Tag: goals

Talent Search

It has been noted that Google has acquired not only a vast number of companies, but also a great variety of types of acquisitions. The answer, it has been proposed, is that what Google is primarily interested in acquiring is talent, thus explaining the seeming lack of sense or pattern to their acquisitions.

Google is recognizing what the church has known all along. Or maybe I should say it is something some churches need to re-learn. It is great to have vision and goals and develop programs accordingly, but many churches go full tilt into such things without really taking stock of who they have and what they have to offer. The advantage of doing this is to (a) launch into things you are actually suited for, and (b) to discern a depth of talent and personal resources you may not have known you have. Can’t claim expertise in this, but it seems to be what vibrant, faithful churches do.

A Clear Goal

I think I have figured out (not that there’s anything wrong with just enjoying it) one reason why the Olympic events ha. ve such appeal. It occurred to me right when I had switched back to Olympics coverage after hearing about the latest fudging and wavering from politicians (in this case, over a previously touted tax-sharing plan). Athletes have clear goals and do not waver from them. That’s refreshing. It’s also instructive, as well as inspiring for the rest of us. It also resonates with Biblical teaching in at least a couple of ways.

Paul the Apostle used athletic imagery in speaking of the Christian life. He spoke of pressing on toward the goal, and winning the prize (Philippians 3:12-14). There is hard work involved, but the essence of the enterprise is grace. In both spiritual and athletic life, it is a matter of making full use of what is received. Both also necessarily and happily involve teamwork. There is a team behind even individual events. And every Christian (and leaders especially need to acknowledge this actively) is part of a team (See, for example and especially, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31).