Lately I’ve been analyzing some of the major Biblical characters who didn’t reach their full potential in God. My goal is to identify the factors that limited them from maxing out in their giftedness and calling.
So far I’ve noted 3 major categories. I’m sure there are more, or at least narrower classifications… but this is a fine framework for me.

1. Blatant sin/disobedience (the kind that disqualifies)
2. Unbelief (wavering at the promise of God)
3. Distraction (a divided heart)

I want more than anything to pour out every last drop of potential God has poured into me. By the grace of God, I am determined to come as close to reaching my full potential as a country boy from Moncks Corner, South Carolina possibly can.

In college one of my classmates shared an insight with me:
“True humility is the ability to learn something from anyone.”
In other words, I should not be limited to learning only from those I agree with, look up to, have a lot in common with, or like to be around.
I should be willing to learn whatever I can from whoever I can, whenever I can. After all, God has the copyright on truth and wisdom regardless of who might be plagiarizing it at any given moment.

My life and leadership are greatly enriched when I approach all my encounters with a type of expectation:
I can learn something from anyone… what does God want to teach me through this person or experience-right here, right now?

The thing that makes you different from everyone else is the thing that makes you powerful.
This reality is equally comforting and challenging.
Comfort: There is no pressure for me to fit in.
Challenge: The culture of carbon copy makes it hard for me to boldly stand out.

Nevertheless, the fact remains: those who discover what they’re uniquely gifted to do- and build their lives around a hyper focus on that contribution-are rewarded.
Those who insist on being similar to the point of blending into the background are ignored.

Juno wasn’t nominated for an Academy Award because it was just like the other movies… it was recognized because it was different. Quirky.

Kurt Cobain didn’t spark an entire musical movement because Nevermind sounded just like all the other albums of the early nineties. His legacy was his uniqueness.

I didn’t marry my wife because she was just like the other girls. I married her precisely because she was an anomaly.

It’s too bad that our educational systems (and more specifically, our Bible colleges and seminaries) are typically focused on mass producing mediocrity rather than custom designing excellence.

As for you: if you ever put your finger on what makes you different-maybe even a little bit strange- you’ve just discovered the reason you were born. And you’re well on your way to greatness.

Last January (or thereabouts) I was visiting Perry and the boys at NewSpring. I love all of them. They’ve been very good friends to us.
They were deep into planning their inaugural church leadership conference, Unleash, and the registration fee was being decided.

After a few minutes of suggestions, Perry spoke up:
“I don’t care if we don’t make a single dime off this conference… I remember the days when we were broke, and desperately needed the encouragement a conference like this can provide. Even if it means we go in the hole, we’re going to make sure that this thing stays affordable for everyone who God wants to come.”

End of discussion.
If you want to know why God is blessing Perry and NewSpring, there’s a little insight.

Elevation will be attending Unleash again this year in full force.
You need to be there too. And you’d better hurry and sign up… 300 spots left.

The world of church leadership conferences is often frighteningly centered on profit margins.
It’s refreshing to know that churches like NewSpring and pastors like Perry are all heart.

Keep it up guys…