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Clarity: “Don’t grow weary in well-doing”
By Steve Sjogren | June 7, 2006
I’ve had one of those weeks where it seems a theme has popped up time and again wherever I turn. I keep hearing this story, this verse being repeated over and over again. “I have given and given and given but I have seen precious little return for my labors. What am I to do.” Some of those have spoken to me with tears welling up in their eyes.
- Define your specific, God-given calling to those in need. In other words, there are many who fit into the category of “the needy.” Seek out definition from the Lord. Who is God calling you and your group to serve within the greater group of those who are in need. In our case in Cincinnati, for example, we felt specifically called to serve single-parent families, who comprise the largest percentage of the new needy in America in the past several decades. A typical scenario would be a divorced mother who perhaps is working, but is underemployed – who cannot earn quite enough to meet all of her financial obligations.
- Define how you will help those in need. Over the past, we have typically felt that it is best in our situations to give money gifts to those in need, and to help reduce typical financial burdens like the cost of diapers, the cost of food, gasoline, etc. by giving out vouchers. Those physical gifts along with great one-on-one coaching with an older coach (always a woman with a woman or a man with a man). We always incorporate financial wisdom, planning, great budgeting, something brand new to most, along with strong encouragement, prayer and some Bible study – which is the strongest change element their lives could ever encounter.
More tomorrow…
Steve Sjogren
Topics: Leadership, Outward Focused, Clarity |
