A quote that really opened my eyes was from a Christian business leader, Dani Johnson. She said that excuses were none thing more than well thought out lies. That really got me to thinking. The more I seem to work with Christian leaders and Pastors there are 7 major excuses that I have heard why they aren’t expanding their reach.
The major excuses that Pastors and Christian Leaders tell themselves are:
1. I have no desire to be big. Expanding your reach is not for big businesses and mega churches. It is not for those that desire for fame and fortune. Expanding is mandatory for every believer. God has blessed you with certain gifts that are to be used for his glory and to build up His kingdom.
2. “It’s a good idea, but I’m not quite ready yet.” Have you ever said that when faced with an opportunity to expand your ministry or help someone experience God through you? When you get ready for the sake of getting ready, you put yourself in a place of paralysis. Fear sets in and others miss out on experiencing God through you. The amazing thing about God is that he has already equipped you with everything that you need. You were born equipped and ready!
3. It costs too much! The true cost of expansion is the commitment to God. When you’re committed to God and His ways, avenues will open up. Sometimes it may cost you to expand such as purchasing business cards, getting help from others, etc. But remember we serve a God of abundance.
4. I’m not as good as….In Romans 12:6 it states that God has blessed each of us with different gifts that are to be used to impact the world. Comparing yourself, your business, and your gifts to others is time wasted. What you’re really saying is “God I don’t like who you’ve made me to be. I’m inadequate. Can you give me what you gave them?”
5. If its God will, then He will it happen. That is the most passive and lazy approach to expansion that you can ever take. The Bible teaches that the steps of a good man or woman are ordered and he delights in his way. If you’re not moving to expansion or your destiny then none thing is going to happen. You have to take action.
6. It’s too complicated. Expanding your reach is simple. It’s taking things that you already do, consistently, on purpose, and striving to a desired goal.
7. If I do dare to be great and do things in a huge way, I’m going to lose everybody I love. This lie is the biggest deception that the enemy has made us believe. If you’re a pleaser then this lie is the one that is hindering you from moving forward in a great way. The truth is that this lie is rooted in selfishness. It’s rooted in your desire to be liked and accepted by those around you. The truth is expansion has none thing to do with you. When you’re focused on you instead of those who you’re called to serve, you’re being selfish and hindering God from blessing others through you.
The truth is that there are people waiting to experience God through you. And they can’t experience Him if you continue to make excuses and stay in a place of paralysis.
Expansion in Action
- Based on the 7 excuses, which excuses have you been given as to why you aren’t letting others experience God through you?
- What is the underlining reason for your inaction? Fear? Not knowing what steps to take?
- Now that you are aware of your excuses, what steps are you going to take to overcome them?
Regardless of what excuses you’ve been telling yourself and others, I want to help you overcome them. I would like to personally invite you to join me on October 2st at my live event “Road to Expansion.” Click here to learn more.