“Hide not your talents, they for use were made. What’s a sundial in the shade?” ~ Benjamin Franklin

Life is good when lived on purpose.  What is your purpose as a leader?  When your passions and abilities are properly aligned with your purpose, you will discover your “sweet spot” for fulfillment in life. 

You exist to make a difference and have been uniquely gifted to do so.  God created you to do great things but designed you so you can’t do them alone.  When you find your “sweet spot” and connect with other people who have “sweet spots” that compliment yours, the impact of what you can do together is huge!  Here’s what Paul had to say about God’s design in it all:

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord.  God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.  (1 Corinthians 12:4-7 NLT)

Take note of the “purpose statement” at the end of this passage: “so we can help each other”.  This passage goes on to illustrate how we can help each other by making the comparison with how individual parts of our bodies function so well together.  Just think about the simple act of throwing a ball.  How many parts of your body have to work together in just the right way to make that happen?

Life is even better when lived on purpose together.  Take a look around you and you will find people who have different gifts and abilities than you do.  We need each other.  No one is complete in and of themself; we need other people to complete us. 

Just think about the impact you could have on the world around you if you were intentionally connected with other people whose gifts and abilities complimented yours.  Like throwing a ball, it takes a lot of parts working properly together in order to be successful.

As a Christian leader, your role in bringing the right people together and aligning them in a unified purpose is at the heart of God’s design for you.  Help each team member recognize how “helping each other” in a coordinated effort can accomplish so much more than trying to do it alone.  Be sure to celebrate small successes along the way that illustrate the benefits of having a unified team working together.

Take time today to compliment your team members on the specific strengths and abilities they bring to your organization.  Be sure toremind them often that you are better because of them and thank them for what they bring to the team.  People don’t often complain about getting too much appreciation or encouragement.  Tell them what they’re good at and watch them smile.