Catalyst Track: Shaken // Day Two
Tim Tebow
Whatever obstacles you are facing, whatever struggle you have with not fitting in, whether you feel you aren’t pretty enough, strong enough, big enough, fast enough, or smart enough, know that God created you perfect. You are wonderfully made. You are skillfully made. You are not an accident. You are not a mistake.
In this 3-day track, Tim challenges us in a challenging topic that seems to come up frequently in life – identity. As a leader, having a solid understanding of identity can frequently feel under attack as you launch that new product, receive feedback about your sermons or run your team meetings.
But it’s vital to continuously be reminded of the true reality of your identity so that you can lead from a place of strength.
Maybe you thought you had identity figured out, but you’ve struggled with worry and envy. If that’s true, take the next couple of days to look at your own heart and behavior and be reminded of truth.
Day 2 – Trying to Please
Criticism can at times be a bit painful for me to hear because I’m a people-pleaser by nature. I have almost no greater joy than honoring a coach or a father figure and doing my best to come through for that person. I love being able to do well alongside my teammates and crush it for them on the field. I want to strive to give my best, my all. I like making people happy, whether that means making wishes come true through my foundation, killing it in a game, or doing something extra-special for my mom for no reason. But I’ve learned that if I’m motivated only by making others happy, by their approval or praise, I end up with a hollow feeling.
While it makes you feel good to please people, it makes you feel fulfilled to please God.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to be the best, with wanting to succeed, with wanting to land that big deal, score that client, write that hit song, or dominate that game. It’s good to have passion and work hard. However, it can become a problem when wanting the praise or the success or the pat on the back becomes everything. Why? Because it doesn’t last! In 2007, after winning the Heisman, I was told I was the best in the world. And then three years later, I was told I couldn’t throw.
Another thing. When you work so hard to make others like you and make them happy, the criticism you receive hurts even more. The wounds run deeper. The cuts are sharper.
REFLECT:
In what facets of your life and leadership have you sought after the approval of man more than sought to please God? Maybe it’s obsessing over the approval of a boss, being fearful of confronting and challenging those you lead, or chasing accolades.
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