This is an exciting time in my life. Just this past week, I had a meeting where a conversation was started about how I could expand the reach of my teaching ministry and the visibility of the church I am privileged to lead in a significant way!

I don't want to go into too many details here because, frankly, nothing may even come of it at all. But, with this exciting, potential opportunity on the horizon, I did want to take some time to process how I want to posture myself when opportunities for increased influence are presented, extended, and experienced.

It's important that I do this because both you and I have, too many times, seen success absolutely ruin people's lives. It's so easy to develop an inflated sense of how important you really are! And once that happens, disaster! Pride. Greed. Cockiness. Hubris. Selfishness. Because I am prone to display some of these characteristics now, these three "mantras" will prayerfully prevent me from further developing these negative traits in the future!

**1. IT'S NOT ABOUT MY FAME. IT'S ABOUT GOD'S GLORY.**

At the end of the day, the reason I preach, the reason I write, the reason I lead, the reason I push people to pursue their God-given potential is so that people can experience the beauty, majesty, wonder, and love of the Almighty God. If my influence is not, ultimately, leading people to worship the only One worthy of our praise and adoration, I have failed miserably. I am not the destination. I am only a sign.

**2. I DIDN'T CREATE THIS OPPORTUNITY, GOD DID.**

The moment I believe that I am the one who should be credited for the opportunities being extended to me, I am not properly positioned to take advantage of them. I must always remember: God paved the way. God opened the doors. God made this possible. God divinely orchestrated the opportunity, I simply accepted it. God is the generous Giver. I am the humble recipient.

**3. MY GIFTS ARE A GIFT FROM GOD.**

Because God is generous, gracious and good He decided to gift me with gifts. Before I was born, God decided what gifts I would have. When I was born, God placed them within me. After I use them, God is the one who gives them power and authority. In a moment, my ability to speak could be taken away. In a blink of an eye, my ability to write could vanish. In an instant, my ability to effectively communicate could cease to exist. Everyday I have to exercise my gifts is a privilege. I am entitled to nothing.

What beliefs, convictions, and "mantras" will keep you humble as you become more successful and influential? I encourage you to identify them before your next opportunity comes your way. I am convinced that, like stakes in a tent, they will keep you grounded when the winds of success come your way!