Christian Living

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Jesus helped people grow by taking them through a process that had four specific steps. I have put those four steps into an acronym (IDEA) to help me remember them when inputting people.

Here is how the acronym, IDEA, works:

I stands for inspiration. Jesus inspired growth by highlighting people’s potential! He did that with Simon by calling him Peter; it means rock (John 1:42, NIV). We appreciate knowing there is hidden talents and abilities in us awaiting discovery or development. This knowledge is a motivating factor. Draw people’s attention to their potential and see what a powerful effect it has on their moral and performance.

D stands for direction. Jesus gave people direction by highlighting where to use their strength best! He did that with the disciples by sending them out to do specific tasks: making disciples, baptising, teaching, etc. This works like a spearhead and helps people point their energy and focus in one direction effectively.

E stands for encouragement. Jesus encouraged growth by affirming people! He did that with Nathaniel (John 1:47, NIV). Doing new things often involves confronting our fears, going through a period of doubt and lack of confidence, or even facing discouragement. Affirmation builds confidence in the person who is performing the task or behaviour.

A Stands for accelerate. Jesus accelerated growth by giving people resources and tools they needed for the journey! He did that by training disciples for three years, before sending them out and by giving them instructions about what to do and where to go when he sent them out.

Use IDEA and bring out the best in others!

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