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Leaders must avoid the dangerous reefs. This is to be aware of dangerous reefs because they can shipwreck you! Jude only wrote one chapter scripture, but the lessons in his text are powerful. Let us begin with understanding a little about his analogy of leaders and dangerous physical reefs. Where are your reefs?
Table of contents In This Blog
Marine Life and Reefs
First, we draw your attention to the physical meaning of reefs. Marine shipwrecks, created by humans, become artificial reefs. The ideal is to allow shipwrecks or wreckage to lie undisturbed on the ocean floor. Of course, this impacts marine life. There are similarities and differences in marine life between shipwrecks, which serve as artificial reefs, and natural reef habitats. Both artificial and natural spaces provide a home for fish, algae, and other living organisms. However, researchers found a difference in the organisms that gather around a shipwreck compared to those in natural spaces. For instance, the production of fish varieties increases around artificial reefs in comparison to natural habitats.
Although the intentional submersion of large objects in oceans has long been a practice of humans, this activity alters the ecosystem of marine life. The result is also a change in ocean composition. For example, chemical changes occur in the ocean’s water. As a result, these submersions alter the natural habitat, even at a distance from the shipwreck.
Exposure to Environmental Risks
Another consideration regarding reefs is the impact on air quality from shipwrecks used as artificial reefs. Even though researchers find some ecological benefits to artificial reefs, there are environmental risks that must not be ignored. In fact, our human lives depend on good air quality. Marine life is important to the air we breathe because oceans release oxygen. Ships consist of materials such as wood and metal. They decompose. Sinking ships can damage the natural habitats of our beautiful system of coral reefs (Shipwrecks As Artificial Reefs) and carry oil pollutants, bacteria, and other contaminants into the water supply. This process thereby influences the breakdown of photosynthesis and air quality.
Dangerous Human Reefs
Spiritually, Jude compares this phenomenon to ministry leadership. He uses this as an analogy to warn church leaders about the impact of human reefs. He warns the leaders about fellowship with humans who are like dangerous reefs (Jude 1:12). In his words, they care only for themselves. As trees in autumn, they do not bear fruit because they do not plant in soil that produces strong roots (Jude 1:13). In fact, these people are grumblers and complainers, and they operate as flatterers to get what they want (verse 16). Moreover, dangerous human reefs divide people. They carry pollutants and contaminate. Therefore, as a leader, the question becomes, “How should a leader respond to dangerous human reefs among you?”
Dealing with Human Reefs
Jude, as a leader, deals with this from a spiritual yet intelligent response. Further in the text, he offers these suggestions for caring for the people that they lead. Leaders:
- build each other up
- pray in the power of the Holy Spirit
- remain faithful
- show mercy to those who faith is wavering
- rescue others by snatching them from such flames of judgment
Yet, leaders ask, “What does this leadership look like in your natural world?” Successful companies in the business world recognize the value of good leadership traits. Although the terminology differs, the concept is the same for the servant leader. The mindset is scripturally grounded.
In the article “To Be a Leader, Model These 9 Traits” by Forbes Magazine, the view of a servant leader emphasizes spiritual connections. For instance, these leaders are self-aware, accountable, ask powerful questions, generous, and are change agents. Their focus is to serve others. Discern. Check your mindset to ensure that you recognize dangerous human reefs and act within the boundaries of wisdom.
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