How To Approach God, Kindness, Leaving The Shore
Newsletter #8 on March 18, 2023
Discipleship // Leadership // Mental Performance. The best from this week.
DISCIPLESHIP
“I made a covenant as I partook of the sacrament that I would be willing to take upon me the name of Jesus Christ and . . . to obey His commandments. Often, I hear the expression that we partake of the sacrament to renew covenants made at baptism. While that’s true, it’s much more than that. I’ve made a new covenant. You have made new covenants."
Russell M. Nelson
There is power in renewing a covenant with God.
But according to President Nelson, it's much more than that. There is more power in covenanting anew with God. You aren't merely renewing a covenant with God, you are making a new covenant with Him.
Not only that, but if you've entered into covenants with God, each week during the sacrament, you covenant anew to honor, cherish, and live by ALL the covenants you've made. Consider this excerpt from a talk by L. Tom Perry: "By partaking of the sacrament we renew all covenants entered into with the Lord and pledge ourselves to take upon us the name of his Son, to always remember him and keep his commandments.”
Here's a simple breakdown
The sacrament provides us with an opportunity each week to make a new covenant with God.
I am covenanting anew to honor each covenant I have entered into. Not just the baptismal covenant.
Thinking about making a new covenant as opposed to just renewing your covenant is a powerful shift in how to approach the sacrament.
Likely, we will prepare more for it. Just like we did when we were going to get baptized. Or when we were preparing to enter the temple. We were preparing to make a new covenant. Well, the sacrament provides the exact same opportunity. You make a new covenant with God.
LEADERSHIP
"I am meek and lowly of heart.”
Jesus Christ
Jesus modeled the style of leadership that put others first. He modeled the style of leadership that doesn't seek self-aggrandizement. He glorified His Father. He saw the best in others. He served and healed and blessed.
He was kind.
"Kindness is the essence of greatness and the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men and women I have known. Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes." - Joseph B. Worthlin
Kindness is the great measuring stick of strong leadership. Kindness doesn't reveal as much about how someone feels about others as it does reveal how someone feels about themselves. Kindness is the hallmark of a strong leader. Unkindness is the calling card of insecurity. It's a dead giveaway.
Kindness is the standard of strong leadership. In schools, churches, organizations, politics, sports, and anything else.
Perhaps this is one reason why Jesus was so kind. He was so settled in Himself. He knew who He was. He loved who He was. He knew who His Father was. With that foundation, he led with strength. One eyewitness wrote of Him, "He went forth ministering unto the people, in power and great glory." Central to the power and great glory of Jesus' ministering was His kindness.
MENTAL PERFORMANCE
“The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found those dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore."
Vincent Van Gogh
Anyone who does anything that stretches them out of their comfort zone is fully aware of the dangers that might lie ahead.
Failure
Rejection
Heartbreak
Loss
Risk
Fear
Maybe you're starting a business. Maybe you're job-searching. Maybe you're trying to find a spouse. Whatever it might be for you, inherent in putting yourself out there is the inevitable storm that might accompany you.
But the storm is an unavoidable part of the process.
A fisherman and an onlooker are equally aware of the impending danger. So what separates those who fish and those who watch?
The fisherman didn't remain ashore.
There's a popular adage: "Your life is not a spectator sport." Stop watching others go for it. Do something yourself!
Of course, there is danger in chasing a dream. But is the danger sufficient reason for you not to chase? If so, then you'll live your life as a spectator. And God did not intend for you to be a spectator. God did not intend for you to observe life. He intends for you to live it.
3 Questions
1) How does the idea of making a new covenant change your weekly approach?
2) What does your kindness towards others reveal about you?
3) Are you actively engaging in life? Or are you just a spectator?
Disciple-Leadership: Jesus-led. Lead like Jesus.
Have an amazing week.
Aaron @ The Disciple-Leader