the encounter

I love to read books. I’d also like to write a book sometime. If I ever do, it will be about the power of creating desire in others – desire to do right, to love their spouse, to love their kids, to love one another, to love Christ.

Its one thing to tell people what they ought to do. Its quite another to stir them with desire to want to do it. Having the ability to do that is a skill, a gift, and a calling from God.

It seems with every corner I turn, this principle plays out over and over again. It is necessary for parents raising their kids and their teenagers. Its necessary for husbands and wives in loving one another. Its necessary for leaders who influence others. Its necessary for those who are faith leaders.

Don’t just yell at them. Don’t just give them a list of rules. Don’t just tell them had bad they are. Don’t just tell them what they ought to do. Don’t refuse love until they do right. Don’t guilt them into doing something.

Stir them. Encourage them. Model it before them. Sacrifice for them. Grace them. Incite them to action. Praise them. Ignite them.

Then sit back and watch what God will do through them.

Maybe one day I’ll write that book.