Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 294 – Decrease, Increase, Increase
My wife Terri put on a remarkable 70th birthday celebration for me last month. As I looked around the room at the friends, co-workers and family, I saw flourishing.
I have always been a fan of ‘decreasing so others can increase’. In business, I loved to give my young colleagues the technical know-how, then let them have at it. In ministry and Marriage Encounter I love to show them the way, then get out of the way.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” – John 3:30
At the birthday gathering, I saw young biologists who I had helped get started who were now partners in their firm, ministry colleagues that I had encouraged who were now leading the charge in Business as Mission and marriage ministry.
“In humility, value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
If I had hung greedily onto my technical niche, only worked on my ministries for myself, they would have diminished as my faculties had, and died when I died.
The MAWL Paradigm developed by David L. Watson summarises this approach.
- Model
- Assist
- Watch
- Leave
It is a simple, transferable framework for discipleship, leadership development, and practical training, widely used in missions, team-building and business.
“Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies,
it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” John 12:24
I sometimes wonder whether those who “have nothing,” as Jesus says, are those who cling so tightly to what they have that they cannot imagine sharing it. They shrink in mind and body, guarding what little remains, and in the end die with nothing. What a sad picture.
“For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance;
but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.” – Matthew 25:29
Instead, I have seen life and service flourish in these incredible young people by me giving generously of what I knew. And I, well I, did not diminish at all! Instead, God has given me new vistas to explore, more young people to mentor, and a deeper prayer and devotional life so that I can cover their work in blessing and protection. It doesn’t get better than this.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, teach us the holy rhythm of decrease and increase.
Prune away what is unnecessary so that Your life may grow in us.
Amen
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