John Maxwell's Commentary in his Introduction to Jude:
Lessons in Leadership:
* Leaders must use pictures to capture the hearts of their people.
* Leaders must express certainty when possible, but clarity at all
times.
* Effective leaders don't demand, but exhort, appeal, and urge others
to act.
* People need both negative and positive reinforcement.
Mike's Thoughts:
I have always struggled with the first point on using pictures to influence
people. I have just bought a book called, "the Power to Write" by Caroline
Joy Adams and I hope it will help me in this area. It is advertised as "a
writing workshop in a book" and has "Seven Keys to Discover Your Writer
Within". Isn't it interesting how virtually every modern leadership philosophy
that is worth its salt can find its basis in the Bible? I believe the above
mentioned traits are just as important in the family, if not more so, as they
are in the work place.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Can You Deal with Contention?
John Maxwell's Commentary in his Introduction to Jude:
Jude also teaches leaders how to communicate values. Every organization
has values, whether they talk about them or not. Jude urges his readers to
"contend earnestly for the faith" (v.3). He communicates simply and with
great humility, making an example of Michael, the archangel, who
contended with satan, but who spoke only in the authority and power of
Jesus' name.
Mike's Thoughts:
Of course this caught my attention because of my namesake. There are a several leadership lessons in this paragraph for me.
1- As a leader, I need to communicate the values of my organization
and/or family.
2- He speaks of "contending earnestly for the faith." In light of the
current economic, political, social and foreign relations challenges we are experiencing today, I have been calling for
Christians to stand up to the forces of evil and push them back.
Seems that Jude was calling for much the same in his day.
Perhaps it will be the major struggle of man until Jesus returns?
3- When confronted with a contentious situation, I am instructed how to respond .... to communicate simply, with great humility and ONLY with the authority and power of Jesus' name. Obviously,
in the secular work and family environment I usually cannot say out loud "in Jesus name", but I can certainly think and believe it. I
should seek His guidance before responding and then do so
simply, with humility and in Jesus' name, even if it is said so
silently. God will hear!
Jude also teaches leaders how to communicate values. Every organization
has values, whether they talk about them or not. Jude urges his readers to
"contend earnestly for the faith" (v.3). He communicates simply and with
great humility, making an example of Michael, the archangel, who
contended with satan, but who spoke only in the authority and power of
Jesus' name.
Mike's Thoughts:
Of course this caught my attention because of my namesake. There are a several leadership lessons in this paragraph for me.
1- As a leader, I need to communicate the values of my organization
and/or family.
2- He speaks of "contending earnestly for the faith." In light of the
current economic, political, social and foreign relations challenges we are experiencing today, I have been calling for
Christians to stand up to the forces of evil and push them back.
Seems that Jude was calling for much the same in his day.
Perhaps it will be the major struggle of man until Jesus returns?
3- When confronted with a contentious situation, I am instructed how to respond .... to communicate simply, with great humility and ONLY with the authority and power of Jesus' name. Obviously,
in the secular work and family environment I usually cannot say out loud "in Jesus name", but I can certainly think and believe it. I
should seek His guidance before responding and then do so
simply, with humility and in Jesus' name, even if it is said so
silently. God will hear!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
What to do about a Wanderer ...
John Maxwell's Commentary in his Introduction to Jude:
Jude teaches leaders how to confront those who meander from the vision.
He is direct, yet rational. He is convictional, yet compassionate.
Mike's Thoughts:
As a leader, when people in my organization begin to wander from the
vision of the company (or family or community), it is my job to "reel them in" and get them back on track. According to Jude, there are four characteristics I am to show when confronting a wanderer.
1- I need to be direct with the wanderer and not beat around the bush.
2- I need to communicate in a rational manner to the wanderer why
he/she is off base and why they need to stay focused on the
vision.
3- I need to communicate conviction in my attitude about staying
focused on the vision.
4- At the same time, I need to communicate compassion and
understanding to the wanderer.
Also, as a leader, I need to understand that on rare ocassion it may be
appropriate to adjust our vision to meet shifts in the marketplace or our own
capabilities and resources.
Jude teaches leaders how to confront those who meander from the vision.
He is direct, yet rational. He is convictional, yet compassionate.
Mike's Thoughts:
As a leader, when people in my organization begin to wander from the
vision of the company (or family or community), it is my job to "reel them in" and get them back on track. According to Jude, there are four characteristics I am to show when confronting a wanderer.
1- I need to be direct with the wanderer and not beat around the bush.
2- I need to communicate in a rational manner to the wanderer why
he/she is off base and why they need to stay focused on the
vision.
3- I need to communicate conviction in my attitude about staying
focused on the vision.
4- At the same time, I need to communicate compassion and
understanding to the wanderer.
Also, as a leader, I need to understand that on rare ocassion it may be
appropriate to adjust our vision to meet shifts in the marketplace or our own
capabilities and resources.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Do You Act When You Should?
John Maxwell's Commentary on 3 John 3-12:
Initiative: Leaders Are to Host the People in Their Lives
I his last letter, John uses the picture of a host. Hosts take initiative
with their guests. They do what is right by others, make them feel
comfortable, give direction to conversation, and provide for others.
Leaders, like hosts, don't react; they act. They go first and risk
whether the other person will respond positively. It is part of being a
leader. Consider what this letter teaches us about the leader as
"host." Leaders take initiative ...
* In their lifestyle (vv. 3,4)
* With others, especially strangers (vv. 5,6)
* In owning responsibility (vv. 7,8)
* In doing good, by acting and not reacting (v. 11)
* In modeling for others (v.12)
Mike's Thoughts:
Sometimes I find myself hesitating when I should be "going first" in a
leadership situation. I often justify my non-action as showing respect for
another or other leaders that are present at the time. I pray for wisdom to
know when I should act and for the courage to do so. (fmd)
Initiative: Leaders Are to Host the People in Their Lives
I his last letter, John uses the picture of a host. Hosts take initiative
with their guests. They do what is right by others, make them feel
comfortable, give direction to conversation, and provide for others.
Leaders, like hosts, don't react; they act. They go first and risk
whether the other person will respond positively. It is part of being a
leader. Consider what this letter teaches us about the leader as
"host." Leaders take initiative ...
* In their lifestyle (vv. 3,4)
* With others, especially strangers (vv. 5,6)
* In owning responsibility (vv. 7,8)
* In doing good, by acting and not reacting (v. 11)
* In modeling for others (v.12)
Mike's Thoughts:
Sometimes I find myself hesitating when I should be "going first" in a
leadership situation. I often justify my non-action as showing respect for
another or other leaders that are present at the time. I pray for wisdom to
know when I should act and for the courage to do so. (fmd)
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
How Do You Equip Your People, part 2?
3 John 1:6b:
If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well,
Mike's Thoughts:
Yes, same verse as yesterday... I feel like I needed to add to my ideas of
how to equip the people that I lead; especially in a secular environment:
4- Love the people.
5- Show them respect.
6- Listen to them.
7- Be a Christ-like example without beating them over the head with
Christianity.
8- Exercise tough love when necessary. (fmd)
If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well,
Mike's Thoughts:
Yes, same verse as yesterday... I feel like I needed to add to my ideas of
how to equip the people that I lead; especially in a secular environment:
4- Love the people.
5- Show them respect.
6- Listen to them.
7- Be a Christ-like example without beating them over the head with
Christianity.
8- Exercise tough love when necessary. (fmd)
Monday, June 22, 2009
Are You Equipping Your People?
3 John 1:6b:
If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well,
Mike's Thoughts:
What an excellent leadership mandate from John. If, as a leader, I can
equip my people to go about their lives at work, in the community, and
with their families in a manner worthy of God, I will do well. Sounds easy
enough, but just how do I go about equipping them in a manner worthy of
God? I've got a few ideas:
1- Help them to study God's Word.
2- Help them to learn to pray.
3- Help them to learn to have positive, uplifting, Christ-like
relationships.
If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well,
Mike's Thoughts:
What an excellent leadership mandate from John. If, as a leader, I can
equip my people to go about their lives at work, in the community, and
with their families in a manner worthy of God, I will do well. Sounds easy
enough, but just how do I go about equipping them in a manner worthy of
God? I've got a few ideas:
1- Help them to study God's Word.
2- Help them to learn to pray.
3- Help them to learn to have positive, uplifting, Christ-like
relationships.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Do Your Values Align?
John Maxwell on 2 John 1-4:
Values: Leaders Must Cherish Truth More Than Anything
Leaders need to examine their professional relationships in light of
their organization's vision. Energy follows when the leader's
personal beliefs align with the organization's values. When leaders
eliminate hypocrisy and deception from their organizations, libery
and power prevail. John uses the word "truth" five times in this
short letter to underscore the necessity of integrity.
Leaders must value truth more than anything else. When truth
presides in an organization, several benefits result:
1. Trust is evident among staff.
2. The leader has less mental clutter.
3. People feel the freedom to be transparent.
4. The leader has credibility when he or she speaks.
Mike's Thoughts:
I have worked in organizations where my beliefs did not align with the
company's values and it was always a contentious relationship. I would
encourage every leader to examine whether his/her beliefs were in line
with their organization's values. If not, I would offer the following advise:
1. Pray about it and a way to reconcile the differences.
2. Seek Godly counsel about it.
3. Make appropriate changes or adjustments.
Another point that stuck out to me is that the leader has less mental
clutter when their beliefs align with the organization's and the
relationship is based on truth. As a leader, it is so important for me to have
a clear mind and I am just not as effective if I'm having to juggle the clutter
of misalignment of values and the absence of truth. (fmd)
Values: Leaders Must Cherish Truth More Than Anything
Leaders need to examine their professional relationships in light of
their organization's vision. Energy follows when the leader's
personal beliefs align with the organization's values. When leaders
eliminate hypocrisy and deception from their organizations, libery
and power prevail. John uses the word "truth" five times in this
short letter to underscore the necessity of integrity.
Leaders must value truth more than anything else. When truth
presides in an organization, several benefits result:
1. Trust is evident among staff.
2. The leader has less mental clutter.
3. People feel the freedom to be transparent.
4. The leader has credibility when he or she speaks.
Mike's Thoughts:
I have worked in organizations where my beliefs did not align with the
company's values and it was always a contentious relationship. I would
encourage every leader to examine whether his/her beliefs were in line
with their organization's values. If not, I would offer the following advise:
1. Pray about it and a way to reconcile the differences.
2. Seek Godly counsel about it.
3. Make appropriate changes or adjustments.
Another point that stuck out to me is that the leader has less mental
clutter when their beliefs align with the organization's and the
relationship is based on truth. As a leader, it is so important for me to have
a clear mind and I am just not as effective if I'm having to juggle the clutter
of misalignment of values and the absence of truth. (fmd)
Friday, June 12, 2009
Does God Hear Your Prayers?
1 John 5:14:
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything
according to His will, He hears us.
Mike’s Thoughts:
I believe this verse is a lesson in prayer. When we pray we need to ask
our petitions according to His will. It does not say He will grant all of our
petitions, but that He will listen to us. The implication is that if we don’t
pray and ask for His will to be done, then He won’t hear our prayers. This
is very significant to me as leader because often in business and family
situations, I will rely on my experience and knowledge to make a decision
and not ask for God’s will. Often too, when I find myself in a hurry or under
stress, I may say a quick prayer and not ask in accordance with His will.
The Lord’s prayer, which is the model for all prayer given to us by Jesus
Himself, asks for His will to be done. So, my advice to myself will be to slow down, focus on my prayer, and ask for His will to be done.
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything
according to His will, He hears us.
Mike’s Thoughts:
I believe this verse is a lesson in prayer. When we pray we need to ask
our petitions according to His will. It does not say He will grant all of our
petitions, but that He will listen to us. The implication is that if we don’t
pray and ask for His will to be done, then He won’t hear our prayers. This
is very significant to me as leader because often in business and family
situations, I will rely on my experience and knowledge to make a decision
and not ask for God’s will. Often too, when I find myself in a hurry or under
stress, I may say a quick prayer and not ask in accordance with His will.
The Lord’s prayer, which is the model for all prayer given to us by Jesus
Himself, asks for His will to be done. So, my advice to myself will be to slow down, focus on my prayer, and ask for His will to be done.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
How to Have Daring Courage!
John Maxwell on Isaiah 63:11-14:
Daring Courage Comes from Deep Conviction
Isaiah recalls that Moses received his courage from his God-given
convictions. Moses relationship with God came first; next came a
foundation of convictions; and finally the courage to lead others
without compromise. Popularity with God controlled Moses’ life, not
popularity with people.
Mike’s Thoughts:
These verses in Isaiah give me a foundation for becoming an effective
leader with daring courage:
1. Put God first.
2. Have a foundation of Godly convictions/values/morals.
3. Lead without compromise.
4. By living the 3 steps above I don’t have to worry about being
popular with people. I only have to please God. I still need to
love the people I lead and treat them well and with respect.
But, if I live steps 1-3, then the people should know that I love
and respect them and they will love and respect me in return.
Daring Courage Comes from Deep Conviction
Isaiah recalls that Moses received his courage from his God-given
convictions. Moses relationship with God came first; next came a
foundation of convictions; and finally the courage to lead others
without compromise. Popularity with God controlled Moses’ life, not
popularity with people.
Mike’s Thoughts:
These verses in Isaiah give me a foundation for becoming an effective
leader with daring courage:
1. Put God first.
2. Have a foundation of Godly convictions/values/morals.
3. Lead without compromise.
4. By living the 3 steps above I don’t have to worry about being
popular with people. I only have to please God. I still need to
love the people I lead and treat them well and with respect.
But, if I live steps 1-3, then the people should know that I love
and respect them and they will love and respect me in return.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Are You a Perfect Lover?
John Maxwell on 1 John 4:17-21:
The Law of Empowerment: Love Casts Out Fear
Consider what John teaches us about living secure in Christ:
1. Embracing God’s love gives confidence (v. 17).
2. Leaders can incarnate God’s security and peace even in this
life (v. 17).
3. Enjoying God’s love eliminates fear and insecurity (v. 18).
4. We can love others only because God has given us His love
(v. 19).
5. Leaders must allow God to empower them with His love before
leading others (v. 19).
6. Our love for others is a sign that we love God (v. 20).
7. If I can’t get along with people, I can’t get along with God
(vv. 20-21)
Mike’s Thoughts:
These 7 points just reinforce the significance of the first 2 Commandments;
to love God and to love our neighbors. If I could just perfect those 2
Commandments, I would be a much better leader. Why can’t I achieve
perfection in these areas? Perhaps perfect love was only achieved on
earth by Jesus and the best I can do is continually strive towards His
standards. (fmk)
The Law of Empowerment: Love Casts Out Fear
Consider what John teaches us about living secure in Christ:
1. Embracing God’s love gives confidence (v. 17).
2. Leaders can incarnate God’s security and peace even in this
life (v. 17).
3. Enjoying God’s love eliminates fear and insecurity (v. 18).
4. We can love others only because God has given us His love
(v. 19).
5. Leaders must allow God to empower them with His love before
leading others (v. 19).
6. Our love for others is a sign that we love God (v. 20).
7. If I can’t get along with people, I can’t get along with God
(vv. 20-21)
Mike’s Thoughts:
These 7 points just reinforce the significance of the first 2 Commandments;
to love God and to love our neighbors. If I could just perfect those 2
Commandments, I would be a much better leader. Why can’t I achieve
perfection in these areas? Perhaps perfect love was only achieved on
earth by Jesus and the best I can do is continually strive towards His
standards. (fmk)
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Will You Love Without Fear?
1 John 4:10-12, 18, 21:
10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.
Mike’s Thoughts:
It is obvious to me that there is a very close and strong relationship between
loving God and loving our brother (and sister, obviously). Is it possible to love one without loving the other? Definitely not, especially in God’s eyes and who else is so important? I believe God’s message to me as a leader is clear; I am to love my brother as I love Him. If I don’t love Him, I can’t love my brother in a healthy way and if I don’t love my brother, there is no way I can love Him. Therefore, as a leader, I must love those whom I lead or my
efforts will be for naught as God won’t honor them. Another beautiful lesson
is in verse 18. If we have true love for God and for our brother/sister, then we are to love them without fear. How often do we hold back our love or our
feelings for a brother or sister out of fear of rejection or fear of not meeting
their expectations? I know that I have done so. It is obvious to me that God
expects us to love Him and each other without fear and I shall strive to love
in a Godly way. (fmd)
10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.
Mike’s Thoughts:
It is obvious to me that there is a very close and strong relationship between
loving God and loving our brother (and sister, obviously). Is it possible to love one without loving the other? Definitely not, especially in God’s eyes and who else is so important? I believe God’s message to me as a leader is clear; I am to love my brother as I love Him. If I don’t love Him, I can’t love my brother in a healthy way and if I don’t love my brother, there is no way I can love Him. Therefore, as a leader, I must love those whom I lead or my
efforts will be for naught as God won’t honor them. Another beautiful lesson
is in verse 18. If we have true love for God and for our brother/sister, then we are to love them without fear. How often do we hold back our love or our
feelings for a brother or sister out of fear of rejection or fear of not meeting
their expectations? I know that I have done so. It is obvious to me that God
expects us to love Him and each other without fear and I shall strive to love
in a Godly way. (fmd)
Saturday, June 6, 2009
The Calling of a Leader
Isaiah 62:10
10 Go through, Go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; Build up, Build up the highway! Take out the stones, Lift up a banner for the peoples!
Mike’s Thoughts:
What a great calling for me as a leader. I am to be bold and courageous to
go “through the gates”. What are the “gates?” I believe they are the
challenges I face as a leader. What does it say on Star Trek; “To Boldly
Go Where No Man Has Gone Before?” That’s what I think about when I
read this passage. For me, the “gate” may be starting a new Bible study or
starting a new networking group or entering into a new business arrangement. A “gate” may also include changing careers or moving the
family to a new place or coaching kids sports or starting a family Bible study
or starting a health fair or any number of new adventures that require stepping out of my comfort zone to create a new path whether large or small. Once I go through the gate I’m to “prepare the way for the people!”
This is an extraordinary responsibility. As a leader I’m called to prepare the
way for the people so that they can easily transition out of their comfort zone
and follow me through the gate. How well I’ve prepared the way will determine how smoothly the transition is made by those I lead. This is an
easy test of my leadership skills. If the people I lead make a smooth
transition, then I’ve done a good job, if not, then I should’ve done a better
job. A large part of making the transition smooth for the people is how well
I prepare the path by “building up the highway” and “removing the stones”.
To me, this means preparing a clear path of transition with as few obstacles
as possible for the people. Finally, I’m to “Lift up a banner for the peoples!”
Obviously, I’m to be supportive of the people and lift their spirits up through
my actions and my words. (fmd)
10 Go through, Go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; Build up, Build up the highway! Take out the stones, Lift up a banner for the peoples!
Mike’s Thoughts:
What a great calling for me as a leader. I am to be bold and courageous to
go “through the gates”. What are the “gates?” I believe they are the
challenges I face as a leader. What does it say on Star Trek; “To Boldly
Go Where No Man Has Gone Before?” That’s what I think about when I
read this passage. For me, the “gate” may be starting a new Bible study or
starting a new networking group or entering into a new business arrangement. A “gate” may also include changing careers or moving the
family to a new place or coaching kids sports or starting a family Bible study
or starting a health fair or any number of new adventures that require stepping out of my comfort zone to create a new path whether large or small. Once I go through the gate I’m to “prepare the way for the people!”
This is an extraordinary responsibility. As a leader I’m called to prepare the
way for the people so that they can easily transition out of their comfort zone
and follow me through the gate. How well I’ve prepared the way will determine how smoothly the transition is made by those I lead. This is an
easy test of my leadership skills. If the people I lead make a smooth
transition, then I’ve done a good job, if not, then I should’ve done a better
job. A large part of making the transition smooth for the people is how well
I prepare the path by “building up the highway” and “removing the stones”.
To me, this means preparing a clear path of transition with as few obstacles
as possible for the people. Finally, I’m to “Lift up a banner for the peoples!”
Obviously, I’m to be supportive of the people and lift their spirits up through
my actions and my words. (fmd)
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