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“I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Eph 3:7-11

What is the source of our success? It is surely because we have been blessed by God. It is very tempting to think we succeed through our abilities, our intellect, our decisions, our choices.

And if we stop there, we are merely serving our own pride. We need to go deeper. How did we come upon these abilities? First, a slight digression. What is success?

Does rising to the top of your profession (or somewhere in the vicinity) constitute success? Most would not argue with that. I’m excluding of course a career in crime. And maybe politics as well. Heh. What about being a successful influencer with millions of followers? I guess it depends on the content, and the intent. (Note to self: this is actually useful for my coaching. If the focus is on the journey rather than the destination, we are more likely to achieve the right type of success that’s more meaningful and sustainable)

Ultimately it comes down to whether our success is an end in itself or if it’s a vessel, a gift, a means for something else. If we are not careful, it’s easy to rationalise that the success is the end that God wants for us. After all, even a social media account dedicated to Christian content can succumb to the temptation that it should be edgy, provocative and controversial to get more views. More views must mean greater success right? 

But it would not feel right. This is where those of us who are more objective or detached from the ‘success’ need to provide counsel because those most invested in the success would find it difficult to see clearly.

Let’s get back to the more fundamental question I asked earlier . What are these’ gifts’ we think God has blessed us with so that we can be successful? And it is definitely a thing.

“And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others.”

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭35‬:‭34‬ ‭NIV

As I come back from London and take on another new chapter in my life, I pray that this is what He has directed me to and equipped me for. I have said many times that I wanted to be a trainer, just that my bosses didn’t really listen to me when I was in the department. And in the latter half of my career, it wasn’t really an option though all leadership positions carry that responsibility, even if it isn’t usually laid out in the job description.

How do I know that training was what He meant for me to do? I think it is partly that He gave me the ability to see that the need existed. I don’t mean that I’m the only one, or one of a few, who can be a trainer. But it is probably true that not many want to do this - except as a retirement gig when it’s one of few choices available. And it is also partly true that senior management in many organisations often put good people who might be great trainers in operational roles because they’re more valuable there in the short to medium term. Needs must.

I believe He also gave me the desire to serve others, and it is how I have tried to develop my officers, even though it isn’t always appreciated - or maybe I’m not that good. When they submit work to me, I ask questions and provide comments - both to understand their thought processes and for them to understand where I’m coming from. And I hear feedback that some don’t like it. It’s more work for me actually but I do want to help them.

There are also signs, though maybe not obvious at the time, that He gave me the words to provide guidance and direction in specific situations and incidents. He certainly blessed me with the words when I was asked to provide an article for the civil service magazine at short notice. And in some cases the words might even be costly to me personally (in the sense that I may appear naive, or too blunt or whatever) but they served a larger purpose. Of course the converse is also true. I have said things to protect myself when I should have say, taken one for the team. (This does not negate the point. The realisation that I could have done better, is key.)

And how do I know what gifts I have been blessed with? How do others know? It isn’t like in The Matrix, where you can download some software into your brain and then instantly have the ability to fly a a helicopter. God does not zap us with the gift. I think. At least He does not in most cases. Even in the verse above, it isn’t explicitly stated how Bezalel and Oholiab got the gifts.

It is I think a combination of different circumstances in our lives that lead us to develop these gifts. God may open some doors for us that we didn’t think of at the time, or didn’t think they were important. Or He may keep some doors we really wanted open, shut for a while. Would I be a better trainer if I had gone into it earlier in my career? Unlikely, since my experience would be narrow and limited. Did I even know there was such a thing as coaching? Not until I was given the opportunity to be coached. And then given the opportunity to be trained as one, which led in turn to acquiring the very challenging skill of learning to listen without judgement, without getting ahead of the conversation. It is still a challenge but something I’m more aware of.

Even the difficult circumstances we find ourselves in, provide new opportunities. It is in our response to them that we also learn new skills and get new perspectives. The tough times I have faced at senior levels of leadership mean that I have more stories that I can share so that others can benefit.

I’m excited at this new chapter coming up as it appears that things are coming to fruition and I get the sense that I can fully fulfill the plan He has for me, or at least one of the plans. May I glorify Him through my work.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16 NIV