I have discovered the need for some people to be the expert – to know all the answers and have the plan that everyone needs to follow.  I don’t feel that pressure in everything.  In fact, I sometimes relish the fact that I truly do not have a clear answer and that I need to go find the best answer possible.  For example, today in my men’s group we discussed Romans 6:1, 2.   It says, “Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?”  This is such a tremendous scripture and it is packed with so many aspects of relationship with God.  At some point in the conversation, because I am a pastor and the facilitator of the group, the heads turn to me for  the answer to the question.  I know my interpretation and what I believe, but I want them to know what they believe.  What are they willing to own out of the scripture and base their “God journey” on  each day.  My kids will tell you, I say all the time, “You have to own it.”  Therefore, I cannot be the expert in your life and you just follow along.  You have to take in wisdom from trusted leaders and your own discovery, combining them to form your own “expert opinion.”

Later in the day, I had a very good example of this.  I sat in a two-hour architectural building meeting for our new campus.  I marvelled at the experts around the table.  The group included all the people needed to make sure we developed a building and campus that would meet all the needs of our church.  As the questions developed, someone had an answer for each one.  And if we didn’t have an answer, someone took the lead to get more information so we could make a strong decision.  Even the architect, who drew all the plans and renderings, asked questions because some of the men around the table understood the construction process or building codes better.  It was tiresome but in the end, the results pointed to a tremendous surge in action in the right direction.

If I had to be the expert in all these areas, we would be in big trouble.  Why would I try to do that in all the areas of my life.  Honestly, I enjoy the journey of learning new things.  The moment I relinquish my right to “know it all,” I open the door for others to pour into my life.  Then, I am empowered.  Empowered to take it all in, throw out the “sticks,” and own what I am willing to firmly believe.