Leadership in Context

Today, we’re pulling one from the archives: Reaching the Next Generation, Part 1. Each of us plays a unique role in the lives of the next generation. Brothers and sisters connect and understand. Fathers and mothers teach, guide, and help prepare them for what’s ahead. Grandfathers and grandmothers bring affirmation, encouragement, and perspective. Every role matters as we invest in those coming behind us.

The command to be thankful and give thanks is overwhelmingly one of the most repeated commands in Scripture. Thankfulness is an exercise of the will that helps us see life more from God’s perspective. It becomes an antidote to bitterness, and the more we practice it, the more we strengthen and develop that seed of thankfulness in our lives.

As followers of Jesus, there should be fruit in our lives. Those who follow Jesus should be hearing from God, and those who hear from God should be following Jesus. Servants are followers, and followers are servants. Serving is not passive or waiting for an invitation to obey God. Serving is proactive.

The greatest thing a believer has to conquer is self. To follow Jesus, we must deny ourselves, and we never outgrow that calling. This is not the throne of self, but the throne of Jesus Christ. As we leave self behind, our true identity is fulfilled in Him.

There is a reason why Jesus picked people who were working when He was choosing His disciples. Today, we’re pulling one from the archives: Discipleship Nuggets About Work. Work is redemptive because it teaches us responsibility, allows us to benefit others, gives us the ability to be generous, and trains us to solve problems, overcome obstacles, and live under authority.

Jesus’ message was repetitive and clear: "Follow Me." Why would we lower the gospel to self-improvement? Even if someone didn’t believe and simply followed biblical principles, their life might improve—but that isn’t the gospel. Too often, we focus more on what we’re stopping than where we’re going. Jesus said, “Follow Me.” It really is that simple. Is there anything you’re waiting on before taking that next step of obedience?

In God’s system, there is an obligation to pay off debt. Today, Keith continues the conversation on God’s economic system. It’s not just about giving God 10%, but about not doing whatever you want with the other 90%. There is giving, but there is also a greater call to wise management.

The Bible encourages helping people get out of debt. God has an economic system. While the government is not equipped to practice it, the Church is. And His economic system starts with the tithe.

God has an economic plan that much of our culture has overlooked. When an economy is broken, people don’t just lack resources, they lose responsibility and often the ability to sustain themselves. The answer isn’t throwing money at the problem. The Biblical model is personal investment—investment that calls something out of people, not just meets a need in them. That’s why what’s happening in Ukraine has produced such significant fruit. What was sown into them didn’t stop with them, they’ve reinvested it. Their hands haven’t just been out, they’ve been up.

We have a voice and we need to use our voice. Don’t be mad—do something righteous. In this episode, Pastor Keith dives into some of the tensions shaping our culture today. From an NFL ref wanting equal treatment without being seen as a woman, to an NBA player calling Pride Month unrighteous, the question is: what do we do? We speak out, and we speak up.