I would like to share a few questions come from one of my mentors, Lance.

Lance can be a little crazy.

His ideas, at first blush, can seem a bit outlandish, but for all the years, and twists and turns I have followed him on, I have found him to be quite accurate.

His studies, and his experiences bear him out.

I trust him.

The questions I want to share, I heard from him some time ago.

But as many things we hear that are important, they come back around.

Often at times when we need them most.

Pandemics, lockdowns, governmental upheaval, violence, and just general chaos have made these questions important again.

So, let me ask you;

Who do you serve?

Who do you run with?

Who do you teach?

The answers to these questions are important if we want to be successful in leading ourselves and others through the chaos, and into an open place where we can be free.

You may not consider yourself a leader, or even want to be one, but I can tell you; someone is always watching.

You will lead someone, for good or for not.

So, please consider each question with me, would you?

Who do you serve? (What/who is the most important thing to you?)

Why is this question important?

We were created to serve.

We were created to worship.

Serving the wrong things can take a toll on us; physically, mentally, spiritually.

Who or what we serve can bring us life, or bring us death.

Scripture tells us this; “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. Matthew 6:24.

We can only serve one thing (person, place, thing) fully, at one time.   

 Who do you run with? (Who do you spend your social time with?)

Why is this question important?

Foundationally, humans were not created to be alone. (Think Adam and Eve)

Remember the old saying “Birds of a feather flock together”?

Individuals of like character, taste or background tend to hang together.

Affiliations, clubs, or societies; Colleges would call them “Fraternities” or “Sororities”; more urban terms could be our “Posse”, “Tribe”, or “Crew”.

The thing about these groups is that each one has its own world view.

This could be either positive or negative.

Think how you want to be perceived.

Your reputation will always precede you.

Make it what you want it to be by just who you let be your influence.

Another important factor about having a “Clan”, is that when trouble comes our way, because it will, we have someone to hold on to until the darkness passes.  

Who do you teach?  (Remember I said that you will always lead someone?)

People may not say anything, but they ARE watching.

What is your character, your influence, showing them?

Do they want to become like you? (For good or bad)

Do they aspire to be what they see in you?

Many times there is a problem here, because people only see what is directly in front of them.

They have not seen the history behind your choices, or the process that you used to get there.

To my way of thinking, this makes how we act even more important.

Unless we have had a chance to really get to know someone, and their background, the picture we see, can be skewed.

Let me summarize the time we spend with others here.

Wherever and whoever you spend time with, should hold these three elements;

There should always be someone that you can show love to by serving. (This shows them who you are)

There should always be someone who is on the same level of process that you are. (You can grow further together)

Then, there should always be someone whom you can teach. (We are here for a reason, right?)

I hope you have found these ideas helpful, and can put the principals here to good use.

I know they have made a profound difference in my own life.

Until next time …