I’m a bully. Seriously, look at how tough I am!! I want things my way. What’s the expression: my way or the highway, right? If it’s not done my way I’ll end up breaking your jaw (see me clenching my fist, pushing up my sleeve??)! I’ve found myself become pretty darn full of myself. I think I have the best answers…the best methods. I even have found myself thinking, “man, when people hear this, they’re gonna be blown away!” What’s scary is that most of my pushy, selfish ways have been related to my faith in Christ.

As you guys know, I lead a small group called X.Why?. Before the group kicked off, I was amazed by all the amazing ideas I kept coming up with. I was certain that the creativity and excellence that people saw in the group would cause them to tell all their friends. Everybody would want to come to X.Why?. And truthfully, I predicted, why wouldn’t they - it’s as good as a small group gets.

Amidst all this arrogance, here was my claim to everyone: this small group is gonna be incredible. I’m so incapable of leading a small group that I’ll have to depend on God 100%…so you KNOW it’ll be good.

I saw myself as a preacher on some small level. I found myself preparing “messages” for the group. I would listen to/study my favorites (Bell, Groeschel, Noble, Driscoll, Stanley, etc) and become motivated - THIS IS HOW I’M GONNA DO IT.

I continued to pray, “God, keep me humble. This is YOUR group…not mine.”

Yet I refused to surrender control of the group…refused to give it fully to God.

The group suffered.

I suffered.

God hooked me up with a book. The Next Generation Leader: Five Essentials For Those Who Will Shape The Future. It teaches some incredible, Godly principles.

It was through this book and lots of prayer that I realized and remembered these things:

1. The group is NOT MINE
2. In order for this group to succeed, I need to hand it back over to God and let God do God things
3. I should not try to excel in the areas that I’m not gifted in. I need to focus on the areas that God has gifted me in. God has provided endless talent in X.Why?, and I’d only be hurting the group if I didn’t utilize that talent within those people.

Last night we met. I sat on the floor. I allowed the group to be what the group wanted it to be. I facilitated. I watched. I prayed before, during, and after. I got out of the way and let God work. It was incredible.

I thanked God for doing God things.

I’d ask that you guys pray with me. Pray for me and pray for X.Why?. Pray that God will continue to teach me. Pray that He’ll humble me and grow me as a leader. I don’t want to be a bully - keep your lunch money!! Pray for the members of the group…that we all be challenged …and that God draws us close. Pray that He challenges the group to step up, assume responsibility, and use the talents that He’s blessed us with.

It’s amazing being able to see what God is doing. Wow…

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Tiffany has given me a nickname - Mr. Krabs.

Eugene H. Krabs, commonly known as Mr. Krabs, is the cranky boss of SpongeBob Squarepants at their place of employment, The Krusty Krab.

What do Mr. Krabs and I have in common????

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