EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the fourth of a five-part series "Why Leaders Should Practice the Presence of God." Each part of the series will focus on a quote from the Brother Lawrence classic, The Practice of the Presence of God. To view the other parts, click part 1, part 2, part 3.

Leaders are frequently presented with opportunities to move to other organizations and positions. I have moved a few times myself and learned plenty about what happens next.

Once out of sight, out of mind, leaders are quickly forgotten. Once a leader is not in a position to grant favors, the desire to stay close wanes. Personal relationships developed in the workplace are often dependent on the continuation of work.

It is probably not an intentional, well-planned relationship release, but time away and physical distance are destructive factors in at least an attempt to maintain a relationship.

Perhaps we treat the presence of the Lord in a similar manner. We love His presence during favor granting times. When we call His name, we want to instantly feel the thrill of His touch.

Consider the words of Brother Lawrence from his work, The Practice of the Presence of God:

"Let us not content ourselves with loving GOD for the mere sensible favors, how elevated so ever, which he has done, or may do us. Such favors, though never so great, cannot bring us so near to Him as faith does in one simple act. Let us seek Him often by faith. He is within us: seek Him not elsewhere. If we do love Him alone, are we not rude, and do we not deserve blame, if we busy ourselves about trifles which do not please and perhaps offend Him. It is to be feared these trifles will one day cost us dear. Let us begin to be devoted to Him in good earnest. Let us cast everything besides out of our hearts. He would possess them alone. Beg this favor of Him. If we do what we can on our parts, we shall soon see that change wrought in us which we aspire after." 

Leaders may come and go. Stuff comes and goes. 

But God will never leave us.

As we leave Him for the trifles of the day, we are only left with the question, "Why did I leave His presence?"

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Today's Scripture

"You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand there are pleasures for evermore" (Ps. 16:11).

Platform Tip No. 108

Platforms do not attract people. Messages attract people.

Attraction happens for you because you attract people to your message through various platforms.

Keep trying different platforms until your message pulls people to you. Don't try different messages to find the right platform.

How do you help people? Write about that. A lot.

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.

Dr. Steve Greene is the publisher and executive vice president of the media group at Charisma Media and executive producer of the Charisma Podcast Network. His book, Love Leads: The Spiritual Connection Between Your Relationships and Productivity, is now available.

Leaders, Dr. Greene wants to help you understand the spiritual connection between relationships and productivity. Read his new blog, here.

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