Faith Venture

Insecure Leaders

November 6, 2012

Imagine that you are the supreme political leader. More powerful than the President of the United States. On a whim or a bet, you can have people killed.

Yet, you are isolated in a palace surrounded by people who tell you how great you are to your face, but who also are constantly on the watch for opportunities to do you in and take your place. Whom do you trust?

Such was the lot of middle eastern kings 3,000 years ago–and probably up to the time of Saddam and Qaddafi.

Our small group was reading Esther. Suddenly a point was made that I had never considered before. King Artaxerxes, although all powerful, holding the power of life and death in his hands, was actually pretty insecure. And therefore easily manipulated if you were smart and conniving enough to work it out. Or if he had plenty of wine–there seems to be a lot of that flowing in the story.

We meet him (in this story, he is prominent in other stories, as well) during a banquet (which doesn’t last several hours, but several days–evidently they really needed something to do). He and his “friends” are getting pretty drunk. He decides to show off his beautiful wife, but she refuses to act like a common dancing girl. Oops, wrong choice. She’s banished to the back parts of the harem.

So, he gets another beautiful wife. She knows how to work men like a potter can a lump of clay. She has a political agenda. Her tribe has antagonized a powerful leader and is about to be exterminated. She has a banquet. Plenty of wine evidently. She sets up her enemy. A TV script writer couldn’t have composed a better scene. She wins. Gets her wishes.

It’s a great story. Not entirely sure where I was going with this. But as you assume leadership positions in church or other groups, watch out for who is manipulating whom. Or who lashes out from insecurity. Or maybe you men out there should be careful of beautiful women. Especially beautiful women and too much alcohol. That would be a formula for disaster, wouldn’t it?

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Which Path Am I On

November 4, 2012

Sometimes you begin to wonder if God is trying to get your attention. Like when you are reading through the Bible and the same theme pops up.

Like in last Friday’s readings in Proverbs:

“Some give freely, yet grow all the richer; others withhold what is due, and only suffer want.

A generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water.

The people curse those who hold back grain, but a blessing is on the head of those who sell it.

Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor, but evil comes to the one who searches for it.

Those who trust in their riches will wither, but the righteous will flourish like green leaves.” (11:24-28)

Or this one from Proverbs 23:4, “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to desist.”

Then on Sunday I read the gospel at church in place of my wife who was off doing “grandmother duty.” The passage was from Luke 12:

Jesus said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” And again, “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

My wife and I are quite generous with our money–at least compared to the average American. But still you wonder, is God hinting (or “whispering” to use Bill Hybels’ word) that perhaps I’m still too attached to earthly things. I’m a gadget freak, but I justify them as tools to do my job better. But am I still holding on to something? Or striving for the wrong things?

That’s a question to ponder periodically. Am I still on the path of a rich relationship with God? Or do I still have a foot on the other path–that of striving for riches?

[Note: I was in New Orleans at a conference last week. This week in Philadelphia at another one. I’m working on a plan to keep the posts up, though.]

Posted in Ethics | Leave a Comment »

Talking to a Fool

November 1, 2012

Do you ever feel like you’re talking to a wall? OK, wives, no need to think about that one. I get that feeling when I hear political discussions during this quite contentious election season. So many people made their minds up early–usually based on nothing more than emotion–and discussion is fruitless.

We find in Proverbs 23:9, “Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, who will only despise the wisdom of your words.” OK, that may be a little harsh to blanket everyone. But it’s worth thinking about.

First, you can’t have a discussion with people who have emotionally held beliefs. All you can do is listen. Nod your head to show you’re listening. Hold your piece and move on. The only thing that changes that type of person is another huge emotional experience. Hence the preaching method of evangelists.

However, we read in Proverbs 23:12, “Apply your mind to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.”

I suppose it’s my personality type (ENTP if you must know), but I take information in and weigh it then make decisions on the information. It’s not that I don’t have emotionally held beliefs. But I’m always willing to change if presented good evidence to the contrary. People with different personality types who judge first based on criteria and evaluate information as to whether or not they agree ahead of time always amaze me.

I think we need to recognize different personality types. But I think that we would be wise to listen to the wisdom of Proverbs and apply our minds to instruction and our ears to words of knowledge.

Posted in Listening | Leave a Comment »

Practicing Civility

October 29, 2012

Someone in church yesterday called my wife and me “idiots.” Well, not directly. But in hearing distance of quite a radius around her, she called everyone who doesn’t agree with her in this current national election an idiot.

I happened into a group of people as one person stated, “People [of the other political party] are so closed minded.” Me, being me, said, “Oh, I bet they would say the same thing about you.” And they probably do.

There are many reasons to like one side or the other. Sometimes it’s merely emotional attachment. Sometimes it’s rational. Sometimes flawed reasoning. (One of my economics professors said that most people really don’t vote their economic interest. Pulled out some backing statistical data. Then I thought, did he also teach the “economic man” theory that people always make rational economic decisions? Hint: we don’t.)

But none of that is a reason to hate each other. Or call personal names. Or spread slander across the Internet.

My study in Proverbs brought me to this nugget in the 24th chapter:

Do not rejoice when your enemies fall,

and do not let your heart be glad when they stumble,

or else the LORD will see it and be displeased,

and turn away his anger from them.

Amen.

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Living With the One God

October 26, 2012

There are two ways to read the Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures).

One way is the story of the Hebrew people. That is sort of what I was taught in college. If I were Jewish, that’s probably what I’d be taught. A religious history, but history nonetheless. The other way, which I’ve been studying, is the story of how God speaks to people, tries to set them free, invites them to live with Him.

But I’m fascinated by Abraham. And then Moses. Why is it that Abraham began following and living with the One God. All his neighbors, relatives and friends from his home town–and humans maybe from the beginning–worshiped tribal gods, nature gods, gods for everything and every superstition. Maybe they had a “head god” such as Greek, Roman and Norse mythology. But still, many Gods.

Moses grew up in the home of a “son of god”–Pharaoh, king of Egypt. A religious cult had been developed around the king. And they had many gods.

Abraham left no story about his first encounter with God. Maybe it was like Moses. Remember the story of the bush that was afire, yet not consumed by the fire? So he went to investigate and wound up talking with God.

Must have been a time where Abraham had a similar experience. God–the creator of the universe, the only God–talked to Abraham. And he listened. I’m not sure which would be the greater miracle.

The old testament follows the trail of this God. He keeps telling the people that they should be a light to the rest of the world. To lead others to God. They kept rebelling. Then they would learn what happens when you don’t live with God. Then they would rebel. On and on.

Happens to us, too. We try to teach people about the One God. Teach them the love. The freedom. But people rebel. They don’t want to live with God.

I’m fascinated. Abraham followed God through many experiences until the promise was finally fulfilled. Moses followed God, trying to explain God to the people, teaching them how to be free to live with-God. Enduring endless criticism.

How did it start? Why did they persevere? It’s amazing.

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Maturity, Responsibility, Discipline

October 25, 2012

When I was an adolescent, those three words–maturity, responsibility and discipline–were anathema. They spoke of stodgy old people, not to vibrant, young, liberated people. I probably reflected my generation. Probably lots of generations of adolescents.

Even as early as the 60s, sociologists were writing about how American society was prolonging adolescence in its young. I think maybe other societies are doing that today.

The president of the Dayton Region Manufacturers Association, Angelia Erbaugh, told me yesterday at a small regional trade show held just north of Dayton that manufacturers are looking for people to hire. Trouble is they need people that meet two criteria. The first requirement is for the appropriate technical skills. The second relates to maturity–willing to show up for work every day, able to pass a drug test, able to work with others.

This started me thinking about maturity, but the post I had in mind I had already written. However both of those criteria fit my central focus of developing Spiritual Disciplines, or put another way, Spiritual Practices.

First, we have to accept responsibility for ourselves and our actions. We have to make responsible decisions. Getting an appropriate education is our responsibility–not society’s or our parent’s. We must develop the practice of study and learning.

Getting up every day and working is a human need and requirement for survival. It’s a basic step in maturity. Almost everyone can do this. For those few who cannot for reason of disability or otherwise, then we as a society should help them out. Most of us just need to “suck it up” and go do something.

Paul says when he was a child, he acted like a child. When he grew up, he put aside childish ways. We should go and do likewise.

Posted in Disciplines | Leave a Comment »

Kindle a Flame in the Spirit

October 24, 2012

I love the cartoon, Dilbert. Scott Adams has really captured the soul of the engineer–and some would say the soul of the manager. He often gets right to the heart of the matter.

Dilbert’s “Pointy-Hair Boss,” “We don’t care what smart people think. There aren’t that many of them. We only need to convince our dumb customers. Dumb people believe anything.”

Do you sometimes feel that leaders or managers treat you that way?

Problem is that many people latch on to a belief system and then believe anything that is told them that fits within their system of beliefs. Therefore, they are easily manipulated.

This works in politics, in churches and in commercial life.

Therapists will tell you that it is very hard for people to step back from themselves, examine their belief systems and then take actions to improve them–and live a life more fully in line with what God wants for you.

Americans in the early 20th Century were passionate optimists that education would cure this. So, we are all now more educated–both academically and in our religion. Yet, we’re still gullible to that manipulation.

I think one of the more powerful concepts of the past 30 years has been the concept of Seekers. It tries to approach people by considering them Spiritual Seekers. Practitioners point the way not only in belief, but also in Spiritual practices–especially study, prayer and service.

The German poet Goethe said it’s not just in the knowing, but in the doing also.

One of my favorite thoughts comes from the ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates, who said, “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” We’ve spent too much time filling vessels, too little time kindling the flame.

I look also at Spiritual Practices in the same manner.

We need to kindle that flame within us. But we also need to be flame kindlers to others.

Posted in Disciplines, Study | Leave a Comment »

How Do You Gain Respect

October 19, 2012

I have known people who believe that they should be respected because of the position they hold. I still know people who believe that.

A man was elected to a local governing board. He finished third out of four people running–with three to be elected. He took office and claimed a “landslide victory with a mandate from the people.” Sorry, I called “bull” on that one.

Another man believed that myth of being respected because of being newly appointed to a leadership position. Then he became very good at what he did, and then gained respect.

Bill Hybels touched on this topic while discussing Proverbs. He said that you gain respect and influence only by adding value.

It’s not what position you have, it’s how much value you add. You can have influence far beyond your position simply by working hard and adding value to your organization, your community, people around you.

Proverbs 21:5–the plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to want.

Work hard at what you do. Add value wherever you go. Be diligent.

[As a side note: Web search engines are far too good. I don’t think I’ll use the “s-word” again. Over the course of a few days since I wrote on love and “s..” there have been at least 30 “comments” to the blog from sites that I would never link to–don’t want to use the “p” word, either. I find this simply amazing–and I don’t live under a rock. Fortunately I moderate comments so that the spam is diverted before it can be published.]

Posted in Living | Leave a Comment »

Love is something you do

October 17, 2012

I last talked about playing chess and how it teaches you to look ahead. Another thing about chess players who are at a high level is that they really don’t see individual moves with an “if-then-else” logic. They see patterns. They look at a chess board and see a pattern that they recognize and know how to make decisions on the next move in order to move the pattern toward a winning outcome.

Life is like that. Individual decisions seem harmless. These decisions add up to a pattern. You can easily find yourself in a pattern of doing the wrong things–or the right things.

What sort of pattern is your life weaving? Are you tending toward being someone who is welcomed? Or whose presence is dreaded? Do you find yourself in a pattern of losing relationships and life wasted? Or a pattern of service and love?

The first of the Spiritual fruit Paul lists is love. Many people still mistake love as an emotion. You know, that gushy, hormone-filled, lose-your-head emotional high. They are wrong. Infatuation is not love.

Love is action. Love is something you do. Following Jesus, you act out love in the way you treat people. The way you serve people. You actually develop emotions from actions. As you act, so you will begin to feel. But the feeling is more mature. It’s more akin to empathy than infatuation. It’s more real.

It’s something you do.

Posted in Disciplines, Ethics | Leave a Comment »

Looking Ahead Anticipating Consequences

October 16, 2012

Did you ever learn to play chess? It can be viewed as a complicated game with different pieces able to make only specified moves. A rook moves only on ranks and files, while a bishop moves only on diagonals (so one is always on white squares and the other only on black squares). The queen combines the two, making her the most powerful piece. Meanwhile the knight sort of hops–like on a horse that hops, I guess–always going up two over one.

I once played the game a lot. In college, I’d go to the commons area and pick up games. Sadly, I haven’t played a game since somewhere around 1975. It is a great battle of wits.

The most important trait I developed playing chess was the ability to look ahead. I think about this every time I’m in traffic and see people who don’t anticipate or look ahead at the traffic. It seems so simple to me–built into my nature.

I’m studying Proverbs right now, but I’m also contemplating on the fruit of the Spirit. The writer of Proverbs begs us to learn from Wisdom. As Bill Hybels, senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church, puts it, it’s one thing to say, “next time, I’ll know better,” but another thing to learn from Wisdom, other writings in the Bible and from other wise people so that “I’ll know better before I do the act.”

It’s that kind of looking ahead, realizing that each move you make has consequences in the future, that will save you much grief.

Speaking of looking ahead, I surely didn’t anticipate the spam comments and also search terms that led to this blog as a result of using the “s” word recently. The Internet can be a great place, but evidently porn is everywhere and on many minds. Maybe I was able to influence at least one of those searchers in a positive way ;-}