Doug Christy
48 of 52 Voices December 3rd, 2014
The C3 Leaders devotion is a peer weekly reflection from business leaders related to their journey with Christ. Each weekly devotion will be written by a different author from among the C3 Leaders community.
As we go through this next year together, we pray that these words and reflections will encourage you in your relationship with Jesus Christ.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ~ James 1:2-3
As leaders, we are aware of the expressions ‘leave it at the door’ and ‘never let them see you sweat’. Regardless of our leadership position, one could argue that we face daily/hourly trials of many kinds that easily can make us sweat. Throughout my career in multiple leadership roles, I was determined to answer the bell every day and persevere, while keeping my trials to myself. How do you think that worked for me? Just ask the AARP who recently published the following article (yes, some of us are old enough to qualify for a subscription) stating that over 60% of our nation is under stress, which can be responsible for the following top ten bad things: insulin resistance, joint diseases, common cold, weight gain, slower healing, sleep dysfunction, heart disease, depression, ulcers and other stomach diseases, and back/neck/shoulder pain. Any of these sound familiar to you? So where, might we ask, is the pure joy that James talks about? I believe it is in the testing of our faith. We can go it alone, or we can learn how to be a better Christ-led leader.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ~James 1:5
I believe a tremendous value of a C3 Forum is not having to go it alone and be able to seek the wisdom of others. When we start opening up to one another, becoming transparent and vulnerable, not leaving it at the door, and allowing others to see us sweat, we receive God’s generosity without fault. I’ve witnessed members in tremendous crisis open up, seek wisdom from the group, and completely surrender to our one and only solution. And because of this, I’ve witnessed God in action – His extraordinary generosity. Important to note that the nation’s anecdote for stress (according to the AARP article) was to exercise (46%), pray (41%), talk to partner (30%) and Rx drugs (13%). I think C3 covers the partner discussions and praying quite well. Perhaps Jon will develop an exercise plan and subscription drug program for us in 2015!
Finally, as leaders, we know that standing the test is not an option, it is our responsibility. Staying down, trying to go it alone, means we are turning our back on His promise. He ‘sweated enough’ for all of us, and certainly ‘left it all on the cross’ so that by His grace, we will have the crown of life.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. ~ James 1:1
By Doug Christy, Owner/President of Pro/Vision Coaching, Inc.