Episode I

Numbers

Have you ever felt like you're good at something and then later find that you are not? Maybe you've been up on a stage or in front of people conducting a service or playing a game or maybe just talking to them and you've thought, "I'm really feeling it right now. I'm doing well!"

Isn't it crushing to later find out that it was terrible? If it hasn't happened to you yet, it will. But here's my advice: We're not watching ourselves as closely as someone else may be. Take the criticism, learn from it, grow, and do it differently next time. You'll be better off for it.

If you are a church leader, it is good to ask the opinions of someone who will be brutally honest with you about you. They can see things that you just can't. If sharing the Gospel of Jesus truly is important to you, swallow your pride and listen to those around you. When you do, you'll be more successful, more people will receive a clearer message, and ultimately, Jesus will be made known to more people.

Don't tell me this job isn't about numbers.