Simple! Simple! Some things are just simple and they are not to be ignored. Some things, based on historical facts, should make us wiser, and not drive us to repeat the same mistake(s) over and over. #Simple
Unfortunately, humans have the tenacity to make the simple – complicated. Were you warned not to touch the hot stove? Did you listen and obey?
Warnings can be so simple that our curiosity gets the best of us, so we “touch the hot stove anyway.”
One of the things that I teach in my book (Servant Leadership NOW – “Stepping Up Your Leadership Call”) is the need to understand cult-like leadership that leads to disobedience and destruction (pages 93-96). History shows that mankind, misled by influential leaders, will “drink the cool-aide anyway!” Cultist leadership has existed from ancient times to present day. Today, as then, God cautioned us against leadership that will destroy the soul.
Satan understands that if he controls your mind, he controls your actions (Eve, in the Garden). Satan convinced Eve that she would be like God if she ate the forbidden fruit. It was her desire that caused the action of rebellion (sin) led by Satan.
When we fashion God to fit our own realities – to suit our beliefs, our way of thinking, we fail in the pursuit of His wisdom. When we promote culture, the way we live as the standard, we fail in the pursuit of His wisdom. When we equate our lives by the measurement or standard of celebrity status and popular figures…we fail in the pursuit of His wisdom. What we end up with is “fool’s gold (pyrite).
Think about it: In human realities, temperaments and dispositions are temporary fixtures among the status quo and subject to change based on the latest fab. Humans often see the world through their own reality and establish standards based on what they view. Well, “People standards change!” Most often, human insights are defined by their personal interests or goals. It becomes difficult to distinguish the “forest from the trees.” But, not all is lost.
Even when the most reasonable leader can be unreasonable; the most accommodating human become unaccommodating; and tactful negotiation become quarrelsome by the most measured and well-meaning leaders – there is a simple standard from God.
- Man-made power is not permanent. It is temporal.
Fortunately, God’s standards do not change. We are NOT to fit God in our standards; rather, we are to live by His standards of operation. As servant leaders, our service must meet the approval of God and not of man. This is the leadership that pleases God (Servant Leadership NOW, Warning Against False Teachings and Deception, page 93).
2. Measuring yourself against people-standard is blinding because people standards change.
G. Bulluck
How then do we handle everyday life in a world system? What is God’s standard of operation?
It seems that catastrophes are ever present. In dealing with catastrophes, we face them by explaining that God is in control. There is evidence that this statement is not a mere platitude. Personally, it seems as if before I can grasp one event, another event (just as devastating) occurs. Before I can offer condolences to one person, another is waiting in the wing – not withstanding my own personal circumstances. I find myself bewildered and in need of God to sweep me up and hold me with His loving arms. Coupled with prayer, we must be anchored with:
Faith – Hebrews 11:1 NKJV – Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hope – Psalms 39:7 (NKJV) – “And now, Lord, what do I wait for?
My hope is in You.
Love – Matthew 22: 37-40 (NKJV) On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
“But without faith, it is impossible to please God.”
(a) Faith – Your call is to not be destroyed by what you see. As a servant leader, life must be met with simplicity by your faith in God. Through faith in God, we are able to handle difficulties and move forward. We must avail ourselves to His resources. God’s plan is a simple one – not complex. It is based on His wisdom. Although we see and experience suffering and pain, God has promised that we will prevail through sufferings and pain and our faith in Him is rewarded. Those who walk in faith in God will yield a harvest. Weeping may endure for a season, but joy comes in the morning. Without this type of faith, we will feel defeated. It is the type of faith that heals physically, spiritually and emotionally. Mark 5:34, “And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.” Putting faith in God is our stronghold. Read Hebrews 11:6, But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
“His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.”
(b) Hope – There is a simplicity of hope. In these overwhelming times, we are not without hope. Life IS hope in God. That is the fullest of our life. God’s simple standard requires that we allow Him to control every aspect of our life – family, church, career, time, social, political, and government. It is not hope as the world gives but as God gives. Matthew 10:29-31 reminds us that no matter what is going on, God’s eye is on us and he cares for us: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Oh, I am inclined to make this a simple testimony.
Ethel Waters used to sing a song (written by Civilla Martin) “His Eye is on the Sparrow.” Some of the words are:
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
“Love is of God for God is Love.”
(c) Love – I know what it is like for mothers, fathers, grandparents and families who live in fear of what an every day, simple task could lead to a deadly situation in this modern day society. Statistics show that Black and brown people are most often negatively portrayed in society. Going to a movie, playing in the park, walking home after a game, going shopping, etc. has led to unarmed people killed by those who have been sworn to protect its citizens (again, the data reflects the harm that occurs, disproportionately). We fear for our children.
All over this world, people experience fear, just in trying to live out their lives in simplicity. It happens in all societies. The fear from militarized societies is real. It is a global epidemic. Yet, God’s standard of living is based on love. If you love God, then you love people – His creation. When people do not see the humanity of another, it is because they do not choose love and this leads to demoralization. What happens? People live in fear and become easy targets in society.
Jesus taught that love is the answer. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us, 1 John 4:12 NIV; 1 John 4:8, “God is love.”
Concluding that servant leadership must be guided by The Father, let us not get weary in our journey. Fashion your leadership by God and pray for the type of leadership that pleases Him. Cry out to the Holy Father.
Admittedly, my prayers are not always audible. Sometimes, I offer up silent prayers occupied by tears (#weeping). I shed tears for many reasons: i.e., for those who are lost, those who are hurt, those who cannot show empathy for others, and for those who show hate toward the least among us. We pray for those who are bound by cultist leadership as God says we must do. Our compassion is from God. Pray for the salvation of our children and the leadership that they deserve – ordained by God.
Show your leadership compassion and pray for family and the Church. For the time will come and our prayers will no longer be needed in this Earth.
#simple
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