Coffee With The Lord

Here is a periodic “Coffee with the Lord” Leadership tip…

I think we’ve all seen individuals that let a little authority and power go to their head.  They “throw around their weight,” are demanding, dictatorial, abusive and threatened by anyone who offers another opinion.  Tragically there are some of these kinds of leaders in Christian circles!  There is nothing “Christ-like” about the way they seek to lead others!  As spiritual shepherds go, they drive sheep – they don’t lead them.

But there’s the opposite extreme… The leader who avoids confrontation at all costs – the person who finds a place to hide when there is an issue to be dealt with – the “shepherd” who really wishes someone else in the “flock” would take over.  I know a few of these leaders… If you looked up the term “laissez faire” as a leadership term in the dictionary, their picture would be there.  They are directionless, convictionless, valueless, and  spineless.  Those who seek to follow them have no idea where they are headed, what the vision is, or what values they stand for.  They abuse by neglect.

I read a passage in the Bible today, penned by apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit that speaks clearly to this leadership issue (in fact, it’s found twice in 2 Corinthians – an epistle where Paul’s authority was being seriously challenged).  I think these verses provide an understanding of leadership and the use of authority that served as a guiding principle for apostle Paul (and I want it to guide me)…

“If anyone is confident that they belong to Christ, they should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as they do!  So even if I boast somewhat freely about THE AUTHORITY THE LORD GAVE US FOR BUILDING YOU UP RATHER THAN TEARING YOU DOWN, I will not be ashamed of it.” (2 Corinthians 10:7-8 NIV)

“This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority – THE AUTHORITY THE LORD GAVE ME FOR BUILDING YOU UP, NOT FOR TEARING YOU DOWN.” (2 Corinthians 13.10 NIV)

So the question is… How to avoid the two extremes I’ve presented.  How to keep the “authority automobile” on the road and not in either ditch…  I’ve come up with a little phrase personally that helps me; here it is… GOD WANTS ME TO BE “STEEL UNDER VELVET” – using authority to build others up, not tearing them down.  Think I need to go out and find more “velvet!”

A great “sip” today from Apostle Paul on the proper (and improper) use of authority

“The authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not tearing you down or destroying you.” (2 Corinthians 10:8 & 13:10 ESV)

It won’t be long before we enter the summer months when a lot of families enjoy family reunions.  During these times there are always unhurried opportunities to just sit around and tell stories.  In our family it is always entertaining to watch the youngsters in the group … they hang on every word as the “older folk” share humorous stories, interesting stories, exciting stories, stories of suspense, danger and delight.  In a family where Christian values are honored it’s not long before stories of God’s blessing, provision and power begin to surface.  Grandparents tell their stories of God’s faithfulness… Then parents add theirs… You can watch the youngsters lean forward with interest and soak it all in.  What an opportunity to “perpetuate the faith”!!  (I love that term … here’s a tribute to a wonderful lady and scholar, the late Dr. Billie Davis, who over the years helped give that phrase deep, rich significance for me”

I read these words from Psalm 78:1-8 that emphasize this wonderful dynamic…

 ^“O my people, listen! … For I will speak to you in a parable. I will teach you hidden lessons from our past— stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us. We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders…  He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them— even the children not yet born— and they in turn will teach their own children. So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. Then they will not be like their ancestors— stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God!” (New Living Translation)

Our family over the years has had several of those kinds of opportunities during the summer.  Perhaps you have a “family reunion” or another gathering scheduled this spring or summer.   I don’t know about you, but I want to take maximum advantage of every opportunity God gives our family to tell the stories of His faithfulness and “PERPETUATE THE FAITH!”