A pastor friend of mine, Russ Miller of James Island Christian Church, had a guest speaker come to his church recently to talk about the value of family.  The speaker blew everyone’s minds when he said, “I want to share my 150 year plan for my family.”  I’ve heard of a one year plan, a three year plan and even a ten year plan…but that is the first I’ve ever heard of someone having a 150 year plan.  Now that’s some “far out” thinking, if you know what I mean.

I think there is a great leadership principle here for us:  Think in terms of Generations.  Paul does this in 2 Timothy 2:2

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. ”

Do you see it? Paul is challenging Timothy to think multiplication way beyond himself.  His mentoring was going from…

Paul   -   Timothy   -   Reliable men   -   Others

This would make Paul the Leadership Great Grandfather of the “Others”.  As you look at your own leadership challenge yourself to do some “far out” thinking.  When you’re mentoring someone challenge them to be developing someone who will develop someone.  Wouldn’t it be great to get to the end of your life and know that you’re the Leadership Great Grandfather of hundreds of leaders?

What can you do this week to begin to think and act in terms of generations?

I read through 2 Timothy last night.  Check out just a few of the imperatives in these 4 short chapters.  Paul told Timothy… fan into flame the gift of God, do not be ashamed, join with me in suffering, guard the good deposit, be strong, endure hardship, do your best to handle God’s Word accurately, flee evil desires, preach the Word, keep your head in all situations.

Paul was pushing Timothy.  Pushing him to exercise the gifts God had given him.  Pushing him to overcome the stronghold of fear that had a grip on his life.  Pushing him to be strong in his leadership.

You know it is easy to find someone to encourage me, but finding someone to push me is a little trickier.  I want that “pusher” to be someone who knows me, knows my gifts, my passion, my strengths and sees how those work together to make up who God has created me to be.   I want my “pusher” to be someone who believes in me, who sees me bigger than what I really am, who sees a God sized potential in me.  I want my “pusher” to be someone who loves me, who wants to walk beside me and do life with me and go with me to the end.

Do you have a “pusher” in your life?  If not, take a risk and invite someone to give you a push this week.  And just as importantly, are you being a “pusher” to someone you know, love and believe in?