Introduction
On the second day of the Greater Works Conference, Pastor Otabil delivered a thought-provoking message on “How to Increase in What We Do,” offering valuable insights for personal and professional growth.
In his message, Pastor Otabil, known for his pragmatic approach to applying biblical principles to everyday life, shared a personal reflection that set the stage for a powerful lesson on how ordinary individuals can achieve extraordinary results.
He began with a humble admission: “Throughout my life, I have never had anything in abundance. I’ve never had a lot of money. I’ve never had a lot of talent or skill. I am not a very talented person. I’ve never been extraordinary. I’ve never done anything that would make you say ‘oh watch this guy, he’s going to be great.'”
This set the foundation for emphasizing that success is not about innate talent or abundant resources but about how one applies themselves and takes care of what they have.
The Foundation: Proverbs 27:23-27
Pastor Otabil based his teaching on Proverbs 27:23-27, a passage he first encountered nearly 40 years ago: “Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds; for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations. When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself, and the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, the lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field. You shall have enough goats’ milk for your food, for the food of your household, and the nourishment of your maidservants.”
Though rooted in an agricultural context, this scripture provides timeless wisdom for productivity and success in any field.
The Productive Center: Vocation, Occupation, and Reputation
Pastor Otabil identified three key elements that form one’s productive center:
1. Vocation: Your job, talent, gift, or ability.
2. Occupation: What you occupy yourself with, including your position or business.
3. Reputation: How others perceive you and your work.
He emphasized the importance of focusing on these elements rather than pursuing riches or positions: “If I’m going to be successful, two things I must not pursue. One, I must not pursue riches. Two, I must not pursue position. Because these two, as attractive as they are, the crown and the riches, as attractive as they are, as desirable as they are, they don’t last. What is lasting is how you take care of your productive capacity.”
Knowing Your State
Pastor Otabil stressed the importance of deeply understanding one’s field or vocation: “Be diligent to know the state of your flocks and attend to your herds. Be diligent to know the state of your flocks. Now, it is said, and I didn’t live in that time, but people who have researched the lifestyle of people who live in the Middle East or what we call Middle East now, 3,000 years ago who were mostly agricultural people, herdsmen, that shepherds knew their flocks so well they could tell from the face of one sheep from the other. And they could tell the sound of one sheep from the other.”
This level of intimate knowledge and attention to detail is crucial for success in any field. Pastor Otabil shared how he applies this principle in his own ministry by studying African history, culture, and mindset to better understand and serve his congregation.
Removing the Hay: Embracing Change and Innovation
One of the most challenging aspects of growth is letting go of old methods and embracing new approaches. Pastor Otabil used the analogy of hay and tender grass from the Proverbs passage to illustrate this point: “The hay is removed, the tender grass shows itself. The hay is old, stored food. So, how am I going to feed my flock? The first thing I have is hay. What is hay? Hay is grass that has been cut, is dried, it’s stored. So, I have something to feed my flock with. What is it? Old, stored, the old food.”
He emphasized that while starting with the familiar “hay” is natural, growth requires moving beyond it: “The danger with many people is they take the hay and they minister the hay for the rest of their lives. They don’t remove the hay. They don’t learn anything new. They don’t come up with anything new. There’s no new understanding.”
Pastor Otabil encouraged his audience to continually seek fresh insights and approaches, stating, “Every seven or so years, I reinvent myself. I do me differently. Every seven or so years, I do me differently. I shift gears because the old must give way to the new.”
Practical Application
To increase in what we do, Pastor Otabil offered several practical suggestions:
1. Focus on your productive center (vocation, occupation, reputation) rather than pursuing money or titles.
2. Develop deep knowledge and understanding of your field.
3. Be willing to let go of old methods and embrace new approaches.
4. Continuously reinvent yourself and seek fresh insights.
5. Adapt to reach new generations while maintaining your core principles.
Pastor Otabil shared how he applies these principles in his ministry, from changing the church’s architectural design to updating the praise team’s attire and performance style. He emphasized the importance of reaching new generations while maintaining the core message: “I cannot give the children what I gave to their father. Otherwise, I’ll lose the children. I don’t want to lose the next generation.”
Conclusion
Pastor Mensa Otabil’s message at the Greater Works 2024 Conference offers a powerful blueprint for personal and professional growth. By focusing on our productive center, deeply understanding our field, and embracing change, we can increase in what we do regardless of our starting point or natural talents.
The key takeaway is that extraordinary results don’t require extraordinary beginnings. As Pastor Otabil’s own life demonstrates, it’s possible to achieve significant impact through diligence, continuous learning, and a willingness to adapt. By applying these principles, individuals in any field can move beyond their current limitations and achieve greater works in their lives and careers.
As we reflect on this message, let us be inspired to take a fresh look at our vocations, occupations, and reputations. Let us commit to removing the “hay” of outdated methods and embracing the “tender grass” of new ideas and approaches. In doing so, we position ourselves not just for personal success but for making a lasting impact in our spheres of influence.
What is your main takeaway from this message by Pastor Otabil? Share your thoughts with us.
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