What We Can Learn From Jesus + Einstein
“If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.”
This quote from Albert Einstein resonated with me earlier this week, and has encouraged the advice I share with you today.
Whether through parables or five alphanumeric symbols, e = mc2, great men know it isn’t about how knowledge is passed, but rather the act of another gaining the knowledge that matters most.
Both Jesus, the only perfect man to ever live, and Einstein, one of the brightest men to ever live, clearly understood the power of simple. Obtainable. Digestible.
Do you?
Years ago, I was challenged to define development in one sentence.
Development is the discipline of building real relationships with people, helping them see what God is doing, and then challenging them to have the impact only they can have.
Although fundraising is a responsibility falling under the umbrella of advancement, development is not about money.
Your mission, your vision, your calling is to – like David – fill the gap, not worry about funding to build the bridge.
In a perfect world, all encounters with donors would be face-to-face, and asking for money would be nullified. We live in a fallen world. However, we are encouraged for He doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called.
If you’re up against a wall, I want to reassure and embolden you. You are not facing a resource problem. You have a people problem. It’s time to move!
Development is leading people to action.
1. Building
I believe development is largely, in part, a set of skills for building real relationships with people.
Development is not manipulative or fake relationships.
Paul reminds us in our weakness, He is strong. As leaders we are called and compelled to share our limps, bruises, and scars with those we shepherd as an example and act of encouragement.
When we show others what He has done, they will believe with us in what He will do.
2. Helping
Jesus said, “I’m always about my Father’s business. I only do what I see my Father doing.”
God is working even now. Right now! Do you see it? Do you highlight and show it to others? We have a role to play as leaders in helping those around us, those drawn to our ministries, to take notice of His signs and wonders.
3. Challenging
I’ve been involved in many projects. Never once have I seen trees uproot themselves and fall before slicing and dicing themselves to be used for lumber. Rocks do not suddenly tumble out of streams in the shape of foundations. Development is not a Disney princess movie.
God works through His people.
Have you communicated to your team you are searching for and ready to identify God’s movements? Are they listening for these whisperings as well?
Encouraging those around you to align with their purpose will propel your vision forward.
As my wise dad always said, it’s called development – not arrival. Thank you for having me along on your journey. I look forward to hearing how these thoughts aid and guide your next steps!
The FIRST step toward development is having a clear Strategy Statement. Download our Strategy Statement Tool today!