My watchword for 2010 - CATALYST

Sometime in the last quarter of 2009 I sensed the Lord drop the word "catalyst" into my spirit. Since then, I have been on an intensified, intentional quest for godly insights into the word, as well as its implications in my life.

So far, these are what I've dug up.

Webster's Online Dictionary defines a catalyst as:

cat·a·lyst 

Pronunciation: \ˈka-tə-ləst\

1 :  a substance that enables a chemical reaction to proceed at a usually faster rate or under different conditions (as at a lower temperature) than otherwise possible
2 :  an agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action

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DICTIONAIRE defines a catalyst as...

> something that causes an important even to happen

> [chemistry] a substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected

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WIKIPEDIA defines a catalyst in conjunction with the process of catalysis, thus:

Catalysis is the process in which the rate of a chemical reaction is either increased or decreased by means of a chemical substance known as a catalyst. Unlike other reagents that participate in the chemical reaction, a catalyst is not consumed by the reaction itself. 

The catalyst may participate in multiple chemical transformations. Catalysts that speed the reaction are called positive catalysts. Catalysts that slow down the reaction are called negative catalysts or inhibitors. Substances that increase the activity of catalysts are called promoters and substances that deactivate catalysts are called catalytic poisons.

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The following thoughts are from a Christian website that has already plumbed the depths of the implications of a person's live lived as a catalyst for Christ.

ELEMENTS OF A CATALYST LEADER

AUTHENTIC IN THEIR INFLUENCE
Influence is gained naturally, not through coercion or manipulation. 

This is a natural outcome when the leader is “being” (integrity, passion) and “doing” (calling, community, culture). Leading is an easy next step once the other core elements are being consistently practiced and modeled. 

UNCOMPROMISING IN THEIR INTEGRITY
Character, integrity, conviction, discipline and private, personal decisions – these all comprise the inner character and integrity of a Catalyst leader. 

I understand that my character and integrity is the guard to my soul and ultimately their life. This can’t be let go, can’t be delegated, it’s the foundation of who I am as a person and as a leader. It’s the basis from which my moral authority is grounded. It must be nurtured, guarded and found true under testing.

INTENTIONAL ABOUT COMMUNITY
People are in my life at all levels. Close personal friends that keep me accountable, question my deepest motives and help me stay true to the vision God has imprinted on my heart. 

I value the people that work for and alongside me, recognizing that I am fulfilling a leadership role with people God has entrusted to my care. Catalyst leaders value the wisdom of those more experienced than them and seek out council in all things of importance. 

PASSIONATE ABOUT GOD
I must have awareness of my small role in God’s big, developing story. This is critical to my humility, faith and trust in Him as the definer of how He will use me and my calling. 

To have this constant awareness, I must connect with God without ceasing through my life, study, music, art, film, vocation and relationships. My passion for God to receive Glory must be bigger than my desire for Glory.

COURAGEOUS ABOUT THEIR CALLING
God has a unique purpose that he desires to carry out in me. To know this purpose I must first know Him. To fulfill this purpose, I must trust Him and have the courage to act on it, which may feel like a risk. 

My talents and heart converge to create my calling and purpose. I am competent in my calling because I am committed to further developing and honing my talents and skills. My foundational understanding of how God is working during our times, determines the specific way I apply this calling vocationally. 

ENGAGED IN CULTURE
As a leader, I must understand the context God has placed me in. I must know the audience I am connecting with to have any opportunity of connection and relevance. 

Because God desires that Christ-followers engage and influence their surroundings, I will be a source of hope, redemption, justice and peace in my community, demonstrating a piece of the Kingdom of God in a fallen world.

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Going with what I've gathered above, this is now my personal prayer:

May the LORD grant me / us the grace 

to move onward and forward 

with unflagging zeal and fervor 

regardless of past failures, setbacks and shortcomings, 

and continue to be "salt and light", 

engaged and affecting

but unaffected by,

this darkened, decaying world, 

instructed in His Wisdom 

and faithfully involved 

~ CATALYSTS of Change ~

thereby speeding the advancement

of Christ's Kingdom

solely for His Glory 

and His Name's sake.

Amen.