Attention To The Details

Attention to the Details

When I was in my late teens, I had the chance to apply for a management position with the Pappas Restaurant Company, a large, family-owned restaurant chain based in Houston, Texas. I interviewed with Harris Pappas, one of the three brothers who owned the company. I remember that interview distinctly because Mr. Pappas revealed to me what I already knew about myself. He showed me through various aptitude tests that I didn’t really like paying attention to the details. I remember he challenged me by saying something like “Your future success will be determined by how well you master the details.” The older I get, the more I realize Mr. Pappas was right.

For me it was noticing the details, but for you it might be the ability to multitask, or to be persuasive. We all have areas where we need to be challenged. There is one area where each of us needs to be challenged if we are to excel in this life. It has to do with our hearts and our speech. Proverbs 22:11 states, “Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech will have the king as a friend.”

You see, when you attend to the details of keeping the heart from being polluted, your speech will be gracious. But if you allow the heart to get bitter, everyone will know. This will keep you from progressing.

Remember Jesus’ words from Matthew 12:34, “Whatever is in your heart determines what you say.” There is a direct correlation between your heart and your mouth.

Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech will have the king as a friend.

Proverbs 22:11