The Leadership Cartesian

As leaders, every day looks like a fight and our leadership post appears to be a battlefield. Every circumstance we face and every decision we make is either emotionally overwhelming or exhausting. In either state, both result to physical drain. Should we lose in the first fight, the worst thing we could do is to mourn for our defeat. Every leader knew that the fight is not ended by the first defeat. There is a subsequent game of restitution. However, when we are always on the losing side, our leadership post is at stake. Thus, no leader would voluntarily occupy that seat. I personally believe that when God anoints a leader the smell of his victory is upon his reach. However, this very victory could also make or break our leadership, so we need to watch out for our attitude. The panorama could be taken from the glimpse of Saul’s leadership as the first king of Israel. His preliminary successful attacks on enemies had driven him to become impulsive (1 Sam. 13:13) which resulted to rebellion against God. His arrogance (1 Sam. 15:23) has led him to a life of bitterness (1 Sam. 14:52) taking the battle as his own (1 Sam. 14:24). He is now focused on “annihilation of enemies” instead on “submission to God”, putting his troops into a possible defeat and jeopardizing his son Jonathan.

Just like Saul, our leadership is affected in four directions. It can be illustrated on a Cartesian plane. Our position at the center indicates (origin) that our leadership is affected by God, our family, other people and our enemies. God (+y) has sovereign power over us. A good leader always seeks for divine wisdom before making a decision. Our family (+x) serves as our support system as we lead others (-y) under our authority in their walk with Christ. However, no matter what we do to avoid them, we will always have enemies (-x) left. They also affect our leadership, one way or another. Our greatest enemy could be ourselves.

Indeed, we must always obey God’s direction, carefully examine our decision, and bring our success below our head because the consequences could be greater than the result we expected.

Giving in despite losing out

Saul got the highest seat because of the Israelites clamor to Samuel to have a king just like other nations, particularly their enemies
(1 Samuel 8:5). I am amazed despite it wrecked God’s heart, he allowed Samuel to give in to their battle cry(1 Samuel 8:7). He even changed Saul’s heart to make him fit for the position(1 Samuel 10:9). But something tells me, that when God gave in to something despite it was painful to him, doesn’t mean he has lost his argument. Rather we must be cautioned of the possible consequences (1 Samuel 8:9) because all he wanted is to accomplish his purposes for us. Look at what happened to the Israelites. They rise and fall as their king rises and falls before God’s eyes. They could have a peaceful, abundant and secure lives had they not asked for another king - who could abuse his power and authority over men
(1 Samuel 8:10-18).

How much are we willing to loose in order to give in to God? Or, are we still fighting against him in spite of the love he gave us through his son Jesus?

A Never Ending Debt

I’ve been so anxious how to repay the amount I borrowed from a certain individual. And as I kept on thinking how I will overcome this trap, there is one thing I am neglecting. Aware of my obligation to repay the credit, but I have no idea that there is still one that I owe constantly. Though I’m trying to follow the law of the land, I maybe am overlooking the decree of the Lord. Paul says; Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love another, for who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law (Ro. 13:8). It is apparent that any debt must be paid up to the last account. It is also right to think that every time we forget to love our neighbor, there is still more to catch up the next time around.

Jesus regarded “loving our neighbor” as the second greatest commandment (Mark 12:30-31), while Paul compares it to a debt to remind us that we need to repay. Jesus gave the law while Paul explains the law. They have a common hope that we fulfill the law in our lifetime. It accomplishes God’s purpose for us-become a loving person like God who lavishly showed his love for us through his One and Only Son, Jesus Christ and paid the debt of our sins so we can be free from its bondage.

Why First Impression Lasts?

Nobody is excused from being misunderstood by somebody. Perhaps you have been through to it, just recently. We could honestly say that our Christian walk is also misinterpreted though we're trying to live the character of Christ. Did you know the reason behind the misconception of you? Why these people keep on tagging you of such impression despite of trying to change your image? Studying Joshua 22:10-34 made me realize the following key principles:

1. We are misunderstood because of historical accounts involving us.
2. We are misunderstood because of legalistic (self-centered) point of view of others toward our actions.
3. We are misunderstood in our rightful intention that is wrongly communicated to them.
4. We can still leave a good mark, despite being misunderstood.

Acts 22:15 says, “You will be his (Christ) witness to all men of what you have seen and heard”. As followers of Christ, we no longer reflect our own image, but Christ’s. We should carry the name and character of Christ, thus making us his witnesses—who testify to the world the true image of Christ that is upon us. Let's continue living this challenge of being a true witness who gives honest testimony (Prov. 12:17) and does not deceive (Prov. 14:5) but saves lives (Prov. 14;25).

When You Think You're Worth Nothing...

As much as i would want to discuss this particular topic, I opted not so you can discover it yourself through self-realization and God's revelation. I would suggest you read Ephesians Chapter 1, here it says what God has done for you. Find the big picture. Who you are in Christ--- your position.Having that great position comes with great responsibilities (study Chapter 2). It's not too late to learn!

All I can say is you are worth the blood of Christ.

Feeling Alone?

These are the key principles I've learned when I'm trapped to this feeling. I've shared them with my small group of young adults just recently:

1. Realize that God knows it’s a lonely feeling being alone.
2. Recognize that we need the help of others.
3. Remember that God will be our eternal companion.
4. Revere God even in your dark moment.

Remember this,

1 Peter 5:7 (CEV)
God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.

Feeling Left Alone?

I’m always trapped to this egocentric feeling of being left alone most of the time. This feeling is not uncommon to all leaders like me, who honestly invest their time, effort, energy and resources in order to lead people. It’s an uneasy feeling that nobody wanted to follow you, or nobody accomplished anything. It’s like total silence in a crowded place, what is really going on here?

As I reflect on how Moses comforts Joshua in Deuteronomy 31:8 “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged”, I remember two persons who have been like a Moses to me: Patrick Tan and Albert Maglasang. They’re always around to lift my spirit and comfort me in those troubled moments. Thanks to both of you. Most of all, they would encourage me to run to our eternal refuge- Lord Jesus Christ (Psalm 46:1).

Our God would not cause anything to discourage us but it’s always the work of Holy Spirit to comfort us. As I lean my trust on Him, the anxious feeling is replaced by confidence of victory. The success of my plan depends on how much time I spend of the floor. After all, I am just His servant, died on myself and living in Him and for others.

Can you still see God’s glory amidst your desperate situation?

When You Can't Stand It Anymore...

Have you ever seen an injustice, or the worst, ever experienced it? Or have you ever felt like taking an action in whatsoever you have experienced or seen, or did nothing at all? Many times in our lives we felt unsatisfied with what's going on, in our family, in our community, in our church, in our workplace, in our country or to the whole world. Less that we care on what's really going with our lives. We even blame others and setting apart ourselves from the problem. But do we really know why such things happen and when we say, "it's unfair!"? Have we ever tried to do to make it fair?

Our life is like the pieces of a puzzle, like a pixel of an image, which totally constitute to the promise of a big picture or a clear image of an object when combined together. You've maybe suffered injustice, committed a crime, passing through a beggar, robbed of your cellphone, gossiped about, belong to a dysfunctional family, abused, put in shame, name it! Certainly, it wrecks your heart and maybe until now. The Bible says about them in Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." There it goes! It works for our own good only if we love him (God) and we understand why we were created by him (purpose)! It is always a common belief that the ways of God is always good, however we missed out some words, it works for our own good! I don't mean to mislead you that the will of God is bad. It is always good! And its even beyond our own understanding! (Deut. 29:29). Everyone wants good things happen into his life. But life proves that it's not perfect, it's not always good, it's sometimes bad or worst. Our right relationship with God will help us see life in a different perspective. In fact, our spiritual maturity reflects in all aspects of our life. It shows how well do we know God when it comes to managing our finances, commitment, relationships with people, our integrity, resolving conflict, approaching problems and coping up with pain.

How do you respond? After all, it's your choice on how to deal with these sufferings in order to survive. Will you say I can't stand it anymore, God use me mightily for your name's glory. Will you come to the Lord deeply broken and in total surrender so he can reveal the wisdom behind your pain? Your decision is still your choice. Will you continue standing by, or can't you stand it anymore?