Paul, Christian Leader & Worker - Urgency

"And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews. And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." - Acts 20:18-27

In this passage in the Word of God we see a beautiful description of the man Paul in the latter years of his life. It defines him as a Christian leader and worker and example to the brethren. We have much to learn from Paul. Today, we will dive into his sense of urgency that drove him. Urgency refers to the importance of acting quickly and decisively to seize opportunities, address problems, or achieve goals. It's a critical factor in maintaining competitiveness and operational efficiency in business. It also can protect you from failure. Paul's goals allowed him to have an unparallelled urgency... the gospel of Jesus Christ and glorifying God.

How does urgency relate to the accomplishment of our business goals? The ability to respond with a sense of urgency to market changes, customer needs, or internal issues can give a business a competitive edge. Quick decision-making and execution often distinguish successful companies from those that struggle. Secondly, acting with urgency can mean capitalizing on emerging trends, new technologies, or shifting consumer preferences before competitors do. This can involve rapid product development, marketing campaigns, or strategic investments. Paul specialized in seizing every opportunity to give the gospel and glorify his God. Next, addressing problems or crises immediately can prevent minor issues from becoming major setbacks. This includes everything from customer complaints to operational hiccups or financial discrepancies. Then there is the fact that instilling a sense of urgency among employees can drive productivity and innovation. However, it's crucial to balance this with a supportive work environment to avoid burnout and maintain morale. Paul's urgency spilled over into the lives of Barnabas, Silas, Onesimus, Titus, Timothy, John Mark, and countless others all the time with the spirit of God keeping the fellowship with these men sweet as they labored together. Next, effective business strategies often require a sense of urgency to ensure timely execution and adaptation. This involves setting clear deadlines and prioritizing tasks that align with strategic goals. Finally, in many industries, customers expect rapid responses and high levels of service. Meeting these expectations often requires a culture of urgency to ensure prompt and effective service delivery.

Paul set forth a pattern of urgency because his time was limited and the need for his work was great. What is the value of your time and your work? Does it also merit urgency?