Wisdom Walks (Gift Edition) E-Book

Dan Britton

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2020

Seitenzahl: 307

Beschreibung

Live intentionally. Maximize relationships. Pass the torch.  Wisdom Walks is your guide for walking purposefully with God, engaging the next generation, and leading the life of significance that you were created for.   Filled with fifty-two intentional, spiritual, life-changing connections, Wisdom Walks will inspire and challenge you to love unconditionally, walk with integrity, make a difference in the lives of others, and do greater things than you've ever imagined.   Don't miss out on the adventure of a lifetime!

Leseprobe

What People are Saying about WisdomWalks …

I’ve always asked God to surround me with people who inspire me to walk more deeply in my pursuit of Him. In this, God has truly been faithful. I can’t say enough about the influence (positive or negative) people have on us. We usually become who we hang out with. Dan and Jimmy get this. WisdomWalks is a read you should check out.

TobyMac, recording artist, music producer, songwriter, author,and winner of seven Grammy Awards

Jesus transformed the world through the power of relationships, and so can we. That’s why I’m giving WisdomWalks to everyone I know, so we can all leave a legacy that matters.

Jon Gordon, keynote speaker, trainer, and international bestsellingauthor, including The Energy Bus, The Carpenter, and Training Camp

WisdomWalks calls men and women to become passionate about this young generation that is overwhelmed by culture. It provides what it promises—confidence and courage to meet the needs of those who are desperate for spiritual parents, godly mentors, and powerful leaders.

Becky Tirabassi, author, speaker, and life coach

There is nothing about a walk that pitchers enjoy, but WisdomWalk s is a great tool for mentoring and transferring truth to a teammate, family member, or friend. It’s a walk even I can recommend!

Andy Pettitte, former pitcher, World Champion New York Yankees

Read and learn from this book! Apply these principles. Be that voice for the next generation so your children, too, can be powerful difference makers.

Carey Casey, former CEO of National Center for Fatheringand author of Championship Fathering

Mentoring is how Jesus changed the world. This engaging, hands-on tool gets you moving in that same direction.

Melody Carlson, bestselling author of Diary of a Teenage Girland the TrueColors series

A fresh, relevant way to teach the next generation the power and influence of wisdom. Encourages a lifelong pursuit of excellence.

Don Colbert, M.D., New York Times bestselling author ofThe Seven Pillars of Health and Eat This and Live!

The writers of this book are the real deal—guys who display Christ and help you love God more. Experience this exciting spiritual adventure with a group of friends.

Ron Forseth, vice president of Westfall Goldand founding executive editor of ChurchLeaders.com

A spiritual home run for personal growth, discipleship, and mentoring. Biblical, practical, inspiring, and digestible—I’m all in!

Chip Ingram, senior pastor of Venture Christian Churchand president of Living on the Edge ministry

Encourages you to get wisdom, grow in wisdom, and give wisdom. To live life to the fullest and impact the world around you.

Leah Amico, three-time Olympic Gold Medalist

Whether you’re in the locker room, the board room, or the living room, if you’re intentional about walking like Jesus, you will influence people. WisdomWalks gives you a winning game plan to invest biblical truth in the lives of others.

Matt Stover, twenty-year NFL player (Baltimore Ravens,Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants)

Lots of people talk about the importance of engaging the next generation and passing on the faith. Dan Britton and Jimmy Page do it. Read, embrace, and live this book, and you’ll ensure another faith-filled generation will follow.

Dan Webster, founder of Authentic Leadership, Inc.,formerly on staff with Willow Creek Community Church

A simple, practical way to pass on truth. A must read for those who desire to help raise up the next generation!

Nancy Alcorn, founder and president of Mercy Ministries

A great resource for parents, coaches, and anyone who cares about kids and their futures.

Les Steckel, former president/CEO of Fellowship of Christian Athletesand former NFL coach

With WisdomWalkss heart-impacting stories, timeless truths, and meaningful Scripture, I can say to young women I mentor, “Listen to this!”

Tricia Goyer, award-winning author of Life Interruptedand Songbird under a German Moon

A prescription for anyone who wants to grow in Christ, written by men who have done just that!

Kyle Rote Jr., 2010 Soccer Hall of Fame, ESPN’s“Greatest All-Round Athlete of All Time,”and national commentator for CBS, PBS, USA Cable

A powerful collection of incredible insights, practical exercises, and motivation that will get results in both personal and professional endeavors. Find a place in your briefcase or on your nightstand for this!

Steve Newton, founder and owner of Mission BBQ

For those who know we are called to be salt and light but don’t always know how, WisdomWalks gives the how in a fresh, practical way.

Jami Smith, premier worship leader and recording artist

A very useful, practical field guide based upon fifty-two biblical principles that get one to “true north.” Packed with wisdom and eternal truths.

Tom Osborne, former athletic director and head coach forUniversity of Nebraska and author of More Than Winning

Equips you to maximize your relationships into conversations that transfer biblical truths into daily wisdom.

Ken Whitten, senior pastor of Idlewild Baptist Church

Dan and Jimmy didn’t invent mentoring, just the mentoring game plan. I know these two FCA leaders personally, and you will be blessed by their powerful insights!

James B. “Buck” McCabe, former CFO of Chick-fil-A, Inc.

BroadStreet Publishing® Group, LLC

Savage, Minnesota, USA

BroadStreetPublishing.com

WisdomWalks: 52 Life Principles for a Significant and Meaningful Journey

Copyright © 2020 Dan Britton & Jimmy Page

978-1-4245-6040-0 (faux leather)

978-1-4245-6114-8 (e-book)

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Unless otherwise indicated, references are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture references are from the following sources: The Holman Christian Standard Bible®, HCSB, copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. The Message, MSG, by Eugene H. Peterson, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, NLT, copyright © 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois. All rights reserved.

Cover and interior by Garborg Design at GarborgDesign.com

Author photos © David Riffel. Used by permission.

Stock or custom editions of BroadStreet Publishing titles may be purchased in bulk for educational, business, ministry, fundraising, or sales promotional use. For information, please email [email protected].

Printed in China

20 21 22 23 24 5 4 3 2 1

Dedication

To all the WisdomWalkers who walk with Jesus

and have a passion to invest in others.

To our wives, Dawn and Ivelisse, who pour heart and

soul into the next generation, investing everything

in what really matters. Without you, there would

be no book. You truly make us better men—better

husbands, better fathers, and better friends.

To our kids, our daily reminders to stay on the path:

Kallie, Abigail, and Elijah Britton; Jimmy, Jacob,

John, and Grace Page. You inspire us to follow Jesus

and show you the way. You are our greatest joy.

To our parents:

Dottie and Ed (a man of passion and urgency

who passed to eternity May 2, 2008) Britton and

Raymond and Susan Page.

And a special thanks to Puchy Ryder, Ivelisse’s mom:

a true prayer warrior who stands in the gap!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword by Dr. Kevin Leman

WisdomWalks to Live and Give

Build Your Dream Team

The Four Relationships

1A Walk with the Wise

Friends will make you or break you.

2Walkie-Talkie

Be the person you want others to become.

3GIGO

What’s in the well comes up in the bucket.

4Gap-Free Living

What you see is what you get.

5Permanent Marker

Leave the mark of Jesus.

6Tweet-Tweet

Your words are powerful and permanent.

7Blind Spots

What you don’t see can hurt you.

8The Money Mirror

Put your money where your heart is.

9Rumble Strips

Pay attention to God’s warnings.

10 Can You Keep a Secret?

God rewards good deeds done behind the scenes.

11 Mr. Irrelevant

There is greatness in everyone.

12 Pray Like Birdie

Prayer changes everything.

13 Dig In

A step of faith often means “stay,” not “go.”

14 Opportunity Knocks…

Guard yourself because temptation lurks.

15 The Biggest Giver

When you give, give big.

16 Image Is Everything!

Make your reputation match your reality.

17 Identity Theft

Reclaim the real you.

18 3-D

Engage God daily—no matter what!

19 The Snowball Effect

Little things always become big things.

20 Just One Word

Narrow the focus for greater life change.

21 No Doubt!

Take every thought captive.

22 70 × 7

Forgive…then forgive again.

23 Can You Stand the Heat?

Life is tough. Be ready.

24 Life Detox

Put off the old; put on the new.

25 A Game-Changing Moment

Be sold out for what you believe.

26 Dog on a Leash

Life is a battleground, not a playground.

27 Dream On!

Follow the visions Go places on your heart.

28 Don’t Go Alone

Life is not a “me” thing—it’s a “we” thing.

29 Ten Camels

Serve big or go home!

30 Glory Hound?

Don’t steal the glory.

31 Pray It Up!

Pray like your life depends on it.

32 Called to Greatness

God uses the few who are faith-full.

33 One Way

The path you pick leads to life or death.

34 Failure Is Nothing

God sees your future not your failure.

35 Pump It Up!

Stay connected to the Source.

36 Four-foot-nine Giant

Give it all you got.

37 It’s Contagious!

Make your life worth catching.

38 Going, Going… Gone

Live light on earth. Hold tight to heaven.

39 What’s Filling You?

Be controlled by the Spirit, not yourself.

40 The Four Os of Life

When the going gets tough, the tough start obeying.

41 Servant of Servants

Greatness comes from serving.

42 Fences and Freedom

Boundaries are blessings.

43 A 28-Year Miracle

God will always produce a harvest.

44 Do the Work

It takes work to win.

45 Staying Power

46 Strength for Two

Be ready to help.

47 Nothing Beats Teamwork

We > Me

48 Set the Standard

Raise the bar.

49 No Other Way

Trust and obey.

50 Gifts for Others

Serving is satisfying.

51 Purpose > Problems

Remember your why.

52 The Greatest Gift

Live every day like it’s your last.

You Can Do It!

The WisdomWalks Roadmap

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

Be a WisdomWalker!

Foreword

by Dr. Kevin Leman

SMART TALKS, WISE WALKS

Walk with the wise and become wise.

PROVERBS 13:20

I have to hand it to wise ol’ King Solomon. He certainly made his share of mistakes during his lifetime (hmm, sounds like somebody else I know), but he also came up with a wealth of wisdom that has influenced my choices—and the choices of countless others—over the generations.

Who doesn’t want to be smarter about which life paths to choose? About everyday decisions? About which friends to make—and keep? And who doesn’t want to make a difference in the world? To leave some imprint on humankind that says, “The world is a better place because I’ve been in it”?

Of all the people who’ve made an imprint on the world, Jesus Christ is, hands down, the one person who turned the world upside down. That’s because He not only talked wisdom, but He also walked in wisdom and lived it out. Day by day, in every relational connection, He told stories, asked questions, and referred people back to God’s words.

WisdomWalks is modeled after the way Jesus walked, talked, and lived. It isn’t a devotional or a program. It’s an experience that provides the perfect opportunity to grow yourself—and to grow others who accompany you on your life journey. The real-life, relatable stories are intriguing, the life principles stick with you throughout the day, and the provoking questions and Scripture study prompt you to think more deeply about fifty-two key areas of life where decisions you make every moment not only matter but matter greatly: integrity, friendship, prayer, forgiveness, and faith, to name a few. After all, it’s the tough choices you make all along the way that end up being the most significant decisions for your future.

WisdomWalks is a compact game plan by two highly respected Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) executive leaders who not only talk the walk but also walk the talk. They’re serious about the business of seeing lives change—for you, your loved ones, your coworkers, your neighbors, and whoever else might be in your sphere of influence—because they believe that you can make a difference. And so do I. I’ve spent a lifetime marveling over the incredible impact one person can have on the world. Why not you?

So do it for yourself. Carve these fifty-two key life principles into your heart and mind. Allow the truths of God’s Word to seep into everything you do. Follow after Jesus, the ultimate WisdomWalker, every moment of the day. Become a WisdomWalker yourself—someone who intentionally pursues and creates spiritual, life-changing connections.

And then make your life contagious! Make a difference in people’s lives. Be a joy-spreader. Be a faith-spreader. Be intentional about doing life together with others. Go out of your way to meet people, talk with them, and get to know them. There’s nothing I believe in more than passing on core values, faith, and practical life lessons to the next generation. It’s what my life’s work has been all about.

That’s why I think of WisdomWalks as Smart Talks, Wise Walks. When you know what to do and you’re smart enough to do it (and I know you are), you’ll walk with the wise and become wise. WisdomWalks will transform the way you think—the way you do life. And you’ll be a better person for it. Guaranteed.

Dr. Kevin Leman

Internationally known psychologist, humorist, and New York Times best-selling author of more than fifty books about marriage and family issues, including Have a New Kid by Friday and The Birth Order Book, Dr. Kevin Leman has taught and entertained audiences worldwide with his wit and common-sense psychology, making thousands of house calls for Fox & Friends, The View, Fox’s The Morning Show, Today, Oprah, CBS’s The Early Show, Janet Parshall’s America and Talking It Over, Live! with Regis and Kelly, CNN’s American Morning, Life Today with James Robison, and Good Morning America.

Introduction

WISDOMWALKS TO LIVE AND GIVE

It’s time to engage.

Make your life count.

In the movie The Incredibles, Bob and Helen Parr are raising three kids who have superpowers. One night the older two are fighting, Bob is in the other room, completely worn out and detached, and Helen yells at the top of her lungs, while holding off the sparring siblings, “Bob, it’s time to engage! Do something! Don’t just stand there! I need you to intervene!”

It’s all too easy to gravitate toward “shutdown mode” when life gets crazy. But life never slows down; it gets more hectic and complicated every day. In the midst of this busyness, we lose our ability to live purposefully. It’s like we’re constantly playing defense, reacting to life instead of creating meaning in it. So instead of doing something, we unplug. We sit on the sidelines and watch life happen.

Disengaging isn’t the answer—not for us and not for those counting on us. Guess who the next generation is looking to for wisdom? You and me. We can play a significant role in their lives, helping them become all that God wants them to be. We can pass on to them a game plan that prepares them for challenges and opportunities and reveals to them God’s truth in a relevant, practical way.

Living intentionally, maximizing relationships, and passing the torch of faith was the example Jesus set when He poured His truth and wisdom into His disciples. It’s a desire God set in each of our hearts: to transfer our beliefs to others. But it won’t happen automatically. You have to be intentional.

WisdomWalks is all about sharing your experiences of God’s presence and personal connection. It’s about stepping up to the plate and doing what God has called you to do. In Psalm 145:4, David declared, “One generation will declare Your works to the next and will proclaim Your mighty acts” (HCSB). But most of us don’t know how to do that. We desire to make an impact on those around us, but often we don’t act because: (1) we don’t know how to engage in that kind of relationship, (2) we don’t feel qualified to do so, and (3) busy schedules get in the way.

For more than thirty years, the two of us have been WisdomWalking together. The funny thing is we didn’t even know it—at least we didn’t call it that in the beginning. The two of us linked arms to do life instead of trying to handle it on our own. As a result, we’ve both had opportunities to get wisdom, to grow in wisdom, and to give wisdom. And we’ve passed the blessing on—intentionally and successfully pouring lessons of faith into our children and a host of other individuals we’ve mentored over the years.

We designed WisdomWalks for multiple uses: for individuals, for study/discussion groups, and for mentoring relationships. Each WisdomWalk comes from a real-life experience and is a reminder to walk like Jesus, talk like Jesus, and live like Jesus. Jesus used images of bread, water, meals, and money to show us who He is and how He calls us to live. WisdomWalks are modern-day parables that reveal fifty-two of the most important life principles you can live out and give to others.

Each WisdomWalk has a specific order to guide you through each experience. There are three basic sections:

WisdomWalks Principle

•Introduces the key life principle and shares a true-to-life WisdomWalks story.

•Connects the truth of Scripture with the WisdomWalks principle.

Be a WisdomWalker

•Encourages you to Live It through individual action and includes questions for reflection or group discussion; Maximize It through connection with a friend, mentor, or mentee; and Pass It On by studying and sharing additional Bible passages. You can journal your “aha moments” along the way under My Insights. Each WisdomWalk ends with a prayer of commitment and connection.

WisdomWalks work—they energize and transform lives. We know because they’ve done just that to our lives and the lives of every person we’ve used them with over the years! When you live intentionally, maximize relationships, and pass the torch, you become passionate about life, excited about relationships, and desirous to understand and know God. Every moment becomes an adventure because you wonder, What is God going to do next? And how can I intentionally be a part of that?

WisdomWalks Is Not a Formula; It s a Field Manual

WisdomWalks Is Not a Result; It s a Relationship

This is not about achieving a goal. It’s not something you check off your “to-do” list. Instead, it’s about relationships. It’s about intentionally investing your life in getting to know God more, and then intentionally investing in the lives of others to build a godly foundation and grow their desire for an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

WisdomWalks Is Not a Moment; It s a Movement

This is not about crossing a finish line or driving a stake in the ground. It’s not the latest fad or a resolution to live better that you’ll forget within a month or two. It is part of a lifelong movement to walk as Jesus did, to follow in His steps, and to encourage others to walk with Him.

God has planted seeds of greatness—our very own “superpowers”—in each of us. And He’ll use us to cultivate those seeds in others—but only if we will engage. So what are you waiting for? Make your life count!

Dan Britton and Jimmy Page

BUILD YOUR DREAM TEAM

Choose your team wisely.

Teammates will make or break you.

The “Dream Team” was the nickname given to the 1992 United States men’s Olympic basketball team. It was the first American Olympic team to feature active NBA players, and the results were awesome. As they dominated their way to the gold medal, they beat their opponents by an average of forty-four points! Since the Dream Team, the United States has had numerous teams with the best and most talented players, but USA basketball has never been able to repeat the Dream Team’s success.

We always think the best team consists of the best players. However, the best team is about getting the right players. In the movie Miracle, US Olympic hockey coach Herb Brooks has a classic line when he is selecting the 1980 team. He shows the roster of players who will be a part of the team to his assistant coach, Craig Patrick. Shocked at who is on the list, Craig says, “You’re missing some of the best players.” Coach Brooks responds, “I’m not looking for the best players, Craig. I’m looking for the right ones.”

If you could assemble your own Dream Team, who would be on it? We’re not talking about a sports team, but your own team of godly friends who build you up when you’re down, pick you up when you stumble, guide you when you’re uncertain, and confront you when you’re out of bounds. We all need a few steadfast friends to do life with. Who are the right teammates to ensure your personal and spiritual success? Who will be in your “inner circle,” walking with you through thick and thin, pouring God’s wisdom into your mind and heart?

Building your Dream Team is what WisdomWalks is about. Getting the right people on your team and understanding the role they play is essential. Life gets complicated quickly, and without those key people, it can get overwhelming. When we go with the flow, we drift toward confusion. However, when we are intentional, we drive toward clarity. Wisdom-Walks helps you create relational clarity by defining these relationships.

A WisdomWalker’s Dream Team has four key relationships: Walker, Watchman, Warrior, and Workman. It’s the perfect blend of mentoring, accountability, and discipleship. Without these key relationships, it will become increasingly more difficult for you to live a life that matters—a life of influence. We need an inner circle that brings us to Jesus because in Christ is the fullness of wisdom.

Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.

1 CORINTHIANS 1:24–25 NLT

All you need to become a WisdomWalker is to have the personal desire and the practical discipline to walk like Jesus and make a difference in the lives of those you care about. You can be a catalyst for generational change by investing in others! Ultimately, the fruit of a WisdomWalker grows on other people’s trees. We have developed a simple formula for WisdomWalks:

No matter how much godly wisdom you have, unless you infuse it into relationships, it’s worth nothing. The power of wisdom is not quantity but context. As we grow in Christ, there should be a natural growing of our relationships because our God is a relational God. As godly wisdom increases, relationships become richer and fuller. There is always a direct connection between wisdom and relationships.

However, when we apply the wisdom of Jesus in our relationships, we experience two-way influence. Influence is God’s work though us. It establishes an eternal legacy. But wisdom is only valuable if we live it out in relationships. Life is a team sport. We must assemble our own Dream Team with an inner circle of people whose singular goal, in everything they become and do, is God’s glory. If you want to experience transformation in your life and relationships, it all begins with the WisdomWalks journey and the four key relationships (see “The Four Relationships” on pp. 8–9 for more).

Life Is About Relationships

Proverbs 18:1 says, “One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment” (HCSB). In other words, we make foolish decisions. Isolation is the silent enemy. If we distance ourselves from relationships, we will crash and burn. Most people float along and never take the time to develop a Dream Team.

Each one of us needs to be a Walker, have a Watchman, have a Warrior, and have a Workman. The WisdomWalks journey is multidimensional. On a team, you have teammates and you are a teammate. Once you get your Dream Team assembled, you will realize the full power of WisdomWalks: every Walker not only has these key relationships in his or her life but also plays these roles for others. You have a Warrior, and you are a Warrior. You have a Watchman, and you are a Watchman. You have a Workman, and you are a Workman. And all of you are Walkers.

In order to help you recruit the right teammates, we’ve provided the image below. It is blank so that you can fill in names in each circle. Your name goes in the middle. It’s okay to have one or two empty circles; it just means you have some work to do. You need to pray and wait but also search and ask. Make sure you define the relationship. WisdomWalks is not about connecting with people once a week for a meal or cup of coffee without a clear purpose for growth.

Ask God to reveal to you who needs to join your Dream Team. There are people already in your life who are ready and able, so start recruiting the right teammates. You’ll be amazed as you and every other Wisdom-Walker on your Dream Team begin to live out a passionate, unstoppable faith in Jesus Christ—both on and off the field.

Get ready for a WisdomWalks experience so powerful it’ll transform your life, your team, your coaches, and generations to come. It’s time to get in the game!

Live Intentionally. Maximize Relationships. Pass the Torch.

THE FOUR RELATIONSHIPS

The Walker

The Walker is you. This relationship is your own passionate pursuit of Jesus. So before you start identifying significant people in your life and what roles they might play, take the WisdomWalks journey yourself. First John 2:6 says, “The one who says he remains in Him should walk just as He walked” (HCSB). This biblical challenge encourages us to grow spiritually first. You can’t give away what you don’t have. Your public impact on others is directly related to your private walk with Jesus.

A Walker does two things: pursues and abides. Pursuing is engaging God daily, no matter what. The Walker will connect with almighty God each day, understanding that the most vital part of the day is time spent before God in worship and study. Abiding is the sustaining, day-to-day walking with Jesus. We all need to be Walkers, and we need other Walkers in our life to help us pursue and abide. Are you a Walker?

The Walker: • Engages God daily. • Reads and meditates on the Word. • Prays and listens. • Worships and pursues.

The Warrior

The Warrior is a close friend. There is mutual mentoring and accountability, with each person completely committed to helping the other become everything God intends. Each one firmly and lovingly confronts the attitudes and actions of the other. There are no out-of-bounds areas. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” There’s transparency that allows real transformation to happen. Warriors form your inner circle of friends.

A Warrior challenges and encourages. Challenging is the sharpening that takes place through asking the tough questions and making sure there is nothing below the waterline that will sink your life. Every area of life is open for discussion because there is full access. Encouraging others to be authentic is rooted in a desire to see others succeed. Locking up with one or two warriors will radically alter your life. Warriors are go-to teammates on your Dream Team who love you and believe the best in you. When you have Warriors, you become their Warrior as well. Do you have a Warrior or two?

The Warrior: • Asks the tough questions. • Confronts attitudes and actions. • Lifts and builds up. • Prevents wandering and drifting.

The Watchman

The Watchman is a mentor—a wise teacher who has more life experience and desires to pass on in-the-trenches, real-life wisdom to you, the next generation. Life is all about surrounding yourself with the right people. Proverbs 13:20 says, “The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm” (HCSB). You have the opportunity to capitalize on what the mentor has learned, avoid similar mistakes, and implement proven principles and practices.

A Watchman guides and directs because that person is in a different season of life that allows him or her to invest in your future. A Watchman guides by watering the seeds of greatness with opportunities and fertilizing them with encouragement. With constant evaluation of progress, the Watchman can warn you of potential dangers in your life and direct you through God’s Word. A Watchman is like a veteran coach on your Dream Team. When you have a Watchman, you become the Workman. Do you have a Watchman?

The Watchman: • Pours out what God has poured in. • Shares life experiences. • Applies the Word to circumstances. • Helps navigate life.

The Workman

The Workman is a disciple—someone who has a desire to grow in spiritual maturity and live out the faith. More than a teacher-student relationship, the Workman relationship follows Jesus’s model: He lived out the truth and taught it at the same time. In Luke 6:40, Jesus said, “A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.”

A Workman studies and trains because of an internal passion to grow spiritually. The focus is on discipleship: spiritual training, growth, and using the study and application of God’s Word in every area of life. The Workman is the rookie on the Dream Team who has a ton of potential, and your investment will pay big dividends. When you have a Workman, you become his or her Watchman. Do you have a Workman?

The Workman: • Follows the training plan. • Asks questions, listens, prepares. • Puts wisdom into practice. • Shows honor and appreciation.

1

A WALK WITH THE WISE

WisdomWalks Principle

Friends will make you or break you.

Show me your friends,

and I’ll show you your future.

CRAIG GROESCHEL

Bear Grylls, star of the TV show Man vs. Wild, is no stranger to danger. From the time he was a little boy, he always dreamed of climbing Mount Everest—one of the world’s most difficult, dangerous mountains. Bear’s determination won out. At twenty-three, he became the youngest Briton ever to reach the summit.

On the mountain, extreme weather changes, lack of oxygen, and risk of avalanche make death a present danger for even the most experienced mountaineers. Bear would have died himself if it weren’t for his skillful teammate, who literally held Bear’s life in his hands as he dangled unconsciously from a single rope.

Making the ascent to the summit without the help of the Sherpas, or experienced, skillful guides, is virtually impossible. Climbers learn to trust their guide completely. They attach themselves to ropes expertly anchored by the Sherpas, who have gone before them. They follow the exact path marked out for them and pay attention to warnings.

In life, how well we navigate also depends in large part on the quality and character of our friends. The friends we choose, our trusted inner circle, can make or break us. And we can make or break them.

Back when I was a kid, my parents always told me, “Choose your friends wisely.” In fact, they would ask me who I was going to be with before they gave their okay. Now I do the same thing with my kids. The influence of peers is profound—for better and for worse. And trusted friendships become even more significant as we grow older.

Walk with the wise and become wise,

for a companion of fools suffers harm …

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,

but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

PROVERBS 13:20, 18:24

The book of Proverbs is all about wisdom—or skillful living. It talks over and over again about the importance of choosing the right friends. Those we spend our time with will either make us more skilled at living or lead us into trouble. Bad company corrupts good character (1 Corinthians 15:33). It’s amazing how clear and simple it is:

Three great principles in these passages will help you be wise and walk with the wise:

1.Be a good friend. To attract faithful friends, you have to become the type of friend you want to be around. If you are trustworthy and honest, you’ll be attracted to people who are trustworthy and honest. If you want friends who share your faith and are growing in their relationship with Christ, you’ll need to focus on growing spiritually as well. If you don’t want friends who gossip, then don’t gossip. If you want friends to support you when life is tough, then be loyal, believe the best in them, and defend them when others are tearing them down. If you want friends who do the right things, then you do the right things. Treat others the way God wants you to treat them.

2.Spend time with friends who are wise. It doesn’t take long to figure out if a friend is wise. Just ask yourself these simple questions:

a.Do they follow Jesus, and are they growing in His ways?

b.Do they do the right thing even when it’s hard?

c.Do they make other people around them better?

d.Do they stay close when times are tough?

3.Don’t have too many friends. That sounds a bit odd, doesn’t it? Can you ever have too many friends? After all, isn’t life all about relationships? The answer is both yes and no. The key is to have an inner circle of close friends that you have developed trust with over time. These are your go-to people—the ones you can count on to be honest with you no matter what. Even Jesus, within His group of twelve, had an inner circle of just three—Peter, James, and John—with whom He had a deeper level of trust and closeness. When you let too many into that inner circle, it can devalue the most important friendships you have.

Wise friends help us navigate life successfully. Being a wise friend brings life to others as well.

Be a WisdomWalker

Live Intentionally. Maximize Relationships. Pass the Torch.

Live It

How are you doing as a friend? Give yourself a letter grade for each of the questions below and explain why you rated yourself that way. Do you

•follow Jesus? Are you growing in His ways?

•do the right thing even when it’s hard?

•make other people around you better?

•stay close when times are tough for your friends?

What two specific things could you change to become a better friend?

Maximize It

1.Write down the names of your closest friends. Take a careful look at each one. Are they wise or foolish? Are they following Jesus, doing the right things, making you better, and remaining loyal in tough times?

2.Which two or three people in your life might fit the qualities of a good friend? People you’d like to become better friends with? Brainstorm how to connect with those people in a more meaningful way.

Pass It On

For additional study, read and reflect on:

•Proverbs 14:12

•1 Corinthians 15:33

•2 Corinthians 6:14–18

Share one of the verses above with a friend or family member. Talk about how its wisdom and truth have influenced you to make positive changes in your life.

My Insights