"Still other seed fell on good soil" Mark 4:8
No leader bats 100%. It's critical that a leader understands this and measures their success accordingly. The Parable of the Sower reminds us that it is our job to get the word out and the job of the hearer to prepare themselves for what they hear and respond accordingly.
I read a status update today on Facebook from a very well known pastor that went like this, "Heavy hearted today for a shepherd surrounded by wolves. If most Christians knew half of the attacks their pastor has to take & is unable to say anything about they'd pray for them more & criticize them less."
Leaders who can't handle rejection, defeat, or delay just don't last (or they are so marginalized they make little impact). Leaders must live with the understanding that according to Jesus only SOME of the 'seed' they sow will fall on good soil and will produce good things. Boy, I wish someone had told me this 20 years ago when I was in college. It would have made things a lot clearer for me and REALLY helped!
Published on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 @ 12:19 PM CST
Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him.
Mark 3:13
When Jesus came for humanity, he invaded time and space. Here in Mark 3, Jesus calls the twelve to himself and makes the backdrop of the event memorable. He understood that humans are multisensory creatures; when a leader really wants to make something stick, he’ll choose a setting that will leave an indelible impression on his listeners so they remember not only the sounds, but also the sights that brand that moment into their memories. It was at this time that Jesus commissioned the twelve as his ambassadors. He choose the timing and the location to reinforce what he was about to do and say to his disciples.
I remember when I proposed to my wife Susie; I took her to The Thayer Hotel in West Point, New York for an incredible dinner. After dinner, we walked around to the back of the hotel and were treated to some of the most breathtaking views of the Hudson River. I got down on one knee and popped the question as I placed a ring on her finger; and the rest is our history together! There was a lot of planning that went into that moment because I wanted it to last a lifetime. Not every moment is meant to be so significant, but a wise leader understands the moment and the message and plans accordingly.
Have you ever tried communicating something of great importance to someone and it seemed to go in one ear and out the other? Next time, try giving a little more thought to the time and place and maybe it will make the words and moment more meaningful and memorable.
Published on Friday, January 22, 2010 @ 1:11 PM CST
1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
John 14:1-3
Beside the fact that these word of Jesus bring us incredible comfort in times of distress; knowing Christ will one day return for his own, these words also give us incredible insight into the perspective of the greatest leader of all time. Leaders always have a ‘Big Picture’ perspective. The long-term is always in view for a leader. This perspective helps to frame the choices in the present in light of the potential of the future. It was this perspective that allowed Jesus to say on the cross, “It is finished”. Jesus knew from the onset what his mission was, and what he needed to do to accomplish that mission. While still on earth, he gave his followers hope that he would still be working on their behalf even after he returned to heaven.
What is the perspective that you view life through, the immediacy of the present or the “Big Picture” perspective of the future?
Published on Monday, January 18, 2010 @ 11:04 AM CST
22”And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, he pours new wine into new wineskins." Mark 2:22
Followers try to protect the old way of doing things. Leaders think differently. They have a different perspective and outlook on life. Throughout Jesus’ ministry he continually tried to adjust his disciples and those in the crowd to see life from a alternate vantage point; the perspective of the Kingdom of God. Listen to how these words of Christ communicate a different perspective:
"Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." Matt. 22:21
"If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone.” John 8:7
“Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'”? Mark 2:9
"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Mark 1:7
"You are the salt of the earth. Matt. 5:13
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matt. 5:44
“If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Matt. 5:39
"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other”. Matt. 6:24
"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs”. Matt. 7:6
“By their fruit you will recognize them”. Matt. 7:16
Think about how you think today. Are you a protector of the 'status quo' or do you see things differently than others and come up with creative answers to challenges? I have often said, "It takes no talent to point out what is wrong". It takes leadership to point in a new direction and lead the way on how to get there!
Published on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 10:05 AM CST
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