Great Advice

Posted on Monday, June 18, 2012 by Tacoma YFC

One of my good friends, Tim Skrivan, is so wise that often his phrases of counsel earn an “ism” at the end. You know, “Wow, that’s really good. What a Skrivanism!” He’s the E.F. Hutton (for those of you as old as me) of YFC - “when he talks, people listen.”

I wish my words had the same effect.  James 1:5 is a constant prayer of mine-“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.”

But, alas, I’m still not a quote machine - but even Michael Scott from the office is doling out wisdom!

Perhaps the most inspiring thing Michael could offer was “Don’t be an idiot”.  Maybe it was a plot to keep Dwight Schrute on his toes.

One of the best pieces of advice ever given to me came during a particularly rough season of leadership at YFC—difficult staffing decisions, money was tighter than normal, and I felt like a hamster on a treadmill with too much activity and not enough time. 

Our bookkeeper, Linda Lauritzen, came into my office and could literally see the stress on my face.  She’s a wise and godly woman so when she spoke, I listened.  She simply said, “Bobby, remember in Matthew 17 when Jesus told Peter to pay the temple tax, what was his command?”

“Umm…he told him to go fishing and he’d find it in the mouth of the catch,” I replied.

“Right. Jesus told Peter to do what he did best—to fish—and God would provide. The same goes for you. Do what you do best—pray, tell the YFC story, connect with the right people, work with all your heart…but remember, the burden is on God’s shoulders, it never was yours to begin with.”

Now that’s great advice—from Jesus to Linda to Bobby.  You see, I’m an achiever, an accomplisher, a doer of tasks. I like to check things off as “done” and when I can’t it’s frustrating. All this leads to a sense that “If I don’t do it, no one can” and this feeds quickly into perfectionism and pride.  Not a healthy way to do life.

But when I realize (or am reminded as Linda did that day) that the burden is not mine to carry, the road is easier. I remember that God, along with those placed around me in leadership, walk alongside every day.  I can then focus on my strengths, submit my plans to the Lord, and trust that at He is in control.  Only then am I able to find my rest in Him alone.

Jesus speaks to all of us burden carriers - “Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:29-30 The Message)

So, how about you? What’s the best advice you’ve been given?

P.S. Have you heard about Every Dollar Doubled?!? CLICK HERE to find out how your donation in June only will be doubled!

For Kids,

Bobby