Good is the enemy of Great. When we settle for good, we never strive for the greatness for which we were created. With this being true, would not comfort be the enemy of success or fruitfulness?
In the life of any organization (church) when comfort sets in, we begin to settle for good, and our fruitfulness begins to wane. Even in the most fruitful of ministries we’ve seen this happen. Often without realizing it we put the organization (ministry) on autopilot.
Instead of continuing to push forward with the same drive that earlier produced the desired fruit, leaders and members alike become distracted. The guard of staying focused on the main thing (that which God has blessed) is dropped. The focus now becomes either; 1) multifaceted – trying to do many things with a mindset that one worked, how much greater can five produce? Or 2) We’ve had a great season of harvest, now let us rest for a season.
The issue with the first one is no one can be great at five or six different things. Good or mediocre maybe, but not great. Fruitful organizations (churches) maintain a focus on what is/will produce the best results. There may be a shifting in that focus from time to time, but not such a diversification that brings a loss of focus.
The issue with the second reason comes in not staying true to God’s calling. For instance, in the church when a church is truly pinpoint focused on God’s plan, the fruit being produced will continue growing and producing more fruit. God does not give until you burnout. God gives to bless. Burnout can only come when the organization has lost its focus and members or leaders are operating out of their own strength.
Do you have a personal and organizational focus? Are your mission and vision statements clear concise, and brief and in alignment with God’s desire and calling on your life? Answer these two questions to begin your journey back to a clearly focused pathway that only God can give, and He will bless your focus and grant you passion to be fruitful beyond your human limits.
George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click here to receive this blog in your email inbox each Tuesday.