Unexplainable Life

God wants to shape your life

Laura Leonard | posted 12/04/2009

What does your life and ministry look like to the outside world? Don Cousins, author of Unexplainable: Pursuing a Life Only God Can Make Possible (David C. Cook), believes God wants to shape our lives in such a way that his presence is the only explanation. Laura Leonard spoke with Cousins about his book and how Christian leaders can adopt these principles in the workplace.

What does it mean to live "inside out," as your book prescribes?

We believe that if we construct our outside world in the way we want it and, in fact, get it to be the way we want it, we'll feel content. But there's always something producing frustration—a relationship at work that isn't right, an assignment that didn't get done in time. And all of that impacts the way we feel inside.

Paul makes a remarkable statement in "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."

As an individual, I'd like to be able to say that, but in all honesty, I can't. We need to make a life shift if we're ever going to find the contentment that God wants us to find. We're going to have to learn how to get our inside in the way it needs to be so that we can maintain contentment regardless of what's going on outside.

How might an organization be changed if its leaders lived and led by these principles?

Sadly, surveys show over and over again that there's really no distinguishable difference between Christians and non-Christians. Christian leaders want to be a success, and they've been told that the way you define success in ministry is increasing numbers. God measures success based on different criteria: are you a loving, joyful, patient, kind, peace-filled, gentle, good, faithful, and self-controlled individual? How often are we hearing that message?

How does this affect the way we approach finances?

We are called to faithfully steward what God has entrusted to us. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" (Col. 3:23). However, we need to understand that whatever we're doing is simply a platform for God to work in and through our lives for his glory. The question becomes, what did you do with the money? Did you do your business with integrity in all situations? Did you treat people in such a way that they looked and noticed that you were different? Those are the things upon which success is ultimately built.

Milestones

Appointed Gregg Hunter, as president and CEO of Christian Camp and Conference Association. Hunter replaces Bob Kobielush, president and founder of a new entity called Christian Camping Foundation, committed to building financial capacities and preserving real estate for the future of Christian camps, conferences, and retreat centers.

Appointed Karl D. Eastlack, as CEO of World Hope International. Eastlack replaces founder Jo Anne Lyon, who served as CEO from 1996 until 2008, when she became general superintendent of the Wesleyan Church.

Appointed Barry Sneed, as vice president of NavPress, the publishing arm of the U.S.-based Navigators. Sneed comes to NavPress from LifeWay Christian Resources, where he served as lead church consultant and regional director for church relations and consulting.

Copyright © 2009 Christian Leadership Alliance.