Leadership Lessons from Ebenezer Scrooge

I recently watched Patrick Stewart's version of Scrooge, and came away with some thoughts on leadership. In the story, we remember that Scrooge is visited by spirits from Christmas past, present and future. When I applied leadership to the concept of time, some interesting ideas came out. First, leaders tend to live in the future and cannot be content for long living in the present, or dwelling in the past. Next, followers tend to live in the present and are content to do so. They are not too concerned about the future unless the future invades their present. Finally, complainers tend to despise the future, condemn the present and live in the past. Now, if you are a leader, the pitfall of living only in the future is that you never enjoy what God doing now. You cannot be a leader without looking ahead, but be sure to enjoy God today. Followers who never look to the future are vulnerable to all kinds of attacks from the enemy. You may not be a natural born leader, but everyone can learn leadership skills. Complainers never enjoy what God is doing now, because what He is doing now is never as good as what he did back in the day. They make excuses for why they are not reaching people for Jesus and lament that things are not the way they used to be in the church. They say "bah humbug" when it comes to the future because the future is not a safe place for the complainer. Which one are you - leader, follower or complainer? Take a lesson from Ebenezer - anyone can change.

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Lego Gods

As we finish tracking down presents for Christmas, I am astounded by all the cool toys in the toy stores. But for many kids, Legos' are still fun and you can buy elaborate kits to build your favorite comic book or movie heroes. I believe that people today are building their own gods the way a child builds Lego characters. If I want him to look like the guy on the box then I will build him that way, but I reserve the right to change him because he is made of Legos'. I read the recent article by Lisa Miller in Newsweek about The Religious Case for Gay Marriage. In the article, Miller makes her argument by slamming marriage in the Old Testament, discounting passages on homosexuality, downplaying marriage in the New Testament and leaving out entire proof texts that would refute her claims. For example, the article claims that the Bible has nothing to say about the sin of two women having a sexual relationship. I wanted to send her an email and say, "Did you even read Romans 1 when researching your article?" She insinuates an improper relationship between David and Jonathan and conveniently leaves out Christ's words about what an ideal marriage should look like. Proponents of gay marriage may someday have a recognition of marriage by civic authorities, but it will never be recognized in the eyes of God - and I believe that reality makes them angry. The same God that gave us the Bible invented marriage and His definition is the only one that truly matters. So do you worship a god of Legos' (a god of your own making), or the God of the Bible?

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Just Spending Time With My Dad

Last weekend, our family took a trip to Clayton, North Carolina to see my dad for a mini-Christmas celebration. My dad definitely has Christmasitis because he now has more yard ornaments than ever. Three years ago my dad would have never put anything in his yard for Christmas, so I'm hoping it's not genetic. What I am thrilled about is the opportunity to worship with my dad at his church. He loves attending Crossroads Fellowship in Raleigh and it's not difficult to see why. Crossroads is a big church - but it's a big church with a big heart. They do a lot of great things in worship and discipleship, but living their faith in the community is what they do best. As their pastor brought the message last Sunday, I was very thankful to God that my dad found such an incredible church. I know that many large churches lose their heart, but it doesn't have to be that way and Crossroads church is proof of that. So for any pastors reading this, I hope that your church grows. I personally believe it is sinful for a church not to grow if it resides in a growing area. Just don't lose your heart in the process. Oh, and be sure to spend time with your family for Christmas. They may drive you crazy sometimes, but they're the only family you've got.

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Even God Took a Sabbath

Tonight, our KBC leadership met at the Olive Garden for the annual staff/elder/deacon dinner. I must confess that our church really has great leaders. We tend to hold out for men and women of integrity and have never been sorry for sticking to that standard. After the dinner was over, I thought about the importance of leaders celebrating God's victories in the church - and how the devil does everything to keep those celebrations from taking place. Even God took time after he created to appreciate His creation and call it good. Take time to notice what God is really doing in your life. Don't take the blessings of God for granted. If you have a daily relationship with Jesus Christ, a godly wife, loving children and a caring church that follows God's leading - you are already wealthy beyond most people's wildest dreams. Don't let the devil divert your attention with the attractions of this world, only to ridicule you at the end of your life. Choose to build sabbath moments into your day, sabbath days into your week, and sabbath weeks into your year. God is doing good things all around you. Take time to notice.

When you get a chance, check out Mark 2:27
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The Gift of Music

Music is only a gift when I'm not singing, but we had a great time on Wednesday night caroling as a church. This year we took the trolley to a senior living center where one of our members (Monnie Green) lives. We got to sing for a large group of seniors in the foyer area and then went to the third floor to sing for Monnie. A couple of years ago, I officiated the funeral for her husband - Billy Sunday Green (named after the famous evangelist). I always tell people that I preached the funeral of Billy Sunday. Her husband was a special friend to me. After leaving the center, we drove though old Fredericksburg and sang from the trolley. Finally, we went to the home of Carolyn Spence, who has been fighting cancer for some time, and serenaded her as she listened from her bed. She was extremely thankful that we came. Last year we used our time of caroling as an outreach to the community, but this year we got back to ministering the gift of music to some dear saints. Good friends, good music, hot apple cider and chocolate chip cookies. Does it get any better?

When you get a chance, check out Colossian 3:16
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When Jesus Made Himself

I'm having a great cup of coffee right now from Fredericksburg's own Hyperion Expresso and wanted to share a celestial thought. I mentioned on Sunday that my daughter Lauren recently asked me a mind-blowing question. "Daddy, did Jesus make himself?" I must admit that my heart swelled a little - that my daughter (who is six) would ask something that complex. But it is interesting to contemplate. Can you imagine Jesus in eternity past, planning the creation of His future body? How would he transform from an omniscient being into a vulnerable baby who would have to learn what it meant to be human? Ever thought about it?

When you get a chance, check out John 1:1-3
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