I want to start off today by celebrating. I do not normally mention special days in people’s lives because I do not want to miss someone or offend someone. I am making an acceptation today. I want to highlight Earl and Shirley Nelmes on their seventy fifth (75th) wedding anniversary this past Tuesday. CONGRATULATIONS!!!! You have been a real model to us, as a congregation, of Biblical love in action.
I mentioned a book in my sermon last week by John Maxwell called “Failing Forward.” I want to share some wisdom from John today in the form of some quotes and then his “Seven Abilities Needed to Fail Forward.” I believe they are very valuable and worth noting. Let’s start with some worthy quotes:
“There is no achievement without failure.”
“The difference between average people and achieving people is their perception of and response to...failure.”
“God uses people who fail—'cause there aren't any other kind around.”
“Ninety percent of all those who fail are not actually defeated. They simply quit.”
“When it comes right down to it, I know of only one factor that separates those who consistently shine from those who don't: The difference between average people and achieving people is their perception of and response to failure. Nothing else has the same kind of impact on people's ability to achieve and to accomplish whatever their minds and hearts desire.”
*The above are taken from John C. Maxwell, Failing Forward: How to Make the Most of Your Mistakes
The following are the seven points Maxwell presents in how to “Fail Forward.” He calls people that follow them “Achievers.”
Achievers reject rejection – to keep the right perspective, take responsibility for your actions, but don’t take failure personally. Rather than say “I am a failure” they say “I missed one or I made a mistake.”
Achievers see failure as temporary – when achievers fail they see it as a temporary thing not a lifelong epidemic.
Achievers see failure as isolated incidents – when achievers fail they see it as a momentary event, not a lifelong epidemic. It’s not personal. Don’t let any single incident colour your view of yourself.
Achievers keep realistic expectations – our expectations should be realistic and biblical.
Achievers focus on strengths - develop and maximize your strengths.
Achievers vary approaches to achievement – achievers are willing to vary their approaches to problems. They are willing to look outside the box for creative solutions.
Achievers bounce back – it is not personal. Learn and move on. Failure does not make them failures! Four millionaires who made their fortune by age 35, were involved in an average of 17 businesses before finding the one that took them to the top. Their secret was to keep on trying and changing - willing to vary their approaches to problems
Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God”.
Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” May God’s wisdom guide us to keep moving forward as we seek to honour Him and serve others.
In His love,
Pastor Ralph
