“This is getting far too complicated. Where do I start? So many choices!” I was in a local pharmacy, looking to pickup some toothpaste and razor blades. In front of me were shelves…..so many shelves! Row after row of product, all making claims that my life will be so much better if I purchase their particular brand. We’ve all been there.
I just had the same experience again, while in a bookstore, browsing the business/leadership section. As I stood in front of so many titles, all promising the latest and greatest tips and techniques, I couldn't help but ponder another question.
“Does leadership have to be this complicated?”
To be certain, there are many helpful perspectives, tips and tools that can be gleaned from what you would find in many of the books sitting on those shelves. With all the “mostly helpful” leadership perspectives on the rows in front of me I again asked the question, “Does leadership have to be this complicated?”
I wonder if……in the pursuit of the quick and easy answer coupled with our desire for the latest, greatest tip and technique that will solve our personal and business leadership challenges …we have been duped…seduced…lulled into worldly thinkin’, maybe even stinkin’ thinkin’?
Jesus has a direct and “full of grace and truth” way to invite you and me back to the simple (but not easy) way of leading. He reminds you and me that leading in the Kingdom of God can be different than leading from the perspective of the world around us. I have been reminded lately of Jesus’ clear, simple and yet profound words in the “Sermon On The Mount” Matthew 5:1 -12 MSG.
As you read His sermon below, ask God to inform your heart about your leadership of:
- Self
- People
- Family
- Business
- Community
- Etc…
What is He asking of you?
You’re Blessed
5 1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:
3 “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
4 “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
5 “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.
6 “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.
7 “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.
8 “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9 “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
10 “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.
11-12 “Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
Jesus takes leadership and brings it back to reality again. If you and I are not careful, we can lose sight of what is most important. We can choose to make leadership a complicated, ego-centered, need to be right, control-focused, self-driven compulsion.
Is your leadership complicated, burdened with too many choices? Let’s say “yes” together and choose to grow and lead His way, the Kingdom way….the “simple” way!
A Deliberate Reflection:
- As you read Matthew 5:1-12 MSG, what are you sensing God asking of you as you consider your leadership of self, business and home?
- Who will you share this with?
