Thrill Rides Can’t Match the Presence of the Lord

Our grandchildren are in town for their first visit to Florida. We took them to the Magic Kingdom on Saturday. 

After the drive through traffic, parking, walking and waiting in line 30 minutes just for the monorail, we were finally near the front entrance when my 6-year-old grandson provided the prophetic word of the day.

“This doesn’t look like it did on the commercial!”

How do we manage expectations of people we lead? Bad expectations morph into disappointment and disillusionment.

Amusement parks are designed for consumption. Lines and lines of people are seeking to consume a thrill ride, experience something entertaining or, if lucky, find a seat and a meal.

I would gladly give up three fast passes for a place to sit!

I thought about my grandson’s expectations as we waited to ride things that reposition my stomach and back. I tried to think about what he was thinking about.

He made it clear that he’d much rather run and play on the beach than wait in line for a two-minute ride. It was his expectation of seeing Mickey Mouse that drove him to the park with silver dollar pupils.

I think the best a leader can do to manage expectations is deliver information and focus a team on facts. Goal achievement is not a walk in the park. It’s hard. There will be difficulties. We will have some bad days together.

Jesus managed the expectations of His disciples. He told them about the costs they would pay to follow Him.

He spoke to others that “The kingdom of God does not come with observation. Nor will they say, ‘Here it is’ or ‘There it is!’ For remember, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20-21).

There is no magic in God’s kingdom. And all who have received His grace, will see Him as he is.

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Today’s Scripture

“Beloved, now are we children of God, and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2).

Platform Tip No. 114

Platforms are not built by commercials. We don’s make false promises and tout money back guarantees.

There is no shout of “but wait there’s more” from a godly platform.

A platform is where we help people with their needs. We share a message of hope and offer a solution.

And we are called to do it every day.

Do you want to learn more about developing your personal platform?

For my free eBook 7 Reasons Your Organization Suffers from Marketing Malpractice, plus 3 Things to do NOW to Prevent Further Damage, click here.

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