Commandments for Losing

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience (Colossians 1:9-11 ESV).

The Apostle Paul understood a great deal about success. He also understood that the Lord desired the best for us. So many people have misunderstood the call of God to be one which surrenders to mediocrity. Nothing could be further from the truth. God desires each of us to be followers of Him, but leaders of others. Our surrender is to His will and purpose, not to failure and defeat.

Don Keough, president and COO of the Coca-Cola Company refers to a sociology professor from one of the country’s leading universities who spent his life studying successful leadership by tracing the careers of five thousand former students. He wrote in his conclusions: “I have come to the conclusion that the only way one can determine a leader is to look at the person and see if anybody is following him.” Success breeds success. People who are successful attract others who will be inspired to follow in their footsteps. Is anyone following you today? If not, perhaps you have chosen not to lead. And, that is a loss to the kingdom. Keough lists ten commandments for such a losing attitude. Avoid them in your life and begin to lead others:

1. Quit taking risks.
2. Be content.
3. Before you make any move, always ask yourself, “What will others think?”
4. Avoid all change.
5. Be totally inflexible.
6. Rely totally on others to make decisions for you.
7. Be more concerned with status rather than service.
8. Find a way to rationalize the slowing of your growth.
9. Put yourself first in everything you do.
10. Memorize and apply the principle of TGE… “That’s Good Enough.”

Whether in your personal life, your home life, or your business life, Jesus desires for us to be leaders in successful living. Paul understood that desire and thus prayed for his friends in Colossae who were new in the faith. His desire was to see them continue to grow in their influence and affect of others. He knew they needed to be leaders in their faith. So do we today! How many of those commandments for losing have you adopted as your principles of life? Reevaluate your philosophy and practice today and begin to lead! Others will follow and then become leaders themselves.