Have you noticed the world's ways of life and business are very different than Jesus' example? You know, "be first, win the race" vs. "The first shall be last" or "look out for #1" vs. "love is not self seeking". Most of what we've heard is important over the years doesn't agree with God's word. I've heard many call the Christian world view called an "upside down Kingdom".
Look at leadership teachings. Self help book authors tell us to dress a certain way, speak a particular vocabulary or even declare we must be born into "the right" group. Compare this to the bible, where we are taught to follow Jesus. We are told He isn't overly attractive, wears plain clothing and simple sandals. Jesus actually serves His disciples by washing their feet. He graciously offers patience to silly and even moronic questions asked by His followers. He never causes them shame and often tolerates frustrating happenings with his group. How many of you work for a "leader" like Jesus? Not a lot of us are blessed with someone similar.
I overheard a conversation recently where someone felt to be successful they must appear to be a leader even to the point of possibly calling themselves a leader when introducing themselves. Imagine, "Hi, I'm Daphne Keys, Leader of Secretaries. Nice to meet you!" Or "Hi, I'm Daphne Keys, best wife and mother in the world." But, how many organizations actually do this in their advertising? Think about it. "The toothpaste dentists use". "The ultimate driving machine". "We bring good things to life". (Thinking about this one with Jesus makes me laugh....got distracted, sorry.)
Jesus never announced His presence nor His identity. He simply allowed others to notice who He was and allowed God to move hearts of those who would follow. He walked in the confidence of knowing who He is and what He was called to accomplish. There was never a demand to follow or believe - people chose to follow and believe. What a beautiful picture!
Challenge for today: Who are you? What are you called to accomplish? Write it down. If you don't know for sure, talk with a loving, truthful friend about it. When you figure it out, walk in it. Be confident in who you are and what you are called to do. Don't prove yourself to anyone. Just do it.
Look at leadership teachings. Self help book authors tell us to dress a certain way, speak a particular vocabulary or even declare we must be born into "the right" group. Compare this to the bible, where we are taught to follow Jesus. We are told He isn't overly attractive, wears plain clothing and simple sandals. Jesus actually serves His disciples by washing their feet. He graciously offers patience to silly and even moronic questions asked by His followers. He never causes them shame and often tolerates frustrating happenings with his group. How many of you work for a "leader" like Jesus? Not a lot of us are blessed with someone similar.
I overheard a conversation recently where someone felt to be successful they must appear to be a leader even to the point of possibly calling themselves a leader when introducing themselves. Imagine, "Hi, I'm Daphne Keys, Leader of Secretaries. Nice to meet you!" Or "Hi, I'm Daphne Keys, best wife and mother in the world." But, how many organizations actually do this in their advertising? Think about it. "The toothpaste dentists use". "The ultimate driving machine". "We bring good things to life". (Thinking about this one with Jesus makes me laugh....got distracted, sorry.)
Jesus never announced His presence nor His identity. He simply allowed others to notice who He was and allowed God to move hearts of those who would follow. He walked in the confidence of knowing who He is and what He was called to accomplish. There was never a demand to follow or believe - people chose to follow and believe. What a beautiful picture!
Challenge for today: Who are you? What are you called to accomplish? Write it down. If you don't know for sure, talk with a loving, truthful friend about it. When you figure it out, walk in it. Be confident in who you are and what you are called to do. Don't prove yourself to anyone. Just do it.
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