To Bury or Not to Bury

John Maxwell once said, “One of the greatest enemies of success is success itself.” Many times, as a group or organization begins to succeed, someone will say, “OK, we’ve found it!” They’ll build a fence around it and say, “Don’t touch anything!” And the very method that brought success one day begins to bring failure.

Methods that once brought success bring failure? Hmmmm . . .

I can think of a few things that probably need to be buried. But as I survey the landscape of our organization I can’t help but to think that there are a few things that need to be resurrected.

What would Booth say if he could have five minutes to speak?

Perhaps he would say something like this:

If we fail in anything, it is not for us to say that our failure proves the Lord’s will. It may just prove the contrary. God’s will is always, and everywhere, that sin should be destroyed, that devils should be sent back to hell, and that all men should be saved. If we fail through the unfaithfulness of those about us, let us admit it, and that our failure is of the devil, and go to work and get things altered and mended. – General William Booth –

If you cannot go to the rescue one way, go another. – General William Booth –

“If I thought I could win one more soul to the Lord by walking on my head and playing the tambourine with my toes, I’d learn how.” – General William Booth –

Some men's ambition is art. Some men's ambition is fame. Some men's ambition is gold. My ambition is the souls of men. – General William Booth –

Hmmmm . . . maybe there are a few things that need to be resurrected.

Making Disciples

When Jesus called his disciples to follow him, he wasn’t just expecting them to learn from him or learn about his teachings, but rather he was expecting his disciples to be like him. His followers had the same expectation- that they would be like their rabbi. This was the desire of all talmidim (disciples) in Jesus’ day. They wanted to be like their rabbi.

This explains why Peter stepped out of the boat to walk on water. Jesus was walking on water and Peter wanted to be like his rabbi, so he took a step of faith and walked on water.

In Luke 10 the seventy-two whom Jesus sent out returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." (Luke 10:17). Why did they return with joy? Because they could see that they were becoming just like their rabbi.

So what does this mean for us? As leaders and disciple-makers we must ask ourselves this question: “Am I the kind of person I want my followers to become?” Paul said to his disciples “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Cor 11:1)

This question really resonates with me as an officer and challenges the practices and priorities of the organization that I am a part of. Look out our/your leaders . . . is that what you/we want to become? Are they setting an example that we want to follow? Are we setting an example that honors God, glorifies Jesus and challenges others to be more like Him?

Any thoughts?

Financial Support to Lebanon?

Have you been following the war in Israel? If you have then you are aware of the enormous damage done to both Israel and Lebanon as a result.

Hezbollah, a known terrorist organization (according to the press) are leading the rebuilding campaign in Lebanon. “In Sreifa, a Hezbollah official said the group would offer an initial $10,000 to residents to help pay for the year of rent, to buy new furniture and to help feed families.”

Hezbollah is seen to be the “winner” by the Lebanese government and people. They are “winning the heart” of the Lebanese people and spreading anti-Israel and anti-American theology (this of course already existed before the war).

So here’s the question: Should America offer financial support to Lebanon even though Hezbollah has not been disarmed? Will America be seen as “paying off the ‘winners’?”

Is this what Jesus meant when he said “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you?” What do you think?

Balancing Benevolence & Accountability

Today on my way home I saw man standing at an intersection with the infamous sign –

Homeless
Veteran
Hungry

I stopped and walked over to talk to him and asked in a friendly tone “where are you going to stay tonight?” He pointed in a general direction and spoke of a building that he would sleep behind.

I asked him if he had been to any of the homeless shelters in town (we don’t run one but there are three in the community). He explained, “They won’t let me in any of the shelters.” “Why not?” I asked. He said, “Because I drink.”

Did I mention that this guy reeked of alcohol? I said to him, “So, you’re basically out here raising beer money.”

At this the guy got pretty ticked . . . “What do you know about being homeless!” I said, “I know more than you think.” He said, “Well I’m a veteran!”

I told the guy that I could help him. “I don’t want your kind of help! I’m sorry I even came over to talk to you!” He said as he walked back to the center median.

I got back in my car and drove up to him and handed him my card and said, “When you’re ready to get help call me and I’ll help you.” The guy refused to take my card and I finally had to drive away as I was holding up traffic.

I have to say, I’m really disappointed in myself. I usually handle situations like this with a lot more grace and finesse.

So here’s my question: Would I have been better of just giving the guy some money (although, he raised at least five bucks while we talked) and not challenge his drinking problem? Perhaps then I could have at least opened a door to minister to him in the future.

Or do you think challenging the guy was the right thing to do?

What’s the best way to handle a situation like this? As it stands right now, the chance of me ministering to him in the future is pretty slim.

What do you think?