I found this on Twitter/X.
There are a lot of good ideas here.
Confirmation from the Bible
| Way to add value | Old Testament | New Testament | Proverbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Spot problems early | Nehemiah 2:11–18 — Nehemiah quietly inspected Jerusalem’s walls, identified the problem, and then presented a plan. | Acts 6:1–7 — The apostles recognized that neglected widows could damage the church’s unity and addressed the problem promptly. | Proverbs 27:12 — “The prudent see danger and take refuge.” Also 22:3. |
| 2. Make work easier and more effective | Exodus 18:13–24 — Jethro showed Moses that his method was exhausting everyone; delegation made the work manageable. | Acts 6:2–4 — Responsibilities were distributed so that different ministries could be carried out well. | Proverbs 15:22 — “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” |
| 3. Speak up clearly and graciously | 2 Samuel 12:1–7 — Nathan courageously but skillfully confronted David with the truth. Also Esther 7:1–6. | Ephesians 4:15, 25 — Speak the truth in love and speak truthfully to one another. | Proverbs 15:1 — “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” Also 25:11: a fittingly spoken word is precious. |
| 4. Bring constructive new ideas | Exodus 31:1–6 — God gave Bezalel and Oholiab wisdom, understanding, skill, and creative ability for the tabernacle. | Romans 12:2, 6–8 — Renewed thinking and differing gifts enable believers to contribute in different ways. | Proverbs 8:12 — Wisdom is associated with prudence, knowledge, and discretion. Also 24:3–4. |
| 5. Learn and use new skills | Daniel 1:17–20 — God gave Daniel and his companions knowledge, understanding, and competence that they used faithfully. | 1 Timothy 4:14–15 — Do not neglect your gift; practice and immerse yourself in it so your progress is evident. | Proverbs 22:29 — The skilled worker will stand before kings. Also 1:5: let the wise increase in learning. |
| 6. Connect people | 1 Samuel 19:4–7 — Jonathan acted as a mediator, speaking to Saul on David’s behalf and bringing them together. | Acts 9:26–28 — Barnabas introduced Saul to the apostles when others were afraid of him. Also Acts 11:25–26, where Barnabas brought Saul to Antioch. | Proverbs 27:17 — “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Also 18:24. |
| 7. Take ownership | Nehemiah 4:6; 6:3 — The people worked wholeheartedly, and Nehemiah refused distractions: “I am carrying on a great project.” | Colossians 3:23–24 — Work wholeheartedly, as working for the Lord. Also Matthew 25:14–30, the parable of entrusted talents. | Proverbs 6:6–8 — The ant acts diligently without needing constant supervision. Also 12:24. |
Add Value Wherever God Places You
- Discern what needs attention.
- Improve how the work is done.
- Communicate truthfully and graciously.
- Create with God-given wisdom.
- Develop your abilities.
- Connect and strengthen people.
- Steward your responsibility faithfully.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” — 1 Peter 4:10
