The Three Unspoken Reasons Leaders Should Be Thankful
Ask a child that’s grown up in a Christian home a “Christian-type question,” and you’ll get an answer that’s either the Bible, God, or Jesus, right? Ask an adult what they should be thankful for and you’ll get health, family, and a good job to provide for their family. Yes, a lot of Christian questions are answered with the Bible, God, or Jesus. And, yes, adults should be very thankful for their health, family, and a good job. But, what are the unspoken essential reasons that the Godly Leader should be thankful? I propose three for you here to get you thinking:
#1 – Sticky Notes. Okay, this isn’t the real number one answer, but we should be thankful for them. The real number one answer is the little things. Imagine a world without sticky notes. For that matter, we should be thankful for extension cords, hot water, hinges, sponges, grass, pacifiers (right parents, grandparents, and babysitters?), liquid hand soap (don’t look at me like that – you agree!), calculators, baseball, cute babies, dentists, and socks. It is essential that we are grateful for the little things in life. If we’re not, we won’t be grateful people. Godly Leaders notice and are thankful for the little things realizing that every good gift comes from God. James 1:17 tells us, Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens.
- Today’s goal: notice one little thing you are thankful for and tell someone. Do that every day, and it will become a habit.
#2 – Second Chances. One of the worst feelings in life is when you know you’ve blown it, and you’re waiting for the punishment or for someone to find out. “I shouldn’t have said that!” “Why did I do that?” We call ourselves stupid and hit our heads. One of the best feelings in the world is when that stupid decision is forgiven and someone says, “That’s okay,” or “It’ll be fine.” Then, you vow to never do it again and you don’t… until the next time. Romans 8:1 tells us about our second chance with Jesus. It says, There is no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus. Godly Leaders tell people regularly about the God of grace and forgiveness and exhibit that grace and forgiveness to others regularly.
- Today’s goal: Commit to lead in such a way that when someone connected to you makes a mistake, your default will be grace and not condemnation. In so doing, your life will have more joy, and you’ll exhibit Christ’s love and grace more to others.
#3 – A Grace Path to Heaven. Godly Leaders let others know that they don’t have to earn their affection and love. Too many bosses only care about the sales and bottom line. Too many leaders only care about winning and what’s in it for them. Godly Leaders know that it is essential to love people where they are and for who they are and to point them to Jesus. Jesus loves us and by grace through our faith in Jesus, we are called a child of God. We don’t earn our path to heaven – we believe. Godly Leaders don’t make those they lead earn their appreciation and gratitude – they believe in them. Galatians 2:16 tell us, 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.
- Today’s goal: Each day look for an opportunity to tell someone you lead why you are grateful for them that does not include something they’ve done, but rather for who they are.
What would you add to this unspoken thankfulness list? Put yours in the comments.
We could talk a lot more on this topic, but we’ll leave it there for now. What are your thoughts or questions? Leave them in the comments. If you found this blog helpful or thought-provoking, please subscribe below, share it on social media, or tell a few friends about it!
Love being on this Essential Godly Leadership journey with you!