An acquaintance talks frequently about the importance of living in what he calls "current reality" — not being in denial about the way things really are. A pastor recently told me how a video of his preaching shocked him into current reality. For years he had avoided viewing himself on Sunday morning. When he finally did, this is what he discovered:

—He frequently touched his face and head with his hands.
—His eyes scanned the room instead of pausing for a few seconds with each person.
—His delivery was not as forceful and strong as he thought.
—He belabored his points instead of making crisp transitions and moving on.
—He didn't smile much.
—He didn't use his arms for emphasis or interest.

The pastor told me, "What I saw about myself weakened my credibility as a preacher. If I had seen the same delivery in someone else, I would have had less confidence in that person as a leader."

Standing up to deliver God's Word is one of most critical aspects ...