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Hoarding or Helping

Many Christians have a "hoarding" mentality when it comes to the wisdom of others. It's the attitude of "I've got learn all I can from God and others so I can store this up for my own benefit". They buy every life application or devotional book on the shelf, but let them pile up in their office or home, and never think to lend them out to others.  If you've seen the show "Hoarders" then you know what I mean.  You know collecting too much stuff can become obsessive.  You know it can also become unhealthy.  This same idea relates to each of us and the wisdom we receive from God and others.  If all we ever do is take, take, take then we're only hoarding that wisdom for ourselves.  No one becomes wise on their own.  Each of us play an important role in helping to impart wisdom to others. It's a "give a little to get a little" mentality.  If we never share useful advice with others then we're only hoarding, not helping.


Some pastors never quote or give credit to others who've imparted wisdom to them.  They would never think of implementing an idea from another leader into their message on Sunday morning.  It would never even cross their minds to put a link to someone else's blog into their own blog.  


Because the journey to wisdom is an ongoing process for me, I'm going to choose to share things with others that inspire me.  Below, is one of Christine Caine's posts on "taking the next step". Such great advice in this post from her that I know will bless someone. If you don't already read her blog, you should! www.equipandempower.org, then click on blog to the right!



Just Take the Next Step

I have found that I am often overwhelmed by the enormity of a project when I look at it in its entirety. I see how much work is required over the long term, the potential obstacles and hurdles that may arise, and as a result can often end up paralyzed simply because it looks too big, too difficult, or too complex.
A simple key I have found that works for me time and time again is to break down the enormous challenge ahead of me into bite size, achievable, small steps. Then all I need to do is simply focus on the next one step I have to take. It does not have to be a big step...just the next one.
That next one phone call
That next one email
That next one conversation
That next one tension to manage
That next one function to attend
That next one sermon to write
That next one chapter to finish
That next one meeting to chair
When I do that next one step, I find I have the strength to take the next one step after that. If I try to imagine taking more than the next one I can easily lose perspective and give up all together.
Today, the best thing you can do is just keep putting one foot in front of the other and simply take the next step. If you keep doing that then you will find yourself able to climb any mountain you are facing.

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