The Most Important Thing You Could Ever Do

It was Star Trek: The Next Generation that made the quote “He who dies with the most toys, wins” famous.[1] Like so many television productions it set out to make a statement regarding a rampantly destructive societal oddity--specifically on this occasion--consumerism.

s
The following story is about a man who had everything; materially rich and a person of material means, he never thought that his plans for selfish expansion with no thought of what he could do to help others might end in his swift destruction. He thought not of his inherent destiny; we all die. This is what God had to say:

s
“God said to [the rich man], ‘You fool! This very night your life [literally ‘soul’ or ‘life-force’] will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’

s
“This is how it will be with those who stores up things for themselves but are not rich toward God.”

-Luke 12:20-21 (TNIV)

s
Isn’t it ironic that someone else ended with this man’s riches; and it probably went to someone a lot kinder to boot. It reminds me of the proverb: “Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.” Again, “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” Yet a third... “Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.”[2]

s
Our life objective could otherwise read, “Carpe diem--seize the day!” It would certainly make more sense. Who can tell when his or her last breath has been taken? Given that thought, of our imminent worldly demise, what could you do right now to choose life; for yourself and for others?

s
Look at those around us. What we do for the least of these we’ve done for God[3]--we’ve been rich toward him. Wisdom says, “whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.’[4] So it is with those who’ve been rich toward God.

s
The things of God are eternal yet unseen, whereas ‘stuff’ and toys, whilst seen, are temporary. In the context of life they’re insignificant unless they’re used for God’s purposes. We’re to throw off the shackles of greed, ‘guarding ourselves’[5] from becoming polluted by the ever-present Western material world. We must surely know “that greed and the pursuit of possessions constitute one of the greatest obstacles to spiritual growth.”[6] “True wealth is only accumulated when one has God in mind in the use of one’s economic means.”[7]

s
Things might be actually going swimmingly for us; life might be grand. But we never know when it will all be over. Time vanishes. How are we using our material possessions and the wealth we have? Are we using it wisely, ‘treasuring up’ (Greek: thasaurizon)[8] our resources for those we could assist? What legacy are we leaving behind assuming today is it and all we have?

That is the reality; it’s the nature of life.

s
Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

s
I would like to acknowledge the spirited and anointed sermon of Ps. Johan de Swart’s at Mandurah Baptist Church, Western Australia, on 28 September 2008 which inspired this article.
S

ENDNOTES:
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Most_Toys_(TNG_episode)
[2] Proverbs 28:8, 22:9, 28:27 respectively; all from the Today’s New International Version (TNIV).
[3] See Matthew 25:40, 45; Luke 9:48.
[4] See Proverbs 1:33 (TNIV).
[5] Leon Morris, Luke – Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, Revised Edition (Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1974, 1988), p. 232.
[6] Darrell L. Bock, Luke – The IVP New Testament Commentary Series (Downers Grove, Illinois, 1994), p. 224.
[7] John Nolland, Luke 9:21-18:34 - Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas, Texas: Word, Incorporated, 2002 (Word Biblical Commentary 35B), S. 684.
[8] John Nolland, Ibid, S. 687.

Wisdom Is Making The Most Of Every Opportunity To Do Good

Everyone knows we’re here not for a long time, but a good time, right? I know, there are two ways you can read that... typically, people use that statement as an excuse to do things with their bodies and minds that defy the laws of health and common sense. Just the opposite is true in living a wise life. How do we have a genuinely good time? Paul writes to the Ephesians on this very subject, advising them how to live:

S
“Look carefully then how you [are walking]! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.

S
“Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.” -Ephesians 5:15-17 (Amplified Version modified).

S
Look carefully then how you are walking / redeem the time
Living wisely has the sense of ‘redeeming the time,’ and why? Because the ‘days are evil.’ Purely the fact that we will finally experience death is enough to suggest this; our days are numbered. That in itself is a cruel thought no matter how reconciled we might be toward death. The Devil would have us waste our lives, and those subject to carelessness, laziness, and neglect are subject as much to Satan as they are to anything, notwithstanding their core belief system. “Life is not to be squandered, but rescued from evil and lived to the full for God.”[1] Once our time is gone it’s gone for good.

S
Reclaiming time, therefore, is a wisdom activity. It is judicious planning and use of time. Wisdom in New Testament tradition is living as the saved do; it is the salvation experience, and that chosen on a daily basis. We’re to buy up time intensively.[2]

S
‘Walking wisely’ is the key in the Greek. This is why I chose the Amplified for this passage because it is the closest to the Authorised Version where Paul is saying literally, “Therefore, look how carefully you are walking.” “The point is not how carefully one is to observe [in life] but how one is to walk,” i.e. living wisely is a practical exercise.[3]

S
Understand and firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is
The will of the Lord is more than a message for our individual lives; it is incorporating the overall plan of God. It is the Holy Spirit who calls us to the Father and the Son, exhorting us to a daily experience in the Divine, “in a more vital way in terms of practical living.”[4] It is “the formation of a people into the likeness of Christ who will be pure and blameless on the final day” that reflects the true will of God.[5] Understanding the will of Christ is to be wise.[6]

S
Just like we’re apt to remove things attributes of the Holy Spirit that don’t suit, (grieving him immensely)... for instance, those ‘baptised in the Holy Spirit,’ who might speak in tongues and prophesy, but who lack the interaction with the Spirit regarding justification and sanctification are kidding themselves. We cannot selectively take from the Spirit, or attribute one part over the other. That is application of false doctrine that the apostles deplored in much of their writing.

S
We “are to understand by careful consideration of individual circumstances what is the will of the Lord and then to carry out his will.”[7]

S
Conclusion
Making the most of our opportunities to do good is a wisdom activity, as is ‘walking’ carefully through life with an accent on the practical (faith without works is dead). Understanding the will of the Lord is a holistic venture which requires a very practical use of discernment to do what ought to be done each moment. Above all we should “watch closely [being mindful] because missteps are easy and the consequences disastrous.”[8]

S
Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

ENDNOTES:
[1] Harry Uprichard, Ephesians – Study Commentary, (Darlington, England: Evangelical Press, 2004), p. 291-92.
[2] Harold W. Hoehner, Ephesians – An Exegetical Commentary (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2002), p. 692.
[3] Harold W. Hoehner, Ibid, p. 691-92.
[4] Harry Uprichard, Ibid, p. 300.
[5] Harry Uprichard, Ibid, p. 293.
[6] Harold W. Hoehner, Ibid, p. 699.
[7] Harold W. Hoehner, Ibid, p. 699.
[8] Klyne Snodgrass, Ephesians – The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1996), p. 300.

Letter To The “Unhappy Drinker” – Hope At Last

The problem drinker is confounding both to him or herself and to just about all others their lives touch. They routinely and chronically harm themselves and others with their lack of self-control; and if they are the type of user of alcohol that’s able to tightly mask its effects, they’re no closer to remedy than the wanton alcoholic. This is where the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), founded in 1935, is an absolute God-send for beleaguered sufferers; alcoholics and their loved ones. The “Big Book” is the ‘gospel’ of AA. In it hope is expounded. The following message takes ideas from the chapter, “A Vision For You.”[1]

s
The true alcoholic has been awakened more than once by the hideous Four Horsemen: Terror, Bewilderment, Frustration, and Despair. They’re “unable to imagine life either with alcohol or without it.”[2] Having tried constantly to give up drinking and having failed dismally each time life becomes bleak, and even absolutely hopeless at the extreme. It’s a sinkhole syndrome down to an ever-increasing rock bottom.

s
The ‘rock bottom’ is variously referred to. When the sufferer is sick and tired of feeling sick and tired and they are swept up by the Spirit, their salvation from addiction awaits.

s
Within AA, many find hope, and from the most unlikely source--from spirituality. If you are a sufferer you might quickly find “the most satisfactory years of your existence lie ahead... and the major liabilities of thirty years of hard drinking [can be] repaired in four.”[3]

s
For AA, “no one is too discredited or has sunk too low to be welcomed cordially--if he [or she] means business.”[4] Unity has real meaning transcending typical barriers. And it works when we attempt to ‘pass it on,’ the message of spiritual salvation from alcohol. The very mark of AA is “the very practical approach to [your] problems, the absence of intolerance of any kind, the informality, the genuine democracy, [and] the uncanny understanding which these people had... [and it is] irresistible.”[5]

s
Many still-suffering alcoholics have prayed though some would never admit it. We can ask God through prayer any time and “the answers will come, if [our] own house is in order.”[6] It is more than possible to live happily in complete sobriety. Look at how many do it.

s
The final paragraph in this chapter warrants quoting:

s
“Abandon yourself to God as you understand God. Admit your faults to Him and to your fellows. Clear away the wreckage of your past. Give freely of what you find and join us. We shall be with you in the Fellowship of the Spirit, and you will surely meet some of us as you trudge the Road of Happy Destiny. May God bless you and keep you--until then.”

s
Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

S

ENDNOTES:
[1] “A Vision For You” in Alcoholics Anonymous, Fourth Edition (New York: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., 1939, 1955, 1976, 2001), Chapter 11 pp. 151-64.
[2] Ibid, p. 152.
[3] Ibid, p. 152, 156.
[4] Ibid, p. 161.
[5] Ibid, p. 160.
[6] Ibid, p. 164.

Wisdom And Balance In Judging

“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.”

–Romans 2:1 (NIV)

s
A base thought regarding this verse is the following:

s
“Whenever we find ourselves feeling justifiably angry about someone’s sin, we should be careful. We need to speak out against sin, but we must do so in a spirit of humility. Often the sins we notice most clearly in others are the ones that have taken root in us. If we look closely at ourselves, we may find that we are committing the same sins in more socially acceptable forms.”[1]

s
There is a hypocritical trap in judging people adversely. But in this there is also the trap of self-condemning oneself when suitable and godly judgment need take place. Christians are apt at falling into both traps.

s
The essence in this is balance. We must act on knowledge simply by being aware and not calling adverse attention to it. Being adult (i.e. reasonable, rational, realistic, responsible and logical) in this way means we recognise faults in other people -- that thing we’re to avoid in them, and we simply use this knowledge wisely without bringing harm to the person or to limit them unless they’re a danger to themselves or others.

s
Here too, Paul might be suggesting “anyone who might judge another [could or should] include himself or herself in the scope of his accusation.”[2] He is also calling forth a time when creatures would no longer judge, but the Creator will. I mean, ultimately, whose role is it to judge?

s
“Judging itself is not condemned... [but we condemn ourselves when we] practice the same things.”[3] In the cultural context of the Romans passage, the “Jews are condemned for... not merely judging but also practicing the very evil that they denounce.”[4] To this, Paul does not necessarily mean the Jews were practicing the idolatry and homosexuality as many Gentiles were that he was referring to... but he targets the ‘inherentness’ of a heart against the things of God. [5]

s
The moment we go past knowledge into judging people from an emotion base (and we’ve all done it, and do it from time to time) we’re probably guilty of that same thing Paul talks about -- because the emotion probably indicates we have inherent sin issues to deal with ourselves. Judge, but know that judging brings us to potentially dangerous territory; let’s tread cautiously, adding ourselves to the ‘scope of the accusation.’ Inevitably we’ll be fairer with others as a result.

s
Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

s

ENDNOTES:
[1] The New International Version, Life Application Study Bible, (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1988, 1991), p. 2029. Commentary on Romans 2:1.
[2] Douglas J. Moo, The Epistle to the Romans – The New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT) (Grand Rapids, Michigan: W.B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1996), p. 130.
[3] Thomas R. Schreiner, Romans – Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (ECNT) (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House Co., 1998), p. 107.
[4] Thomas R. Schreiner, Ibid, p. 107.
[5] Thomas R. Schreiner, Ibid, p. 107.

“Be The Bearer of Praise” – Commentary on Balthasar Gracian

His Art of Worldly Wisdom is an enduring classic and with this advice we know why. There is something princely and regal about this advice that follows, italicised.

s
Be the bearer of praise and this will be something like how it is:

s
This increases our credit for good taste, since it shows that we have learnt elsewhere to know what is excellent, and hence how to prize it in the present company. It gives material for conversation and for imitation, and encourages praiseworthy exertions. We do homage besides in a very delicate way to the excellences before us. Others do the opposite; they accompany their talk with a sneer, and fancy they flatter those present by belittling the absent. This may serve them with superficial people, who do not notice how cunning it is to speak ill of every one to every one else.

s
Praise is untouchable. Nothing can come close to it for genuine strength of impression. It’s inspirational and motivational and all from the purest of motives. Praise is based in truth as flattery is based in lies. It fervently wants the best for others and self.

s
It’s all about the heart. When talk is accompanied with a sneer as is so common, debauchery and gossip are not far away. People absent are sold out to convenience as the present are given a ‘boost’ whether they deserve it or not. Praise however finds the truth to say and flies higher with the divine.

s
Praise puts on display its good learning; it is applied wisdom and the praxis of living well and above the norm. It’s easily emulated and duplicated; it’s magical and it ‘sticks’ to those around it. It’s a shining example of how to truly approach life. Those who choose praise prove by doing so they actually know God. It’s that simple.

s
Many pursue the plan of valuing more highly the mediocrities of the day than the most distinguished exploits of the past. Let the cautious penetrate through these subtleties, and let him not be dismayed by the exaggerations of the one or made over-confident by the flatteries of the other; knowing that both act in the same way by different methods, adapting their talk to the company they are in.

s
Why do so many fly so low? It seems a default choice that takes us to the commonplace destination called ‘nowhere’ -- the place of the swamp; there’s no life there. There’s no goal or purpose to life but to suck out the very sap from the tree, spewing it haphazardly all over the place, without thought or regret, even awareness. It’s appalling and contemptible. Better it is to research the best of the past, re-inventing it.

s
The ‘cautious’ person looks for the duplicity in all of this, not that they wish to look down on people... they simply want to be dealt with on real terms without all the smoke and mirrors. They’ll not take seriously wanton flattery; in fact, they’ll deplore it without showing it. The best praiser forgives these smooth transgressions instantly, amazingly, finding a prayer for the weak individual who’s engaged in such obsequiousness.

s
Perhaps most basely the thing that separates those who incessantly praise from those who incessantly sneer, is hope. Hope is such a powerful key to abundant life. It makes all the difference.

s
Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Be Transformed... Become An Overcomer

There is a secret to life that is hardly ever understood let alone realised and achieved. But successful people -- people with a history of longevity of success i.e. proven success -- always seem to employ it. It is the science of faith to overcome. The US Marines are famous for their ‘improvise, adapt, overcome’ slogan. What I’m suggesting is very close to this US Marine philosophy. It is hard to implement because it is very practical. Hard work, character, commitment, and creative thinking are musts for it to work consistently. Yet, with a simple faith it is quite straightforward to do.

s
There is a gospel way of relating this representation of faith:

s
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:2, 21 NIV)

s
We overcome best when we’re thinking differently compared to the way the world typically thinks. The common person often thinks in ways that confound difficulty and make it worse, and this is certainly characterised in the taking of simplistic action by treating the symptom of problems rather than the cause. Little do these people realise that a slightly different attitude and approach, one that expresses faith, could have overcome the situation -- and often in the most creative ways, that in retrospect would have been easy.

s
We are so easily fitted with the right tools to overcome. For instance, we can simply ‘Do good.’ Thinking good is necessary to do good, and it requires a true heart based in faith.

s
Another thing is to “Contend for the faith...” (Jude 3) There are many ways of interpreting Jude’s imperative. The ‘faith’ he means is the gospel,’ yet we could easily take it from the macro to the micro and see him telling us, ‘Contend for your faith.’ Not only does it take foresight and awareness to avoid being stripped of the faith to overcome, it takes courage, patience, and perseverance; in sum, resilience. And it’s a moment-by-moment, constantly-aware kind of resilience; of royal bearing.

s
Expressing faith in daily life is as much about facing frustration positively and finding the unique way for overcoming it. It’s either tremendously difficult or ridiculously easy. In my personal experience there are no better words than the following from Oswald Chambers (1935) which he titles ‘the discipline of difficulty’ to describe this paradox:

s
“God does not give us overcoming life: He gives us life as we overcome. The strain is the strength. If there is no strain, there is no strength. Are you asking God to give you life and liberty and joy? He cannot, unless you will accept the strain. Immediately you face the strain, you will get the strength. Overcome your own timidity and take the step, and God will give you to eat of the tree of life and you will get nourishment. If you spend yourself out physically, you become exhausted; but spend yourself spiritually, and you get more strength. God never gives strength for to-morrow, or for the next hour, but only for the strain of the minute. The temptation is to face difficulties from a common-sense standpoint. The saint is hilarious when he is crushed with difficulties because the thing is so ludicrously impossible to anyone but God.”[1]

s
The whole Chambers quote leads us to the final sentence. With faith anything can be achieved, and in the light of hindsight, with ridiculous ease. Yet we are so apt at making our problems bigger than Ben Hur; certainly bigger than they ought to be. We’re often against ourselves and our thinking can be our worst enemy at times. Faith is the key. When we can renew our minds through the Holy Spirit’s charge over our lives nothing stands in our way, nothing. If God is for us who could be against us?

s
Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

s
[1] Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest, (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Discovery House Publishers, 1993), Aug 2 page. Available online: http://www.myutmost.org/08/0802.html

40 Descriptions of Faith

For centuries many have mused and created literary works and art to describe faith. These below are but a mere portion of the concepts of faith.

s
Faith is:

s
1. Listening to that little voice inside us -- our conscience -- and doing what it says.
2. A feeling of assurance even when nothing assuring is seen.
3. Exercising tolerance when we would rather not.
4. An expression of, and a necessary ingredient of, courage.
5. A key input to the diligence -- the dutiful show faith.
6. Patiently waiting when we’d prefer to be satisfied now.
7. Seen when we overcome temptation.
8. A prerequisite to miracles in New Testament tradition.
9. Part of the reputation of the calm.
10. Aided by prayer and surrender.
11. Useless without actions to back it up -- and it grows with practice.
12. True friendship.
13. Hearing correctly the messages of God.
14. A combination of assurance and anticipation.
15. Being wise enough to listen to the reproof of fair criticism.
16. Trust; in thought and deed.
17. Evidence that we fear God.
18. Acceptance and openness.
19. Proven in the furnace of testing and...
20. ... In the belly of despair.
21. Standing firm under trial -- the revealing of character.
22. Glorifying to God when people recognise it in us.
23. The basis of much thankfulness and gratitude.
24. Sincerity, integrity, and reliability.
25. A shield; a protection in times of trouble.
26. Never losing hope and persevering instead of giving up.
27. Forgiveness based in the intent and action of redemption.
28. Something that cannot be lost like a material possession can.
29. The key to Christian living.
30. A powerful and heavenly force.
31. Not knowing all the answers.
32. Essential to pleasing God.
33. Victory even in the midst of defeat.
34. A fight: with only three opponents -- with self, the Devil, and the enemies of God -- but in a multiplicity of situations and...
35. Also a fight to the end.
36. Detachment to one’s desires.
37. Illuminated when we meditate on things of the Spirit.
38. Proved through persecution.
39. Makes us right with God.
40. Finally, the blessing of God and a sign of the Elect.

s
Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Act While There Yet Is Time!

“And of all glad words of prose or rhyme, the gladdest are, ‘Act while there yet is time.’” -Franklin P. Adams.

s
Are you ever guilty of putting the cart before the horse? What about doing the nice work before the necessary? Or do you find yourself rushing about constantly arranging urgent priorities? Most of us think we have so much time, yet we get trapped by our lack of time all the time!

s
The title is a crucial imperative; but what does it mean? There is a good old farming proverb that takes us further into this cognitive territory: “Arrange your outside work, and get your things ready in the field; afterwards build your house.” (Proverbs 24:27 translation)[1] It simply means we should attend to necessary priorities of life (and some of these admittedly that we have no control over) first, then, if we get the time, do the enjoyable, fulfilling things.

s

Consider these things:

s
- Pay bills before they lapse;
- Exercise before you get tired;
- Sleep before you get overtired;
- Spend time with your partner or children before it’s too late;

- Do the work for your employer (your master) that you promised; and,
- Do your studies before you do more enjoyable things.

s
It’s a case of planning to get our priorities right and then having the self-discipline to carry through -- this is what it means to be responsible. Responsibility is an adult behaviour and adults ought to manage their lives responsibly... though many do not. These people who constantly shelve the critical things in their lives to chase enjoyment merely ‘follow the wind’ and do themselves a lot of harm at the end of the day, though they refuse to see it. The simple advice; don’t be one of them!

s
We see here wisdom is practical. The sages of old were practical people. They did their work first, and then they rested. They attended to their fields and then, and only then, did they build their farmhouses. “Preparation for the material needs... should be attended to first.”[2] It means we must sacrifice what comes naturally for the unnatural. But it is an investment; no one has truly rested without having worked hard beforehand.

s
We might think that if we don’t do such and such now we’ll miss the opportunities to do them; we must have faith that if it’s meant to be time will become available. This is where the good life is an expression of faith.

s
Lastly, this is a call to be diligent. True diligence is selfless. It takes life as a bunch of even, level-ground opportunities where everyone and every situation might be judged on its real merit and then time apportioned commensurately. On the other hand, doing our own thing regardless of our responsibilities harms us and those who rely on us -- it’s inherently selfish. (There is another word that is the antithesis of diligence -- sloth -- one of the seven deadly sins.)

s
Work, rest, and play. These must all happen. Let’s make sure we do our work so we can truly earn our rest and play. Let us act while there yet is time. Another thing, and let’s make sure we connect the dots, love while there is still time!

ss
Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

s
[1] Roland E. Murphy, Proverbs – Word Biblical Commentary (Vol. 22) (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1998), p. 184.
[2] Roland E. Murphy, Ibid, p. 186.

Trouble and How to Meet It – A Study in James

Life often seems unfair and overly difficult. Why do we have to do as we’re told, and do things we hate to do, or do things that are boring and seem pointless? The answer in James is that the troubles you are having are not really the point. The point is how we respond!
s
James tells us to consider it pure joy, brothers and sisters, when we face troubles of many different kinds… why would he say this?

s
Well, James is teaching us about what Jesus came and taught the disciples. Jesus taught that suffering would be part of their lives and that they should not be surprised when it comes. Suffering in life is inevitable -- in other words, it comes into everyone’s life.

s
Consider your reaction -- your response. You can either respond foolishly or wisely. Consider the following scenario:

s
You are in your workplace and someone near you is making a lot of noise and being disruptive -- but the supervisor singles you out! Think about your response to the situation. Foolish responses like complaining, impatience and anger often make the situation worse and also show that we don’t trust God -- we are saying He doesn’t have control over the situation. Wise responses on the other hand show our maturity. Getting on with our work and showing our diligence, rather than talking about it demonstrates maturity.

s
If we can bear the burden of a trial, trusting God in the bad times as well as the good, God can make us joyful -- not happy, but content knowing that God is in control. There is a difference between happiness and joy.

s
We can feel genuine joy to know that whatever is thrown at us is a synch compared with what Jesus suffered on the cross, and God will grow us stronger in the process. In the short term, trouble produces stable disciples ‘… the testing of your faith develops perseverance.’

s
In the longer term, trouble produces finished products (what we are at the end of our lives). James is calling us (as Jesus does) to perfection, and even though we will not reach perfection in this life, we are required to allow God to shape us, and mould our character’s to be more like Jesus’.

s
The reality is one day we will stand before God -- all of us. One thing He expects us to learn whilst here on Earth is how to persevere under trial, and how to deal with trouble. We should persevere with our troubles because God asks us to -- we do it because we love Him, and want to do what He asks of us!

s
The crown we receive from God is due reward for the faith of enduring troubles.

s

Acknowledgement to Derek Tidball's book Wisdom From Heaven, a 2003 Christian Focus publication.

Don’t Hold Your Views Too Firmly – Commentary on Balthasar Gracian

Let’s take this advice from a master in two chunks:

s
"Every fool is fully convinced, and every one fully persuaded is a fool: the more erroneous his judgment the more firmly he holds it. Even in cases of obvious certainty, it is fine to yield: our reasons for holding the view cannot escape notice, our courtesy in yielding must be the more recognised."

s
We are not apt to think of people as fools if we’re honest. It’s just not good copy. But someone who stubbornly holds the wrong or even a slightly incorrect view is behaving foolishly. Likewise, if you can be talked around by simple rhetoric and not be contained by fact, it doesn’t look good. Truth can’t be contested. That’s why it is called ‘fact’.

s
It is fine to yield even when we’re in the right. If someone won’t let go of the issue what point would there be in maintaining your (truth-filled) view? In these cases, no matter how right we are, we can still relent and protect a relationship -- if we choose. It all depends on our reasons, for they will be more memorable to onlookers than whether we were wrong or right. We can be 100 percent right and still look like a villain. For trying to ‘champion truth’ leads easily to ‘rudeness’ instead…

s
"Our obstinacy loses more than our victory yields: that is not to champion truth but rather rudeness. There be some heads of iron most difficult to turn: add caprice to obstinacy and the sum is a wearisome fool. Steadfastness should be for the will, not for the mind. Yet there are exceptions where one would fail twice, owning oneself wrong both in judgment and in the execution of it."

s
Quirkiness is fine for a change and even adds to the humour of a funny situation; folk would not be ‘folk’ without being quirky. Yet, add quirkiness to pigheadedness and inflexibility and it drives people nuts. We’re right in being steadfast when it is right, when all the planets are in alignment, but a fixed mind for the sake of it is a solution to no problem.

s
There are times when we’ll inevitably get it wrong, either from the way we judge a situation or via our handling of it. We need not give up. We do need to be flexible in our approach and perception of things. Being changeable is a great wisdom.

s
Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

On Generosity: “The Faithful Steward”

A couple on the mission field once said about faithful stewardship,

s
“Faithful stewards are frugal when calculating their own needs and generous in responding to the needs of others.” –C&T Sine.

s
A proverb is also apt to get us to think:

s
“A generous man will prosper;

he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” –Proverbs 11:25 (NIV).

s
In the words of Paul, faithful stewards are ‘clothed’ in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.[1]

s
In a very real way all of these go a long way toward what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount,

s
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”[2]

s
When we put our own needs, wants, and desires on the backburner for others, God has a wonderful way of showing us faithful, and he proves it first of all to us personally. Faithfulness is intrinsically linked the value of trust; we continue doing good despite what we see before us.

s
Stewardship is about the effective management of resources; in Christian terms it is more. It’s faithfulness and depending on God to guide and provide. Direction is taken and the key test is back to the Sine’s quote. When all is said and done, others should do better than self.

s
When we seek God’s direction in this sort of matter, he is not slow to provide it as he opens our eyes, clothing us with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. All we have to do is ask and be willing to share. The more we are prepared to share the more God will bless us, spiritually.

s
Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

s
[1] See Colossians 3:12.
[2] See Matthew 6:33 (NIV).

5 Years Ago, Now...

Love Can’t Happen Until We Love Ourselves First

s
I learned this lesson cruelly in life. I spent many a year charged with loving a wife only to fail dismally simply because I did not love myself. This is a biblical principle etched in the stone of truth. Paul uses his message to the Ephesians to counter opponents of this fact; each spouse must truly love their own person before they can love their partner.

s
I was married once to a person, who like me, was somewhat broken -- as we all are. She needed a husband to love her and honour and respect her, and many times I did not do this adequately enough. Many times I failed to diligently love her, simply because I did not love myself -- I didn’t know how to. For some reason this was true.

s
Then, almost the worst thing that could’ve happened to me, did. My wife sought separation and gave up on the marriage. She could see my failings as a husband. And suddenly so could I. They were real. Then, by the grace of God I was picked up in my perilous destitution; given to eat from the tree of life for the very first time -- in Christian circles it is the point of holy revelation when the Spirit of God takes hold its firm grip and it anointed me with love for my own being. This is what it means to be saved.

s
Almost the worst thing that could have happened to me was suddenly the very best thing to have happened. I was forced into a spiritual awakening.

s
In the mystery of total paradox, at my weakest, a foundation of strength grew; in my depths I knew a hope that could not be explained. When at last I thought my heart would give out or I would tragically suicide, there in that moment stood God! He helped me achieve for myself things I could only dream of beforehand. A welling up of inexplicable confidence reigned, showering over me. It was the Lord’s grace. Suddenly I could genuinely love and accept myself warts and all; suddenly I was capable of truly loving others. Before this, loving others seemed like hard work. Now, it was a joy to pour the abundance of love in my heart over even those who hated me. That can only be explained by, and attributed to, the inscrutable Holy Spirit.

s
Then, and only then, could I claim the ability to truly love a wife -- the way God intended. Don’t get me wrong; I was not suddenly ‘perfect.’ I just knew what love was finally. Until then I really did not get it fully. Not that God was going to allow me to move onto marriage prematurely. I had a lot more healing and growing to do before that eventually happened.

s
But I’m glad I know this: to truly love someone and be free in doing it the way God designed; we need first to truly love ourselves. This journey is no short walk, and it is not an outcome anyone comes to without God. To know God is to know love.

s
Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

s

5 years ago, now. It was a Monday night and I was all alone; look how far I've come... praise God.

In Case Of Emergency, Don’t Panic!

In most emergency procedures it states, “In case of emergency, don’t panic!” So, what do people do? They panic. It’s an automatic, instinctive response. Threatening things are happening in the midst of the crisis, so what response do people have control of? Panic. It’s a pretty disempowering response though, isn’t it? Time crises force nearly everyone into panic; so do relationship crises -- instead of panic over time, there’s a nervousness that results. Crises intuit a panic response. Yet, this is the furthest thing that will help the situation, for it never pays to panic, ever.

s
Panic not in the midst of crisis... We don’t panic. The crisis is in our heads and our hearts but the World is still as it is… calm, gentle, still… observing, caring for, and watching over us. It is up to us which reality we choose, and it takes a certain amount of courage of faith to go against what you might be seeing. It is a choice to see what does not readily make itself known; the quiet way of God’s steady world, and his eternal power and divine nature.[1] We must fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen (but that which is there nonetheless).[2]

s
In case of emergency:

s
~~ Find out the facts and calmly act on them;
~~ Don’t run and appear panicked -- slow down and be responsible;
~~ Try to communicate to others clearly and effectively;
~~ Use procedures and checklists to reduce the mental noise; and,
~~Ignore the record of your nerves; do not fall into temptation to panic -- it never helps.

s
In crisis, smile. Be still and know that safety is here; it never leaves. For God has said, “I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]” –Hebrews 11:5b (Amplified Version).

s
Know the tranquillity of God now as it exists in you. It is a decision of the will, backed by the strength of the Spirit. It can be yours at any time you choose.

s
Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

s
ENDNOTES:

[1] See Romans 1:20 (NIV).
[2] See 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV).

Leadership Attributes

How do we suitably define the role of leadership? We cannot. Like wisdom, truth, love, and life, leadership cannot be adequately defined in a library full of books. But what we do identify with, having been subject to good leadership, is the following eight (8) characteristics that surely speak volumes in the study of leadership:

s
1. Leaders ooze authenticity:

s
Good leaders are genuine and their integrity is beyond question. They lead in transparent what-you-see-is-what-you-get ways. They can’t be second-guessed because their thinking is based in the moment with the exact information at hand. They only deal covertly for the overall benefit of the team i.e. for instance, when a time calls for temporarily keeping one’s cards close to the chest.

s
2. Leaders conform:

s
This may appear to be wrong but it paradoxically isn’t. We might say, ‘Don’t leaders set the pace, not merely ‘following’?’ Uh-huh! Leaders work for organisations. Organisations have macro-objectives. Leaders must not only conform to organisation’s agenda, they must also believe in it; they’re active advocates for it. Now, there’s a selfless commitment required right there. Leaders who do not conform weaken organisations. True leaders don’t have a problem re-setting their priorities to align with the organisation’s provided their core values aren’t compromised.

s
3. Leaders are models (for safety, values etc):

s
Leaders are role models of the positive variety through and through. They’re examples that stand out to the casual observer and particularly to the impressionable. Integrity has already been mentioned, but good leaders know the effect they have on others and they appreciate the privilege of leadership; they don’t take their role of model to others lightly. They will staunchly model the best behaviours.

s
4. Providing context and alignment:

s
As the environment inevitably changes, the leader provides the necessary flux to assist in clarifying specific targets and goals. Whilst they elucidate the bigger picture and the ‘must do’s,’ they also identify clearly the smaller critical issues determining milestone success. And they do all this in a way that fits back into the organisation’s strategy lattice, as they always seek feedback from senior personnel in the organisation and persistently look for cues toward alignment and re-alignment.

s
5. Provide coaching and empowerment:

s
Leaders of note are great one-on-one, but not only that, they can influence individuals in the collective environment, embracing opportunities to provide feedback and encouragement. They don’t overdo supervision and they trust their charges. They genuinely value the ability for the team to diversify and delegation is a key tool in their kit. In this way again, like the captain of a successful sporting team, they’re selfless for the greater team gain. Their leadership cultivates more leadership and the acceptance of responsibility.

s
6. Leaders develop their team:

s
Going on from above, exceptional leaders know the value of team multiplicity. They don’t see the investment in people as a threat and they don’t become disconcerted when well-developed team members go on to better things; they simply wish them well, and have the ability to be genuinely thankful for their contributions. They know that other leaders also develop their people and they have faith that they too will certainly benefit directly from this. It’s a free exchange with no regret and everyone’s a winner.

s
7. Leaders communicate well and broadly:

s
Understanding is difficult to achieve and the outstanding leader is constantly wary of this; their communications are imprinted with care. They pitch their language, pace, tone, and media for the situation, and they also recognise the impact of broadening the message so everyone can benefit. They’re champions of promotion and feedback and in this way their courage and faith are continuously on display.

s
8. Leaders show empathy and care:

s
Finally, leaders are people who care for people. They have the ability to experience joy and sorrow at appropriate times in appropriate ways. For this reason they’re often popular and are ‘around’ things that people discuss. Team members of great leaders have no problem sharing their concerns, frustrations, and disappointments, as well as their successes.

s
Leadership is many things. Ultimately, I believe it’s inspirational and motivational or nothing at all.

s
Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Sleep Apnea: What It Is And Managment

“How ample a little is for a well-disciplined person! He does not breathe heavily when in bed. Healthy sleep depends on moderate eating; he rises early, and feels fit...”

–Sirach 31:19-20.

s
Sleep apnea is a “breathing disorder that occurs during sleep, in which the sleeper repeatedly (perhaps hundreds of times per night) stops breathing [for 10 or more seconds[1] and up to two minutes in severe cases[2]] during sleep.”[3] “Most often it occurs because loss of muscle tone in pharyngeal muscles allows the airways to collapse.”[4]

s
Commonly affecting overweight men over forty years of age, it’s also associated with heavy alcohol consumption. “Apnea literally means ‘no breathing.’” (A sentence on the association of sleep apnea and SIDS has been removed. Recent scientific research has concluded no such link -- ref: Chime study. [Author thanks feedback noted in the comment to this post and is grateful for same.] Endnote 5 has thus been removed.) [6] Snoring is often associated with sleep apnea, and sufferers often snore in between episodes of apnea.[7]

s
If you or your partner:

s
~~ Snores or have sleep apnea when sleeping only on your back, propping pillows or taking other steps so that one cannot sleep on the back should be tried.

s
~~ “Snore loudly or have repeated awakenings followed by gasps for breath, you may be suffering from sleep apnea and should seek medical attention.”[8] But treatment depends on the severity of the condition.

s
The quote at the beginning suggests there are often important lifestyle factors involved in snoring and sleep apnea. We could do a lot worse than rein in our eating practices, reduce our alcohol consumption, and increase our daily exercise.

s
The US National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute say, “Untreated sleep apnea can:

s
- Increase the risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, obesity, and diabetes
- Increase the risk for or worsen heart failure
- Make irregular heartbeats more likely
- Increase the chance of having work-related or driving accidents

s
Lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, surgery, and/or breathing devices can successfully treat sleep apnea in many people.”[9]

s
Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

s
ENDNOTES:

[1] Gerard J. Tortora & Sandra R Grabowski, Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, 9th Ed, (New York, USA: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2000), p. 508.
[2] Robert J. Sternberg, In Search of the Human Mind, 2nd Ed, (Fort Worth, Texas: Harcourt & Brace College Publishers, 1998), p. 201.
[3] Sternberg, Ibid, Glossary G-31.
[4] Tortora & Grabowski, Ibid, p. 508.
[6] Karen Huffman, Mark Vernoy & Judith Vernoy, Psychology in Action, 5th Ed, (New York, USA: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2000), p. 151.
[7] Huffman et al, Ibid, p. 151.
[8] Huffman et al, Ibid, p. 152.
[9] Source online: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/SleepApnea/SleepApnea_WhatIs.html

Team Maturity – The Wisdom Of Teams

“Team” can be variously defined. Among them, the definition as “a group of people organized to work together,”[1] strikes me as the subject of discussion -- how difficult it can be to get that team organised in a way to achieve a pre-determined outcome. More accurately, this definition might apply: “A team is a small group of people with complementary skills committed to a common purpose and set of specific performance goals.”[2] Team can be viewed both simplistically and complexly, but realistically elegant simplicity must be the overall result if we’re to flesh out anything new here.

s
I want to say one thing on this subject. The maturity of a team seems to me to be the function of, or the difference between, the actual requirements of the work in achieving the overall objective compared to how much “stroking” of egos or inefficiency of team maintenance is required at group and/or individual levels. I suggest the narrower the gap the better and more mature is the team. In other words, a perfectly mature team could be goal focused, achieve the objective with the minimum of fuss, and simultaneously self-manage the ‘team’ dynamic i.e. keep everyone happy.

s
Of course, the perfectly mature team by definition is a high performance unit and is rare. They exist in organisations where there are high performance standards and “when management makes clear performance demands.” They synergise with the existing hierarchal structure and “across structural boundaries.” They “integrate performance and learning,” making a learning culture an absolute necessity. The most startling finding is the fact that business cannot any longer afford not to operate without mature teams. Business for some time now has demanded teamwork, and individual action has not cut the mustard for many years.[3]

s
I wish to keep this very simple. True teamwork cannot hope to emerge without all its members having faith and maturity at the individual level. Each member must be committed to overall objectives; no weak links. Each member must be prepared to do their work, and beyond, seeing every moment as an opportunity to both meet and exceed demands. Finally, once people have actually worked in a mature team, they will invariably want more of it. They catch the bug regarding the miracles of teamwork; the sensation of achieving collective success, the altruism, and the relationship dynamics that come with it.

s
Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

s
[1] Source online: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/team
[2] Jon R. Katzenbach & Douglas K. Smith, The Wisdom Of Teams, (Harvard Business School Press, 1993), p. 21. Source online: http://www.library.arizona.edu/conferences/ltf/1998/papers/olshen/tsld005.htm
[3] Katzenback & Smith, Ibid, p. 4-5. This overview of the “Uncommonsense Findings” makes for an ideal introduction to the subject.

Peace In Relationships – A Christian Perspective

Do you ever notice that in certain relationships we find a comfort within ourselves being with a certain person or group, and this can be described as “peace” -- when we’re truly able to be free to be ourselves? And then in certain other relationships, for some reason there is not this same comfort, we don’t feel ourselves i.e. we can lack peace. We feel impinged by a vexatious spirit which does not foster a flow of peace-filled communication to occur.

s
Jesus mentions this to his disciples and gives us some hints on retaining our peace -- this applies even to the non-Christian; to everyone in fact.

s
“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you.” (Luke 10:5-6)

s
“Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:11-16)

s
The essence is this: if we feel comfortable with a person or people and there’s a mutual interest, good communication, compassion or empathy, then our peace should be able to rest on the situation and over the people involved. In other words, spiritually, our peace can be allowed to float from being with the self, and to merge with the other person; this elucidates trust.

s
However, if we find that the interaction we’re involved in is somehow not comfortable we should protect our peace by retaining it. This means we need to be prudent in guarding our peace and hearts, from those wolves who might seek to steal it from us. We are allowed, and indeed should, ‘shake the dust from our feet’ as is the Jewish saying, and surreptitiously extract ourselves from the situation. As soon as we sense a wolf, our peace ought to return to us.

s
And what is this peace? It is Jesus’ peace of faith. It is a peace of assurance that is able to endure much in the spirit of life and the uncertainty of life. If it meets with more peace, more peace flows, but like a telephone call it is so easily ‘disconnected.’ Jesus explains:

s
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

s
The final charge of Jesus in Matthew 10:16 is a key. The Christian life is a two-edged sword of purity and prudence -- ‘wise as serpents, yet innocent as a dove’ -- a balance difficult to achieve, though not impossible. Furthermore, it is a balance necessary to truly grow in wisdom.

s
Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

s

All referenced Scriptural quotes from the NIV.

A Beautiful Mind’s Focus – Ideas, Events, or People?

People are fascinating to watch. Whilst on my weekend bike ride recently I stopped at a favourite coastal lookout to do some push-ups and stretches. It was a beautiful day, with the odd wispy cloud, plenty of sunshine, the tweeting of birds, and the white noise of the waves, all to be taken in. But, I also noticed to my dismay the presence of broken glass littering the scene -- the obvious act of a hoon. Nevertheless, I continued to exercise wary of not getting cut.

s
As I stood to rest at one point, three people, two women (mother and daughter/in-law) and a man, walked past along the ascending pavement toward the lookout point itself. As they walked I was sure they could tell of the glass there as it crunched under their shoed feet. Their response or lack thereof intrigued me; they didn’t seem to notice or attend to the glass -- I could tell they were too inspired by what they could take in from nature all about them; instead of looking down and experiencing consternation, they chose to look up and out to the beauty of the natural environment. I got to thinking that:

s
“Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people.” –Eleanor Roosevelt.
s

It was clear to me that these three were high-minded individuals or at least they were in a high-minded mood.

s
There is so much beauty around in this world, yet there is also so much garbage and negative stuff. Those high-minded amongst us are set apart by the ideas and concepts that flood the mind rather than filling it with the events of the world and people we can talk about, and other ‘tasty’ (or tasteless) morsels.

s
“The eyes only see what the mind is prepared to comprehend.” –Henri L. Bergson.

s
How majestic indeed is God who set the moon, planets, and stars in place, and then thought to invite mere humanity to the party, and to supervise no less![1] Why would we not be constantly mindful of the vast and spectacular beauty in this created world of ours? God shows off constantly every day. And it is our world, and our time. It's a good thing to look up and out and not so much down.

s
Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

s
[1] See Psalm 8.

Do Not Live In A Hurry – Commentary On Balthasar Gracian

“To know how to separate things is to know how to enjoy them. Many finish their fortune sooner than their life: they run through pleasures without enjoying them, and would like to go back when they find they have over-leaped the mark. Postilions of life, they increase the ordinary pace of life by the hurry of their own calling. They devour more in one day than they can digest in a whole life-time; they live in advance of pleasures, eat up the years beforehand, and by their hurry get through everything too soon. Even in the search for knowledge there should be moderation, lest we learn things better left unknown. We have more days to live through than pleasures. Be slow in enjoyment, quick at work, for men see work ended with pleasure, pleasure ended with regret.”

s
Greed can spoil anything, even the search for knowledge. The sages tell us to ‘get wisdom’ and to accumulate knowledge, but there is a place we can take this too far, in greedily gathering more information, data etc. When it takes us to be driven toward it we can easily dig up stuff better left alone.

s
Certainly the sentiment in this aphorism is reflected by Qoheleth, the writer of Ecclesiastes. ‘Work ends with pleasure, and pleasure ends with regret.’ We all identify I think. What’s the best part of a holiday -- the anticipation on our last day of work beforehand, or the last day of the holiday? Looking forward, we’re not apt to appreciate what lays ahead of a holiday finished. It is better to work and be slow to enjoy post-work merriment.

s
Life, though fleeting, is a race of endurance for most and it’s only not for those unfortunate souls who die prematurely; even still there’s much endurance required in dying of cancer!

s
Being able to compartmentalise life is a special skill designed almost perfectly for 21st Century living. This is the ability to break life down to compartments or components and be uniquely successful in each one of those. It’s achieving successful outcomes and relationships in the home, at work, and in the community simultaneously because commensurate attention is given to each according to its needs.

s
And how often do people squander a fortune only to realise how much longer the money needed to last? To be wealthy requires a mentality to support it. Throw money at a fool and they will not know how to handle it; it blows away on the breeze. They learn finally when it’s altogether too late.

s
What this aphorism teaches us is caution and care relating to the pace of life. It takes much prudence and self-control to last the distance and to save, building up and not squandering, investing, sowing, and musing, rather than spending, reaping, and acting all the time.

s
Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Power & Influence

Influence is critical in leadership. In the book Understanding Influence for Leaders at all Levels, Professor Nick Forster contributes the abovementioned chapter and profiles five (5) sources of organisational influence: personal; positional; expert; reward; and, coercive. His findings, based on a large study involving 750 proponents, is telling:

s
Key Learnings

s
It is granted in the article that expert power (correct data, information etc) is a cogent influencer for managers. Predictably, coercive power is very limiting in its effectiveness and should be used sparingly. Intrinsic motivation in influencing people is underscored powerfully when we recognise that ‘friendliness and assertiveness’ and ‘forming coalitions with others’ (both of personal power) featured second and third highest as most effective and production power and influence strategies. Bargaining and negotiation skills are also highly valued. Personal and expert power are the predominant strategies used by effective leaders.

s
Relevance

s
We’ve all been coerced and it never feels good--at times it’s called for, but we ought to use it rarely. Information, provided it’s accurate, timely, and relevant is crucial to business, in fact, life. Facts speak for themselves. The most endearing power of influence however must be ‘personal.’ Nothing beats friendliness and going an extra mile for a colleague. I firmly believe that if we do to others what we’d have them to us, there’d be a lot more leadership shown as the law of reciprocity defeats conventional wisdom. The other forms of influence have their place, however, and the discerning leader will use positional, reward, and coercive power to the advantage and achievement of overall team goals.

s
Plans for engendering the development of all sources of power of influence should be developed, but only the personal and expert powers should be honed. Each employee should be skilled in using information correctly and positioning themselves to relate well with colleagues, customers, and other stakeholders.

s
Reference: Australian Institute of Management, Understanding Influence for Leaders at all Levels (Sydney: McGraw-Hill, 2005).

Romans 2: Raw Stuff

It seems to me this chapter is about example and hypocrisy.

s

Paul is exhorting the Romans, particularly those in leadership positions, which is incidently anyone that's a Christian, to be an example of 'doing the law' rather than knowing, saying, and pretending to 'do'.

s

This too, the letter to the Romans, is Paul's 'gospel' or good word as he mentions in verse 16, when he refers to God judging the deeds of humankind 'according to my gospel.'

s

Jeremiah 31:33 mentions regarding the new covenant as opposed to the old, God saying, "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people." Paul is indicating a person in chapter two who has the law written on their hearts -- for they do what the law requires even though they're apart from the law. In this way they're accusing the unrepentant believer, even defending themselves by their actions. How will God deal with this quandary in the day of judgment?

s

And verse 11, Paul states plainly that God is no respecter of persons. He shows no favourtism such is his wisdom and truth that it cuts through and can be applied equally among creation and is proportionate to his love.

s

At the end of the day we are all models for Christ -- the right Way. We preach perilously. We get it wrong and we not only confound God to blasphemy, but we convict ourselves most terribly.

s

We must do as we say. When we fail, we must repent and turn back to God -- by turning back the hearts of those we hurt. Let us not be Pharisees.

The Rewards For A Good Life Lived

Paul Roos, Sydney Swans AFL coach, was awarded Father of the Year earlier this month and I recall the press reports on the News, and the images of Roos with his wife and children. Here is a man, like a lot of others, who makes time for his family despite what would be a very busy schedule; that reality would seem to be at odds with holding family as the number one value in this man’s life. So many busy Dads and Mums don’t achieve it. Such a story is an inspiration to all fathers. Not only is he rewarded with great relationships with his family, he was awarded a prestigious honour to recognise the fact.

s
And so it is with us. We shall soon find out what rewards there are for our earthly conduct. The apostle Paul says in Romans 2:6 (paraphrasing Psalm 62:12), “God ‘will repay everyone according to what they have done.’”[1] And it would not seem to be too much of a leap to jump through to James 2:17, “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”[2] Grace might be one thing, but we’re not to “show contempt for the riches of [God’s] kindness, tolerance and patience,”[3] i.e. his grace, when it was intended all along to bring us to repentance -- and make our faith based upon righteousness (doing what is right).[4]

s
We might think we’re here for a long time, but ask most octogenarians and they will say life’s swift. Looking backwards over a lifetime it certainly must look that way -- that life is fleeting -- even if we can’t see that now. The message is plain; we’ll get what’s coming to us. God sees even what happens in the secret places.[5]

s
Isn’t it interesting how sharply Paul turns to the coming wrath of God in this letter of Romans -- we’d normally associate this sort of chastening with the Corinthian correspondence, but it’s here too, from 1:18, as he builds the gospel story. The early section of Romans is a warning to obey, and not merely be legalistic and religious.

s
It could even be entertained here that Paul departs from the traditional ‘call on Christ to be saved’ gospel message, as he decrees it’s better to actually do what the law requires than know the law and not do it, viz, “but it is those who obey the law (and not just hear it) who will be declared righteous.” (2:13b) The Message says, “Doing, not hearing, is what makes the difference with God.” Yet so many are blind to their own disobedience! And this is what discredits God in the sight of unbelieving, good-doers.

s
Paul alludes to a quote from Isaiah 52:5 which says, “all day long, my name is constantly blasphemed,” [says the LORD] and puts it in his own terms thus, “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”[6] He actually talks in present tense. Every time we disobey the laws of love, grace, forgiveness, spirituality, or become hypocritical etc, we cause blasphemy toward God in the heart of the unbelieving good-doer who Paul says has more claim to the things of heaven than does the self-righteous Christian. Blasphemy is the opposite of what’s worthy of God. It’s irreverence, calumny, defamation, slander, and contumely -- it’s utter filth, and that, for God!? That’s an utterly oxymoronic schema.

s
At the end of chapter 2 Paul mentions what makes a true ‘Jew’ (read Christian). It is not “outward and physical,” but inward -- it’s a “circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit... [and our] praise is not from men, but from God.”[7] The Pharisees, Stephen noticed, loved to gain notoriety from men. At the end of his long speech in Acts 7, he concludes regarding their ‘uncircumcised hearts,’ that they “received the law that was put into effect through angels but [did not obey it].” (v. 53) There are still many Pharisees about; 21st Century Pharisees. The heart of virtue is contrary to the Pharisaic. It is what God requires; “To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly.”[8] That is the start of obeying God.

s
We must think of the negative impact we can have for God out in the world. Let’s not dismiss it as small stuff -- it’s of eternal relevance. Christians and spiritual people draw to themselves scrutiny among others. People notice our initiatives, acts, responses, and general mood; when it’s negative, God gets it in the throat.

s
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”[9] And when he comes, “See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.”[10] That time is coming. There is no delaying it. We will all account. The rewards we will get, for a good life lived.

s
Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

s

ENDNOTES:
[1] Today’s New International Version.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Romans 2:4a (New International Version)
[4] See Romans 1:5-17 as Paul hooks faith together with obedience and righteousness. “The righteous will live by faith,” (Habakkuk 2:4) which also means the faithful will do what is right, living in obedience.
[5] Ecclesiastes 12:14.
[6] Romans 2:24 (NIV).
[7] Romans 2:28-29 (NIV).
[8] Micah 6:8 (NIV).
[9] 2 Corinthians 5:10 (NIV).
[10] Isaiah 40:10 (NIV); see also Revelation 22:12.