Coffee With The Lord

A periodic leadership lesson…

Some seek to lead with a strong hand, harsh words and threats in order to get what they want done. That approach, over time, is not only increasingly ineffective, it requires more and more harsh words and threats. Furthermore, in is an approach that is contrary to godly values!

Apostle Paul addressed Christians “masters” in Ephesians 6:9 and gave this advice to them as leaders: “stop your threatening, knowing that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him!”

So when Apostle Paul appealed to Philemon for mercy on behalf of the runaway slave, Onesimus, this was his approach…
“Though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you… in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord… Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ! Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.” (From Philemon 8-22)

No threats… No strident words… instead, an approach that I have called “steel under velvet!” Hey, it’s much more effective and Christlike! Leaders would be much more effective if they would “lower their voice” when giving directives to their subordinates! In those instances, “style is just as important as substance” … and for Christian leaders, it is more godly and reflects better their Christian values!

Lord, help me always to behave like a Christian when I lead others!

There are incredible blessings and benefits to truthfulness as a consistent lifestyle – always “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15)! This is how we can make a lasting impact on others – our community, our colleagues, our close friends, our children and certainly, our cherished spouse! … AND as an added benefit, also enjoy the “favor of the Lord!”

Verses I read today during my time of “coffee with the Lord” powerfully made this point…

“Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy. No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble. Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight!” (Proverbs 12:19–22 ESV)

My prayer today after I read these verses? “Oh Lord, I want to live my life ‘truthing it’ … consistently! Please ‘nudge me’ when I am tempted to do otherwise! May truthfulness become my life-habit!”

There are riches greater than the money you have, the possessions you gather, or the property you own.  These are investments with no downside (and they’re eternally secure – Matthew 6:19-20)!  Does your investment adviser know about this?

“The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and He adds no sorrow with it!”  (Proverbs 10:22)