I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. …The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.”
It’s humbling to think that the God of the infinite universe would choose to use us to help fulfill his plans for others.
Next, I would suggest that taking action helps the body of Christ function better.
If you’ve ever dealt with health issues or an injury you have likely experienced and understand how it can diminish the ability of the rest of the body to perform well. You likely have also experienced how
rest and care for the affected area can lead to healing, thus restoring it’s ability to carry out tasks as desired. It’s somewhat the same for the body of Christ.
Take a moment and read the passage found in 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 to see the application of this thought.
Reading further in the same chapter (verses 12 to 31), Paul continues to explain how we contribute uniquely to the body of Christ and God’s purpose.
Lastly, our actions help lead others to see the goodness of God. Reading Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus teaches us with these words:
“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavour? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
We are called to act like SALT. We are called to act like LIGHT. We are called to LEAD others to God.
Q: Of the three examples above (being called, adding value to the body of Christ, and showing others God’s goodness), which one resonates most with you right now? Why
Your personal, professional, and spiritual growth and development requires you to “do something”. Your family needs you to step up. Your businesses need you to make things happen. God needs you to help fulfil His purpose. Your Corpath brothers and sisters need you too. The world needs Christian examples to model the way. It’s up to you to make the choice to take ACTION and make a difference that leads others on the path to God’s kingdom.
My Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for these words today. I admit there have been times when I have chosen to be passive when You were calling me to be active. Please forgive me for acting selfishly. I ask that You would continue leading me to have an active faith. Give me eyes to see where help is needed and ears to hear You calling me, and hands and feet that carry out action. May I be willing at all times and at all costs. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Blessings as Always!
Steve Shrout
President, Corpath Forums
"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 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.
