Personal Application Worksheet

The primary purpose of this worksheet is to enable you to process the study material to give you a deeper understanding of the main principles. Therefore, it is important that you work through the worksheet with a thoughtful, reflective attitude.

Pressing On Towards...?

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33)

• What do you think should be the major goal of all Christian leaders? Please explain you reason. What is the major goal you are pursuing? For example, where do you focus your time and energy?

"Who we are is more important than what we achieve: what we achieve flows out of who we are."

• Please rewrite this principle in your own words. How should this principle influence the priorities and goals of Christian leaders? 

Hindrances to Pressing On

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." (Hebrews 12:1)

• Three common hindrances that affect leaders effectiveness are discussed in this section of the study:
• Can you identify a situation where you felt like a victim, with no choices? Please describe this situation. 
• Have you ever thought that you cannot develop your potential because you do not have the leadership role or opportunities you should have? Please explain your answer. 
• Have you ever felt you are too busy to invest in the necessary private disciplines? Please explain your reasoning. 

Principles for Pressing On

"At various times in our lives, we will see a gap between our vision (who we want to be and what we want to achieve), and the where we are right now. The gap may cause us to feel discouraged or overwhelmed by how far we are from becoming who God wants us to be, or the gap may spur us on towards the goal."

• Read Philippians 3: 10-14. Do you think Paul saw a gap between his vision and the current reality? How did he respond to this gap? What lessons can we learn?
• In order to pursue the plans of God for our lives, it is obviously important to know about our personal mission. However, it is easy to overlook the importance of clearly understanding of the current reality. Why is it important to have an accurate understanding of our current situation? How can this help us to move towards our goal?

Disciplines for Pressing On

• Reflecting upon our perceptions and assumptions about our current reality can both encourage us and highlight areas we need to change in order to move toward our vision. Choose one aspect of your vision and go through the process of reflection outlined in the study.