The measure of a man is his capacity to love. Not sermons preached, books written, or goals met. It’s about receiving the love of Christ so as to transmit it to the people around us–this is how God will measure the success of our lives. This can be a bit scary…until we remind ourselves that God never condemns us!

David’s secret: This I know, that God is for me! Do you know this? Psalm 139 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my anxious thoughts.” We can only make this request of God when we trust God’s loving heart toward us. Can you do that?

Learning to live and lead under God’s “light yoke”–this is the key to effective leadership. We all know what it feels like to live under a heavy load; that’s part of life. But the weight is meant to be carried by God himself. So this is right where God challenges us: Are we just trying to manage life with God’s help, or are we walking with Father? These are very different approaches to living and leading.

Jesus’ example doesn’t seem to fit all that well into most leadership books. “I don’t do anything on my own initiative. I only do what I see my Father doing.” Suppose life isn’t supposed to work unless we actually live this way?

Nothing is more important than what you think about God…and what you think God thinks about you! Imagine two brothers, ages 8 and 9, and both have a terrible day at school. Last chosen at sports, bullied and mocked by a stronger boy. The older brother climbs into his father’s lap to share his sorrows. Dad listens, rocks his son gently, and speaks quiet words of love and affirmation. After about 30 minutes of resting quietly together, the boy jumps down and runs off, soul restored. The younger brother takes a different route. Avoids eye contact, goes directly to his room, and slams the door. This pain goes unprocessed. So how do you relate to God when life hurts?