Guidelines

by Tim Howard

A couple of weeks ago I set some time aside to plot a personal course for the New Year and to develop a plan for Spiritual, Intellectual, Physical and Relational growth.

I do not want to yield to the status quo, become complacent and focus on past accomplishment because that leads to stagnation, deterioration and lifelessness.

Four words came to mind and throughout 2016, I plan to recall these words because they will guide me in every decision I make – every goal I set and everything I seek to accomplish.

These four words can be a good guide for those who want to influence others in an every-increasing way throughout the New Year.

REAL                             

The word hypocrite in the Bible refers to someone who is ‘acting.’ They are pretending to be something they are not! There’s a lot of that going on and it’s not only happening in the movies or on television.

Many people take on a persona that isn’t real. Possibly because they want others to view them as great but are not willing to work on actually becoming great. Getting people to think you are great is a lot easier that actually becoming great!

Being real has to do with authenticity. It’s foundational for influencing people over the long haul. I am committed to being the “Real Deal.” People who make this decision refuse to be a fake – They are people who choose transparency even if others view their flaws. Do you want to have a positive impact on people? Commit yourself to being the Real Deal!

RELEVANT

Someone said: “It’s not enough to be on the cutting edge – we must be on the bleeding edge.” In other words we must be closely connected to what’s happening in our culture – We can’t afford to have our head’s stuck in the sand.

The Bible talks about people from Issachar who understood the times in which they lived and had wisdom as a result. This year you might want to consider doing away with that which doesn’t fit any more. Some things may have worked in the past but they don’t now. They’re not relevant today. Seek to be current without compromise.

RELATIONAL

Growth and influence happens in the context of relationship. God wants your year to be filled with growth and this will happen more consistently when you connect with people. I’m convinced – We should not do life alone – It’s not healthy! When God created Adam He said: “It’s not good for man to be alone.” That is a philosophical statement that goes beyond the marriage union. A person will impact and Influence others more greatly when he or she makes relationships a priority. Don’t be a silo this year – connect with others!

The last word I thought about was the word: REMEMBER! It’s as though the Lord impressed on me to recall certain things and not forget. Here’s a few things worth remembering as we move through 2016 together.

Over-night success usually takes about 15 years.                                             
Live beneath your means.                                                                                        
Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen every day.                       
Take responsibility for every area of your life.                                          
Your attitude is an odor or a fragrance.                                                         
The grass is not greener on the other side of the fence. The grass is greener where you water it.
Success is not permanent, and failure is not final. God is greater than any giant you may face.

These four words can set some guidelines for all of us to follow – if we so choose!