A Student of Increase
The greatest increase in our lives often begins with a change in our thinking.
I just spent the past week in one of my favorite environments, the Increase Conference, hosted by my mentor, Bob Harrison. I am convinced it might be one of the greatest Kingdom business gatherings there is. Every time I attend, I leave encouraged, challenged, and reminded that no matter how long I've been in business, I still have so much to learn.
There are two biblical principles that shape my expectation when I attend. The first is Proverbs 13:20: "Walk with the wise and become wise." The second is found in Proverbs 23:7, which reminds us of the powerful connection between our thinking and the direction of our lives.
I've come to believe that the quality of our lives is significantly influenced by the quality of our thinking. That's why I want to remain a student of increase.
This year, three thoughts particularly challenged me.
First, change your environment to change your thinking.
Bob Harrison shared a powerful observation from Luke 5. Peter and his partners had been fishing all night without success. Jesus entered their boat, taught the crowds, and then instructed Peter to let down his nets again. The result was a supernatural catch.
What struck me was the order of events. Before Jesus changed what was in their boat, He addressed what was in their thinking. Luke 5:3 tells us, "He sat down and taught the people from the boat."
As business leaders, we can become so focused on changing our circumstances that we overlook the importance of changing our thinking. Sometimes the greatest limitation to our increase isn't our opportunity, resources, or market conditions. It's the way we see them.
Second, hope is voice-activated.
Simon T. Bailey shared this simple but profound thought. Our words have the ability to shape what others believe is possible.
Romans 15:13 describes God as the source of hope, filling us until we overflow with it. What a wonderful picture of leadership! We have the opportunity to carry that hope into our workplaces through our conversations, encouragement, and the way we speak about the future.
As leaders, our words can either reinforce limitations or release possibilities. We should never underestimate the influence of an encouraging word.
Third, take your challenges to the secret place.
Mark Francey taught from Luke 18 about the persistent widow whose consistent cry eventually brought a response.
His encouragement was to bring our problems before God in prayer, where we can find clarity, confidence, and renewed perspective.
Leadership carries pressures that aren't always visible to others. I've learned that the secret place with God is often where the most important work of leadership begins.
I returned home reminded that increase is about far more than financial growth or business success. It's about growing in wisdom, becoming a carrier of hope, and deepening our dependence on God.
After all these years, I'm still learning. And I'm grateful for the people and environments that continue to challenge me to grow.
May we never become so experienced that we stop being students.