Bringing Value

Occasionally, someone will express a value or perspective that is so powerful I feel compelled to make it my own. One such occasion occurred while I listened to a message by Bill Hybels, the senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church. He was discussing the topic of succession, more specifically his plan for turning Willow Creek over to the next senior pastor.

Bill Hybels started Willow in 1975 and has dedicated his life to fulfilling God’s call. The church has grown to well over 25,000 with 9 locations. You can imagine how vested he must be in this organization.

As Bill shared his plan for leaving I was struck by his remarkable attitude. As he spoke it became evident why God has used this man in such a great way. At one point, Bill was asked to elaborate on his plans for the future. He replied “I will go somewhere and do my best to bring value”. There it was, a core value of “ministry” that I knew I needed to make my own. That day it became a little more about Christ and others and a little less about me.

The meaning of ministry is to serve. Often, in our culture we associate ministry with something self-serving. At the core of the ministry of Christ was an attitude that compelled Him to use His value and abilities to bring hope, healing and value to others.[dropshadowbox align=”right” effect=”lifted-both” width=”200px” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ] “Part of your value is found in the ability to reflect that which is beyond you.” [/dropshadowbox]

One of the greatest lies we tend to believe is that we are not valuable; therefore, we cannot bring value to others. The truth is that you do not determine your own value, it has been placed upon us by God. Part of your value is found in the ability to reflect that which is beyond you. We have been made in the image of God, and as the moon reflects the light of the sun, by faith, we can reflect the goodness and value of God.

3 Questions to answer

1. What is your core motivation for serving others?
2. What attitude hinders you from bringing value to other people?
3. How has God equipped you to bring value to others?

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