It’s been pretty intense over the past few weeks watching the economy, the forecast, the campaigning, and the promises. I just don’t see how any one could be shocked at what is happening right now. We are a greedy people. How else can you explain the outcomes we are seeing? We spend more than we make. As a nation, we no longer save. We spend on credit. We balance books in the gray areas. We don’t question questionable business decisions. The bottom line is the only line. AND then we wonder how we got into this mess.
I think this provides a perfect opportunity to be salt and light. Light is used to expose darkness. We can bring biblical truth into a dark economy right now. Think of the biblical wisdom written about making wise decisions, being prudent, seeking knowledge and wisdom over gold. We can be salt also. We can help preserve the culture just like salt preserved food 2000 years ago. We can run our businesses with integrity. We can do what is right, even if its hard. What a perfect opportunity we have to share the gospel.
And on a last note, we need real leadership in this country. And real leadership is not being liked. Someone needs to step up and make the tough decisions because they are right, not because they are liked! That is the true definition of a leader. Do you think Lincoln was liked when he made the tough decisions? Not by half of the country….But he made the tough decision and a nation was saved. It wasn’t easy. There were scars and casualties, but it was saved. Who will that be in 2008? Are they even running for office?
Posted in: Leadership
If you have not read The Faith, by Chuck Colson, you need to. This is a great work that is refreshing to read. The premise of the book is learning the foundational truths about Christianity and why knowing them is important. C.S. Lewis called this “mere Christianity” and historically it has been called “orthodoxy.”
If you find history, or church fathers, or teachings from those in the past boring or overrated, listen to this quote as it has challenged me greatly:
“It may seem odd to rely on the ancient roots of Chritianity at a time when progress is so exalted. But progress does not always mean discovering something new. Sometimes is means rediscovering wisdom that is ancint and eternal.”
I’ve got to chew on that some more, but I think there’s a lot there.
Posted in: Uncategorized
I’m reading The Good Life, by Chuck Colson right now. Just getting started, but if its like any of his other books, then it will be thought provoking, challenging, encouraging and a good read. Here is a quote that I’ve been thinking through all morning…
Most of us think of freedom as the absence of restraint or the elimination of responsibility. But that’s not it at all. Each of us is called to some work, and our ultimate joy and fulfillment–yes, freedom–will come in our obedience to that mission.
Freedom is the product of surrendering to the call that God gives us. Trying to fulfill that mission brings freedom. Why then do I get bogged down? Why do I feel like there are 30,000 things to do on my list? Why do more why’s continue to come?
Some of this I think is personality. I like vision and ideas. New things excite me. It is easy for me to add things to my list, but hard to get them off.
Some of this comes down to execution. Knowing a mission and fulfilling a mission are two completely different things. Learning how to execute might be one of the best assets a leader forms.
What are you called to? What is your mission? What is your work?
end note: great callings don’t have to be starting large organizations or making the olympics. There are many “Free” teachers, moms, youth ministers, and many more people out there embracing and running after their mission.
Posted in: Uncategorized
Law 4: The Law of Navigation.
Summary:
A leader must see the big picture of where they are going and all the trip will entail
Thoughts:
-A leader needs to see the big picutre
-You must see the obstacles before you hit them-AND be prepared
-Learn (and plan!) from your mistakes
-Leaders must balance optimism and realism, intuition and planning, faith and fact
-You must plan and prepare if you are to lead
-When you prepare well, you convey confidence and trust to your people
Take-Aways:
I must place a higher priority on planning
I need to put stuff in writing
I need to develop and implement a planning system that looks at the entire pciture and process
Posted in: Uncategorized
Law 3: The Law of Process
Summary:
Leadership/Influence does not come over night.
Thoughts:
-Leadership comes from what you do daily over the long haul
-It is the capacity to develop and improve their skills that distinguishes leaders from their followers
-Successful leaders are learners
-Get a little better each day. Learn something new
-Learn what you don’t know.
Take-Aways:
Here are the things I want to start doing daily, weekly, monthly and yearly to continue to improve:
-Study Scripture
-Memorize Scripture
-Read, listen to good leadership talks and sermons
-Read more biographies
-Spend more time with talented, proven leaders
-Exercise
Posted in: Uncategorized
