While working at a large Christian organization, I was approached by one of the executive vice presidents about leading a cabinet planning weekend. He said that he heard I was good at facilitating strategic planning. He told me that the president wanted all the cabinet members to be fully engaged in the planning and not distracted by the process. I asked him if I could give him an answer in the morning because I wanted time to pray about it, though something in me said I didn’t need to pray about this, that it was an opportunity not to be missed. As I was driving home that evening, I asked Jesus if I should do this or not. He replied with a question: “If another organization asked you to do this for them, would you do it?” Instantly my heart replied, “No, I wouldn’t really want to do that.” Then a follow-up question arose: “Then why would you want to do this here?” Again, instantly an answer surfaced: “Because I would be in the inner circle, and they would see how much I have to offer.” Until Jesus asked me these questions, I had no idea that this motivation for visibility and positional significance was at play in my heart.
God will guide us through deciphering the desires of our hearts. Jesus said, “Each tree is recognized by its own fruit.... The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart” (Luke 6:44–45). The good we are to bring to the world is in our hearts, a treasure to be uncovered. Our glory can be recognized.
