Live in the Tension
Tension is often viewed as a negative. But as Andy Stanley often says “Some things are not problems to be solved, but tensions to be managed.”
THREE QUOTES
ON LEADERSHIP
It’s easy to look sharp when you haven’t done anything. — unknown (see image below)
ON CHRISTIANITY
Our souls are restless till they find rest in God. — St. Augustine
RANDOM
A dream is something you hope happens. A vision is something you work to make happen. — Erwin McManus
ONE THOUGHT
THOUGHT — Live in the Tension
Tension is often viewed as a negative. But as Andy Stanley often says “Some things are not problems to be solved, but tensions to be managed.”
It’s in the tension that strength is built. Without tension, the muscles don’t grow. Without tension, the fire doesn’t start. Without tension, there’s no opportunity for strength to grow.
There are four tensions that I believe are vital to manage. Unfortunately, we all tend towards one side or the other. As you read these opposites, make a mental note which you typically drift toward.
Tension between control and collaboration.
Control says you decide everything. Make all the decisions. Your way is the only way.
Collaboration says let’s do it together. Sometimes so much together that rather than going in the same direction, we get spread thin.
Growth requires the tension between the two.
Tension between praise and critique.
Praise says to find the positives only. Encourage and then encourage some more.
Critique looks for the negatives naturally. Challenge and then challenge some more.
Growth requires the tension between the two.
Tension between excellence and hospitality.
Excellence prioritizes process and efficiency at the detriment of people.
Hospitality prioritizes people at the detriment of process and efficiency.
Growth requires the tension between the two.
This isn’t an exhaustive list of examples, but it’s a start.
The best leaders know when and how to pull back to the tension. Most people avoid tension because it’s more difficult. That’s why most people and churches and ministries and organizations are average. Because the tension is the place where greatness grows.
Challenge: think about which side you naturally drift, and consciously decide to pull back to the tension for more growth.
ONE RESOURCE
PODCAST: The Power of Vision
I find more and more that few people have vision for their lives, or even know where to start in crafting an idea in that direction. This is a great place to start or restart!