Repetition

​A Russian proverb says, “Repetition is the mother of learning.” Zig Ziglar noted, “Repetition is the mother of learning, the father of action, which makes it the architect of accomplishment.”  Great leaders are masters of repetition and recognize it as a tool for more effective leading.

In communication, leaders consistently reinforce the mission and vision of their organization to ensure understanding, obtain buy-in, and sustain focus.  They do this verbally and in writing.  They reinforce what right looks like and use frequent praise and affirmation to build and maintain motivation. Sam Walton, the founder of Wal-Mart, wrote, “Nothing else can quite substitute for a few well-chosen, well-timed, sincere words of praise. They’re absolutely free and worth a fortune.”[1] Clarity and retention are byproducts of well-reinforced information.  
            
In discipline, leaders use repetition for exercise, learning, resting, and eating nutritious food. They avoid harmful addictive behavior (computer games, gambling) that wastes their time, steals their energy, and degrades their mental prowess.  By forming and protecting healthy habits, they set examples for others to emulate and follow.
 
Meditation
Exodus 4:30--Aaron repeated everything the Lord had said to Moses and performed the signs before the people.
 
God spoke His intent to Moses. Moses shared His message with Aaron, who then relayed it to the Israelites. Repetition was essential for understanding God’s will and plan for rescuing them from Egypt. Imagine the chaos that would have ensued if Moses had tried to fulfill God’s will without informing his countrymen!  Instead, he reinforced God’s message as persecution by their Egyptian oppressors increased. Beware of leaders who profess “a word from the Lord” but keep it to themselves. They are no better than narcissists if they are unwilling to disclose and repeat what God intended for sharing.
            
For spiritual growth to occur, repetition is a must.  God insisted that the Israelites remember His words.  He specifically instructed Moses, “These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (Deuteronomy 6:6,7).  Later, He told Joshua to recite day and night the words passed down through Moses so that he would carefully observe and obey what God wanted (Joshua 1:8). Unless one has a photographic memory, memorization is only possible through repetition.  Say it, repeat it, meditate on it, and flourish (Psalm 119:15)! 

©2023 Daniel York  ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you want to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed, subject to the inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)

[1] https://getlighthouse.com/blog/power-of-repetition-successful-leaders/