When the word innovation pops into our minds, one of the ideas that usually surfaces is that of "fame." You know what I mean. Those who innovate get articles written about them, they get buildings named after them and a parade of biographers write their story.
But did you know that this is really a very rare occurance for the innovator? The normal reality is one of anonymity. When God births an idea in your head and begins to work in your heart to develop it, usually it is not done in front of an audience. It is done in a quiet place - an out of the way place.
In fact the good ideas usually take a long time to "cook" as our friend Dr. Hiebert used to say. That cooking is tedious, frustrating and lonely. But there are no shortcuts to it. There are no other avenues to pursue. To innovate you must accept the times of anonymity.
A resource to help you in this process is this week's Innovation Book of the Week - Anonymous.
Check out my review and I hope it is a help and a blessing.
If you have any thoughts on what you have done in those anonymous times, take a minute to share them for all of our readers. That would be a great encouragement.
Showing posts with label perserverance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label perserverance. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Innovation Book of the Week - August 18-22
Being Anonymous
So many times when you are an innovator you go through those times of your life when you are invisible. You are working hard at your idea but no obvious grand ceremony is in sight. What do you do?
"Anonymous" is written by Alicia Chole and it is about the hidden years of Jesus and what we as Christians can learn from those years. This idea was deeply impacting to me because I have had those times. Times where I ask, "Where is God?" "Is my cause worth it?" "Is God closing a door or opening one?"
Those are normal questions. Don't be afraid of the anonymous times. What this book will teach you is how to use those times so that when you burst out into the spotlight you are ready. You are deep in your faith, full of wisdom that can only come from suffering and ready to serve humbly.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Is Innovation Inspired?
As we have been having innovation discussions with people around the country and around the world, one question keeps popping up and I think it is pretty important to think about it.
Here it is, "Is innovation mandated by God?" I think that the question has been asked for good reasons. Our society has put innovation on a pedestal and so many people who are looking at their ministry wonder whether God cares if we are innovative.
Innovation is a product of progress. As modernity took off on the wings of scientific discovery, innovation was heralded as the spark that made the whole enterprise possible. So we began to view innovators as a special group. We also began to put our hope and trust in them to solve some of the greatest problems that our generations faced. This is the context for innovation.
Now lets look at the Bible. What does God care about in relation to innovation?
God values effort: "To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powefully works in me." Colossians 1:29
God values sacrifice: "Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, 'I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more ito the treasury than all the others.'" Mark 12:43
God values perserverance: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7
God values faith: "These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect." Hebrews 11:39-40
In the end innovation is a result - not a command. The more I see innovation within ministry, I see it being the result of people who are striving for Christ, perservering for the sake of the Gospel, sacrificing much and above all believing in the God of the universe and his plan for this world.
So don't look at your ministry and get discouraged if you don't see innovation. Instead, ask God to strengthen your heart, your determination, your understanding of His ways. Out of that will come innovation!
Here it is, "Is innovation mandated by God?" I think that the question has been asked for good reasons. Our society has put innovation on a pedestal and so many people who are looking at their ministry wonder whether God cares if we are innovative.
Innovation is a product of progress. As modernity took off on the wings of scientific discovery, innovation was heralded as the spark that made the whole enterprise possible. So we began to view innovators as a special group. We also began to put our hope and trust in them to solve some of the greatest problems that our generations faced. This is the context for innovation.
Now lets look at the Bible. What does God care about in relation to innovation?
God values effort: "To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powefully works in me." Colossians 1:29
God values sacrifice: "Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, 'I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more ito the treasury than all the others.'" Mark 12:43
God values perserverance: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7
God values faith: "These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect." Hebrews 11:39-40
In the end innovation is a result - not a command. The more I see innovation within ministry, I see it being the result of people who are striving for Christ, perservering for the sake of the Gospel, sacrificing much and above all believing in the God of the universe and his plan for this world.
So don't look at your ministry and get discouraged if you don't see innovation. Instead, ask God to strengthen your heart, your determination, your understanding of His ways. Out of that will come innovation!
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