Sometimes we just need speed.

There is a marked difference between hurry and speed. Hurry can produce confusion and much ado about nothing. Speed is more linear. The destination is clearer. Speed has purpose.

The African parable of the gazelle and the lion is instructive.

Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death. It doesn't matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle: when the sun comes up, you'd better be running.

Leaders need to teach speed as a way of life. While technology races forward at Mach speeds, it seems that response times to organizational challenges and opportunities are slowing. Perhaps the molasses in change dynamics is caused by the distractions unleashed by our handheld hurry-tech.

We text for hurry, not speed. We drive over a speed limit to hurry somewhere faster.

My wife and I lived in San Francisco for a few years. HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes are available to those who carpool. Vehicles in the HOV lane keep moving while the hurriers poke along in heavy traffic.

The Lord does not tarry or hurry. In Luke 18:8 we are reminded:

"I tell you, He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"

We have a need for speed in the kingdom of God. Lethargy and ambivalence seem prevalent. Sin is in a hurry to become established in every unattended corner of our lives.

Leaders point the way to what matters most. Finishing the work of the day is bolstered by speed. Hurry is an accelerator for urgent matters left undone.

Perhaps we can see it in this way—hurry is of the flesh.

We need speed for spiritual growth.

"Incline your ear to me; deliver me speedily; be my strong rock, a strong fortress to save me" (Ps. 31:2, MEV).

Platform Tip No. 128

Do you make promises on your platform? 

Do you only provide motivation for life changes or do you teach detailed methods?

Providing motivation isn't risky business. We actually feel like we're doing something to help.

But without method, motivation is fleeting.

People come to us to learn how. Our audience needs a method.

And when we make promises about our methods, we take risks.

A platform will work to attract people to your message.

That's a promise.

Dr. Steve Greene is the publisher and executive vice president of the media group at Charisma Media and executive producer of the Charisma Podcast Network. His book, Love Leads: The Spiritual Connection Between Your Relationships and Productivity, is now available.

Leaders, Dr. Greene wants to help you understand the spiritual connection between relationships and productivity. Read his new blog, here.

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Dr. Steve Greene is now sharing stories, teachings, and conversations with guests who lead with love on Love Leads, a new podcast. Listen now.

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