“Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue.”
My closest and most trusted friends can be brutal. Let me explain. One of the lessons, painful as it was, that I learned very early in my spiritual life was the gift of having people who had permission to speak bluntly into my story. They knew they were safe to call me out when they suspected I was not operating based on Godly principles or simple kindness. I knew I needed them. I was more aware than anyone of my broken and sinful nature. I knew that given my inclinations I was prone to dishonor God by living a selfish, sinful agenda. Initially my wife, Jennifer, was that voice. Wisely she encouraged me to find men who could fill that role. She didn’t want to. Another sign of her wise counsel. I began to add men to my journey who provided great companionship and shared vision for being men of Kingdom focus. We also had great fun along the way. Almost all these men are still close brothers. It is not that hard to find people who will just butter you up with kind words. There is no commitment or risk in that and their counsel is generally always suspect. With the major portion of my life being in non profit ministries I have tried to build boards of strong individuals who would challenge me when needed. They were not the typical non profits “yes” boards. If your desire is to live a bold, impactful life for the Kingdom of God in your business, family and community be sure you have those in your inner circle with permission to question and speak truth. Then listen. Today consider who those men and women are in your journey and if you don’t see them, find them. #BeTheEdge
“If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” Ecclesiastes 4:10 NIV
