Live as You Want to be Remembered

If your time on earth were to end today, what would you want your epitaph to say?  

I asked myself that question as I was finishing my soon-to-be released Bible study: Eyewitness to Glory: Moses: Discerning God’s Active Presence. As I read the final chapter of Moses’ story, I was struck afresh by the remarkable epitaph in Scripture, honoring Israel’s reluctant, yet powerfully effective leader:

Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, who did all those miraculous signs and wonders the Lord sent him to do in Egypt—to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel. (Deuteronomy 34:10-12 NIV)

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June 13, 2014

Moses was chosen to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and along that journey, he became an eyewitness to the glory of God. The stammering, often-reluctant-follower of God was compelled to continue despite his personal sense of unworthiness and the many obstacles and hardships he faced along the way. “He persevered because he saw Him who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:27).

Moses clearly made mistakes along his journey. Everyone does. But, because Moses obediently served the Lord despite his inadequacies and fears, God was ultimately glorified through Moses’ obedience and leadership. His epitaph serves as a reminder of what God can do in the life of someone who simply surrenders to God and obeys His commands.

Moses is remembered as a man whose intimate relationship with God was evidenced by the lives God impacted through his life and leadership.  If your time on earth were to end today, what would you want your epitaph to say?  

Let’s ask God to show us the changes we need to make in order to live as we want to be remembered.

Creating an Environment of Trust in Your Small Groups

Do you lead a small group? If so, do the members feel safe to share their struggles, their fears, and their needs?  Are your discussions deep, reflective, and honest?

I believe small groups are where real life-change happens. Every group takes time to bond and feel secure, but you can help the process along by establishing discussion guidelines, creating boundaries,  and promoting healthy interaction. Guidelines help create an environment of trust within your group by making boundaries and expectations clear.

Below are the small group guidelines I currently suggest for discussion groups associated with Fruitful Word Ministries and for other Women’s Bible Study small groups.

1. Confidentiality is of utmost importance. I understand that all information shared with this small group is to remain within the group. (Ephesians 4:29)
2. I will refrain from advice giving or providing explanations for others. Instead, I will offer a listening ear and share how God has worked through similar situations in my life. (Romans 14:19)
3. I will listen carefully to what others have to say without interrupting or engaging in side conversations. When sharing, I will be respectful of the limited time and allow others to speak. (Philippians 2:4, James 1:19)
4. I will refrain from negative discussions regarding other people, especially my spouse. When asking for prayer or support, I will keep specific names or situations of people outside the group private and focus on how to apply God’s Word to challenging circumstances. (Philippians 4:8)
5. I will make an effort to complete the lessons beforehand and stay focused on discussing what I’ve learned from the current week’s homework. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
6. I will be sensitive and non-judgmental. We are at different places in our spiritual journeys, come from various denominational backgrounds, and the Holy Spirit works among us in different ways. (Romans 15:7)
   
   

Whether you use this set of guidelines or create your own, I suggest you print a copy for each member of the group, read and discuss your guidelines so everyone understands their purpose, and have members acknowledge the guidelines by signing a master copy.

As you encounter challenging dynamics within your group, referring back to your agreed upon guidelines can be a helpful method of maintaining healthy, grace-filled discussions that will cultivate personal relationships and encourage spiritual growth.

What other tools do you use to help create an atmosphere of growth and trust in your small groups? Please share by posting a comment.

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