There have been an uncanny number of occasions lately where clients of mine have been wrestling with year end issues that will have a profound impact on the way 2013 starts out. In fact, virtually everyone I work with is addressing some sort of decision that will have far reaching consequences for the next year. I think that it is human nature to put off having to make the final call until the very last minute.
And I’m not so sure that I don’t do the same thing. It’s just so rare that so many things are all up in the air at the simultaneously. For the first time in years, my own business could change significantly after January 1st, but just as easily, it could stay almost exactly the same as it is this year. I don’t mean to be speaking in circles, but it is kind of like the old adage, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.”
One by one, I have been checking things off my list and trying to remain fine with whatever the outcome. In fact, I am amazed at how confident I am in the new year. I confess that I don’t know HOW things will work out, but I am absolutely sure that they WILL work out. I have tried to encourage my clients to take the same approach.
No matter how hard we work, we can’t guarantee the outcome – the result is up to God. Furthermore, many people are paralyzed by fear when they are at a point of decision. They are just scared to make the call. And I think I can safely say that we have all experienced that fear at one time or another.
Years, ago, Tom, a dear friend of mine, taught me that anything can be steered once it is moving, even if it is going in the wrong direction. At least you are under power, and no longer adrift and at the mercy of the current. He felt the biggest threat to business was the inability to make a commitment to a specific course of action. I agree. There have been untold lost opportunities because people just don’t know which way to go.
It’s find of like the old saying, “Lead, follow, or get out of the way…” That seems to be the message this winter. The fiscal cliff, extreme debt, stock market turmoil, massive unemployment – what’s the right answer? Frankly, pick the direction you sense is the right one, and then head there. Even if your initial choice is wrong, you can always steer in the correct direction once you get under way. The Scripture speaks quite strongly to this point.
Tonight’s verse is set in the beginning of the book of Revelation. The apostle John has a dream during which he observes the endtimes and is told to write certain things to the various churches in the area – 7 in all. He has acclaim for some, disdain for others and issues instructions for the churches as to the way they should act. In Rev. 3:15-16, Jesus tells the church at Laodecia, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
In other words, stand for something, but don’t try to be all things to all people. That’s what the Scripture refers to as lukewarm. Kind of like the story of The Three Bears – not too hot, not too cold, but just right. Unfortunately, that’s not what Christ wants for us in our faith. He wants us passionate about making a decision. He does not want us adrift, and unable to make the call.
Just as we make decisions in the business world, Christ expects us to make decisions about our spiritual lives as well. My encouragement this evening is to let you know that Christ is standing by. Even if you get off on the wrong foot, Christ is capable of helping you change course. My prayer is that Christ will bless your commitment to Him and if you are one of those people who refers to Christ as a co-pilot, do yourself a favor. Switch seats and allow Christ to lead your life. You won’t be sorry; and by the way, the destination is eternal life. Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…