As we launch into 2017 one of the most important tasks for each of us is renewing our minds. I use that phrase, because one of the world’s great leaders, the Apostle Paul, used it 2,000 years ago to tell early followers of Jesus how they could overcome being shaped or molded by the world. Now more than ever, the danger of being shaped or molded by the world threatens leaders. It doesn’t matter whether we’re followers of Jesus, adherents of another religion or atheists, the messages offered by the world are insidious and designed to move us away from leading.
How can I make such a blanket statement about the world’s purposes? The world has always had an “agenda,” and while it may not be possible to express it extensively in a blog post, let’s sum it up in the word “drift.” The world’s goals have never been noble, bold, or eager. The world doesn’t care whether we succeed or become significant. The world says, “Take it easy,” “Worry about that tomorrow,” “Whatever.” You may ask, “What do you mean by ‘the world?” I mean the force of entropy that is all around us. While entropy is a natural force stating that everything moves from a state of higher order to a state of lower order, and from a state of higher energy to a state of lower energy, entropy is part of the natural world order across the spectrum.
When it comes to leadership, we will always be swimming upstream against entropy. One of the way entropy expresses itself in our arena is through a sense of entitlement. Rather than wake up asking, “What can I do to contribute to the value of my life and the good of my company, church or organization?” the natural tendency is to ask, “What can my company, church or organization do for me?” We all fight against this tendency, but leaders must win the fight. We must show those around us why contributing to the value of our lives and our organizations is to all our benefits. As the Apostle Paul wrote so long ago in Romans 2:2 this is accomplished through the renewing of our minds.
We must think new, different and creative thoughts in order to combat the tendency to drift or entropy. We must wake up thinking about how we can help those around us realize the vital necessity of exercising leadership in our own lives first and then in our relationships, our work and even in our play. After all, if we don’t think and live intentionally, life will happen to us rather than us living it to some greater end or purpose. Of course, for me, the great end and purpose of life is knowing God and advancing His will in the world. Even if our great end and purpose is serving other human beings, or producing a product that will enhance the human experience, we must take steps to live in constant growth and renewal. Otherwise, we’ll waste our days, which means wasted months, years and ultimately lives.
As you go about this day, pause at some point–the sooner the better–and ask yourself, “Where do I need to fight against the tendency to drift? What steps do I need to take to ensure that I live intentionally, that I am renewing my mind and letting God renew my mind by His Spirit? (You may not see the second half of that last question as being as important as I do, but I include it, because it is a vital aspect of having our minds renewed for those who hold faith in our core.) As you ask those questions make sure to respond to them and then act on those responses. As you do, 2017 will become a year with renewing your mind at the center.
Here’s to leading better by investing time in renewing our minds–today!