Developing Character

Ian Revie

‘Get going… cross to the country I am giving to you.’
Joshua 1: 2 (MSG)

Often in my life just now it appears to me that God is contradicting the vision He has given me to plan and deliver. When I look back on my life, I recollect the same recurrence at key stages in my life. My reflection is that the contradiction appears to be connected with my impatience, and often there is a long wait in the journey. Why?

At work, my job is often visionary, with planning to deliver a new future for our business. Recently I have seen this apparent contradiction being played out in my work. What I see is that my business vision is clear, my plans are clear but yet year on year I see delays and misses on the plans.
Again I am currently reflecting on the reasons why.

The answer to my business plans appear to resonate with me in my spiritual vision also. What I see is people around me developing competence, learning, and buy-in to achieve the business vision. I see and feel the gaps at work. Sometimes I see that others can’t do what is required and sometimes neither I nor they see it - they think they can do the tasks but fall very short because they are not yet prepared. Many times I need patience to ensure they are trained and prepared for the task to deliver my business vision - training develops talent; waiting & life experience develops character.

One author writes: ‘Talented people are sometimes tempted to take shortcuts. Character prevents that. Talented people may feel superior and expect special privileges. Character helps them to know better. Talented people are praised for what others see them build. Character builds what’s inside them. Talented people have the potential to be difference makers. Character makes a difference in them. Talented people are often a gift to the world. Character protects that gift.’

God does the same with us. The vision is given, we are impatient and enthusiastic to move forward but he asks us to wait while he prepares us with the right contacts, relationships, learning and experiences to ensure we are successful in delivering His vision. God won’t ask us or allow us to move forward into a task/vision for which we are unprepared .

Get ready:
For forty years, Joshua had served Moses and been mentored by him.

Go:
God told Joshua: ‘I will give you every square inch of the land you set your foot on’ (Joshua 1: 3, MSG).

Don’t lose sight of the vision he has given you - accept the preparation He is working in and around you, and be ready to GO.