The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. Deut. 28:13

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.”  Matt. 5:14

As we near the end of the first quarter of 2006, I am reminded how much each and every one of us counts to God. We all are loved with an everlasting love – deeply. And we are all here with purpose and destiny for our lives. Though many people will be more ‘prominent’ than others, we, as the body of Christ, are called to be a light to our culture, to lead our generation to Christ. What an exciting thing to know that regardless of our age, season, or past, God wants us to be growing and leading.

Part of being a good leader is being a person who is committed to growth. When we feel that we’ve arrived, we are in trouble! When we think there is nothing left to learn, we’d better watch out. Growth doesn’t happen by accident, and it doesn’t happen through osmosis! If we are to continually move forward, we need to be on a path of growth. I don’t know about you, but I have found in my journey with Christ, that many times my growth hits a barrier. John Maxwell, one of America’s leading leadership experts, calls this the “lid” and reminds us that in order to reach our potential, we must identify and “pry off” our lids to keep reaching greater effectiveness and potential.

Some common lids are unresolved personal problems or character flaws that have not been worked through. Another lid is not to see yourself correctly – as a champion in the Kingdom of God… you really can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! You are more than a conqueror! Truly you have been called to be a light to the world! Other lids can be poor discipline, an over-crowded life, or a lack of God-given vision.

Here at Grace and Peace, you have a wonderful opportunity to mature and shape your revelation and understanding of God, His Kingdom, and your place in it as an overcomer. It is the Pathway to World-Class Christianity, a focused process to help you stay on the path of growth. In addition, why not tailor some specific goals to deal with your own personal lids. Remember, if you aren’t growing, you are withering.

Are you aware of the lids in your life? Are you engaging in a Spirit-led plan to break through those lids? If not, you are selling yourself short of your potential in Christ. Why not take some time today to reflect on this. God bless you as you lift off those lids in 2006!

-Jim Wehrer, Youth Pastor