Making The Cut

Text: Titus 1:1-14

Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; 2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; 3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; 4 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Title: Making The Cut

Series Title: Game Ready: Conditioning For Leaders

And when it comes to leadership in the church, the question is less about talent and more about making the cut. In 1999 there was an excitement amidst the National Football League and the fans thereof. It was a historic year. For the first time, five of the top draft picks were quarterbacks and even more historic was the fact, that three of these was African American.

All five were drafted in the first round. A few years later, after the hype subsided, three of those quarterbacks had become complete busts; one started well but descended into mediocrity; only one (Donovan McNabb) fulfilled his promise as star.

The same can be said of leadership in the church, because we count so much on talent. Everyone has talent. What is rare is the courage to follow the talent to the dark place where it leads. 
Erica Jong


In John Maxwell’s valuable new book, Talent is Never Enough, he cites Peter Drucker on effectiveness, “There seems to be little correlation between a man’s effectiveness and his intelligence, his imagination, or his knowledge…Intelligence, imagination, and knowledge are essential resources, but only effectiveness converts them into results. By themselves, they only set limits to what can be contained.”

1. Belief lifts your talent: Lack of belief in yourself can act as a ceiling on talent.

2. Passion energizes your talent: A passionate person with limited talent will outperform a passive person who possesses greater talent.

3. Initiative activates your talent: Socrates said, “To move the world we must first move ourselves.”

4. Focus directs your talent: Attempting everything, like attempting nothing will suck the life out of you.

5. Preparation positions your talent: Becoming more intentional. You can claim to be surprised once; after that, you’re unprepared.

6. Practice sharpens your talent: Practice demands discipline and embracing change.

7. Perseverance sustains your talent: People who display perseverance keep a larger vision in mind as they toil away at their craft or profession.

8. Courage tests your talent: As we develop our talent and grow to our potential we will be tested continually. Courage is an everyday virtue.

9. Teachability expands your talent: Teachability is not so much about competence and mental capacity as it is about attitude. It is the desire to listen, learn, and apply. Talented people can be the toughest to teach because they often think they know it all. It’s a problem of pride.

10. Character protects your talent: People cannot climb beyond the limitations of their character. Talented people are sometimes tempted to take shortcuts. Character prevents that.

11. Relationships influence your talent: Life is too short to spend it with people who pull you in the wrong direction. And it’s too short not to invest in others. Your relationships will define you.

12. Responsibility strengthens your talent: Responsibility not only improves your life, but also will improve the life of those around you.

13. Teamwork multiplies your talent: Teamwork divides the effort and multiples the effect.

14. [Leadership directs, deploys, and gives purpose to your talent.]


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