DECEMBER 30 – COMMUNITY IS THE GOAL

 Jesus kindly responded, “I know you are worried about doing a good job. But there is only one thing most important. Mary chose correctly. I won’t correct her.” (Matthew 10:41-42)

                   When you must correct one of your people, do you do it kindly? Do you talk about issues instead of blame? Do you protect the vital relationships of your group community and avoid needlessly humiliating people? Do you address conflict and its resolution transparently, being sure all parties are included?

                   Jesus spoke to Martha in a way that corrected her misunderstanding, “You have misunderstood what is most important.” He noticed that she was a person who wanted to do well. He acknowledged she had good motives. But, He identified the error. Jesus addressed the issue in the presence of everyone who had heard the charge. He answered her directly, explained why, and so settled the issue. He never chose Mary over Martha. He calmed the situation. You would expect that Martha, given this kind explanation, my simply have dropped her dish towel and joined the others, now united in purpose.

                   When you have conflict in your group, lead like Jesus. Be direct. Be truthful. Be transparent and inclusive. But, be kind, show grace and love, and so build community.

DECEMBER 29 – CONFLICTS ARE CERTAIN

(Martha) had a sister, Mary, who sat by Jesus’ feet, listening as He taught. Martha, who was scrambling to prepare for the gathering said to Him, “Doesn’t it bother you that Mary isn’t doing her job; helping me. Tell her she’s wrong!” (Matthew 10:39-40)

                   Where there are two people, there are usually at least two opinions - maybe more. Often one of those opinions or a person’s actions may be wrong. Do you care enough about your people and their development to tell them the truth? Will you risk the negative aspects of conflict and help them to grow?

                   Jesus knows that ignorance is costly. He loved both Mary and Martha. To see conflict erupt in this public way was probably discouraging to Him. How long had they been friends? Why did Martha not understand? Jesus also knows people become side-tracked. That is why staying “at Jesus’ feet,” or focusing on Him and His word is so important. In your group, there will be conflict. You will be engaged in conflict. The question is, will you create conflict where it is necessary and profitable to your people?

                   In a world of choices, where men and women have freedom to choose, there will be poor decisions. Care enough for your people to confront them when they make poor choices.

DECEMBER 27– A MUST- ACCOUNTABILITY

Then the followers whom Jesus had sent out returned, and reported back to Him all the work they had done… (Luke 9:10)

                   Good leaders don’t hover after they have given authority to one of their people, but they do hold those people accountable. Do you follow up with your people? Do they expect that they will have to discuss whether they have done what you asked in the way that you asked them to do the work? Do they understand that there will be consequences if they do not faithfully follow the plan they are given to pursue?

                   Jesus continues His development of His people by listening to their analysis of their work. From that report, he knows much about where they are both in understanding what matters, and much about their capacity and willingness to do the work. Such discussions can be challenging; even contentious, but by beginning with the other person’s perspective you are in a much better position to talk about issues. Often, uninformed leaders can cause a person to feel they are being attacked personally rather than being developed.

                   Establish accountability to the vision and values you have been given. Do it well. Do it kindly. Do it with love. But, you must do it.

DECEMBER 26 – YOU MUST UNITE THEM

1Jesus called a dozen of His followers. He gave them great authority – to drive out evil and to serve, and to heal every disease. 5-7Jesus sent them out saying, “Do not go to Gentiles or Samaritans. I’m sending you to the people of Israel…. Your message is this, ‘The kingdom of heaven is approaching’… 8Give generously of yourself and what I’ve given you…9-15And extend trust.” (Matthew 10:1,5-15)

                   There have been thousands of books, lectures, articles, videos, and sermons on effective leadership and supervision. Jesus gives here the executive summary for all the meaningful advice those efforts include. He selected the right people. He clearly explained their role and responsibility, and He gave them the authority to do the job. After showing them how, Jesus sent them out, explaining carefully the vision (to deliver His message), the people to benefit, and two important values to remember (generosity and trust).

                   If you wish to lead effectively, you must also bring your people together around well-defined values to pursue a clear common vision. You must give each the authority to do the work for which he or she will be held responsible. You must tell them whom to serve, information and examples about how to serve them, and then, when you send them out, you must stay out of their way.

                   Learn from the leader who continues to lead you today. Unite your people around His vision and values to serve His people.

DECEMBER 24 – VALUES MUST BE MODELED

So (Jesus) told John’s followers, “Go back to John and tell him the things you have seen me do, and the things you’ve heard Me say…” (Luke 7:22)

                   Do you dare to tell your people to watch what you do and listen to what you say, so they can judge who you are and what you are? Whether you tell them to do this or not, it will be the primary way they make this judgment. Your people will decide what you think is important by the things they see you do each day, especially in your personal interactions with them. For this reason, if you want to pursue what God has told you, and you want to teach your people to follow Him too, you must be very careful to act with integrity. You must live by your stated, defined values, or those values will have no meaning to your people.

                   If some of your people directly lead others, they must also be held accountable by you for their words and behavior in these relationships. Otherwise your values will have no meaning to any of them. If your people represent you in any relationships with other people, they all will be affected negatively if accountability is not a part of your process.

                   In the end, the values your people are taught are always the values that are modeled, regardless of what is said. Be sure the right values are modeled.

NOVEMBER 28–MEASURING & ACCOUNTABILITY

When Cephas came to Antioch, I confronted him directly – face-to-face. I saw that he was acting hypocritically; bringing condemnation on himself and leading others away from truth. (Galatians 2:11)

                   When you see a friend messing up in a way that will harm that person and others around them, will you step up to address it? Do you feel a responsibility for praying; asking God to give you direction? Do you act when the Holy Spirit moves you to speak? There is great risk – to relationships, self-interest, even to the entire group, when someone falls short of the community’s stated values. It is a big deal.

                   Paul and Peter (Cephas) were two of the most visible leaders of the early church. Conflict between them was a serious issue that carried a high degree of risk. Paul must have wondered how it would end, when he decided to confront Peter with his failure. Fortunately, we know from Peter himself that he and Paul continued to have a solid, perhaps better, relationship (2 Peter 3:15), but Paul could not have been sure of this ending when he approached Peter. Fortunately, Peter did listen, and the church community was strengthened.

                   Measuring your own performance, and the actions of your people is important ongoing work. Holding them, and yourself accountable in humility is a critical part of creating a strong values-based culture.

NOVEMBER 27 – THE METRICS OF COMMUNITY

And the Lord, God said, “I am the One who has rescued you. You will have no other gods to rival Me. Nor will you worship anything in the sky, on land, or sea… Don’t misuse my name… Remember I created the Sabbath day – observe it… Honor your parents… Don’t murder, commit adultery, steal, or lie about another person. And don’t wish for what other people have.” (Exodus 20:1-17, abbreviated)

                   Do you know what is important to you? Can you tell someone what matters from your perspective? To be a thoughtful person with integrity, you must identify what attributes you value. Certainly, if you will lead your people well, you must communicate and define these values. Without that explanation, there is no fair measure for your evaluation of their conduct. And, experience teaches that what the leader says and does is what the followers will do.

                   God clearly explained to the Israelites these values. This law; the ten commandments, became the standard for their conduct. Jesus communicated these truths and other truth about God and His Kingdom using statements of values, and through His own actions. In the absence of good consistent communication about your expectations, there can be no accountability in your group. With clearly defined values, fair evaluation can be a reality.

                   Give your people understanding of the values that the Lord gives you to communicate. Lead them to prosperity as you measure each other by these standards each day.

NOVEMBER 22 – DECEIVERS NEED A REASON

(God’s plan to make us different) is so there will not be splits and battles among you; so that you will each be concerned about the other person because their contribution is so important to the group’s welfare. (1Corinthians 12:25)

                   Do you see others in your group as valuable, unique partners in pursuing God’s vision? Do you remind your people often that each person, you included, is dependent upon the others for the prosperity of the whole? Or, do you believe you, or another leader, are more important than the rest, and so foster fear and selfishness among your people? If you help your people see relationships from God’s perspective, you will prepare them to thrive as a group.

                   In Paul’s time, as today, the default attitude for everyday people was to see other people as rivals, competitors for vital resources, and as enemies. Paul’s explanation that the Lord designed us to be mutually dependent and cooperative was – and is – exactly the opposite of the world’s expert opinions. This world’s dog-eat-dog existence gives opportunity for a person to rationalize almost any behavior under a mistaken idea that their self-preservation demands an extraordinary action. That’s how thieves bring themselves to steal and murderers to kill. In God’s world, people see abundance, but here in this world there is never enough to go around.

                   Lead your people to embrace the unity and trust in God that dispels fear and prevents a selfish perspective.

NOVEMBER 21 – DECEIT NEEDS OPPORTUNITY

The reason I wrote was to see if you are found to be trustworthy and are obeying all God requires of you. (2Corinthians 2:9)

                   A strong relationship of trust is not about benefitting and then abandoning the person while wishing them the best. Extending trust genuinely requires valuing a person enough to love them into a mutually accountable relationship. That investment of your time and energy to provide or plan for feedback and help to navigate uncertain, new paths is often the costliest action you can take. Will you pay that cost?

                   Paul knows that you can trust a person too much; so much that they will be harmed by your refusal to continue accepting the responsibility for your people’s welfare. The Corinthian people were part of Paul’s responsibility, and he continued to monitor and encourage them regularly. With constant temptation, and the cares of everyday life, your people need for you to love them enough to stay involved in their lives. As you grant them authority, they do become responsible for their part, but you continue to bear responsibility for obeying God’s command to love them. In the absence of accountability, your people will often deceive themselves as they are left to measure their own actions.

                   Love your people enough to help them avoid this deception. Give them the accountability they need to continue pursuing God’s vision for their lives.

NOVEMBER 14 – SIGNS: LIFE NOT DEATH

All the world is witness today. I’m giving you a choice – right out in the open – life or death; prosperity or ruin. Choose life – live – love your Lord, God and do what He says. Hang on to Him because He is your very life! (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)

                   Do you concentrate on the after-life or the now life? Do you dwell on controlling the impulses to sin and doing the things that the someone else says that you’re supposed to do, or do you focus on Jesus and what He is doing right now? Is what He wants you to do most important to you? There is great value in Scripture, a church family is helpful, even critical to provide accountability and encouragement. You should oppose sin and your flesh, and the life to come will be ecstasy. All of this is true. But, God’s call is to relationship – and life in Him – today!!!

                   Moses is calling on his people to pursue prosperity rather than destruction and death (Deuteronomy 30:15). He poses a clear choice. He argues very forcefully. The way you and your people will find prosperity is the same way. Prosperity – from the time of creation up through today – is found in “loving the Lord your God, walking in obedience to Him, and keeping His commands to you.”

                   See life – live God’s prosperity by answering Him always, “yes, Lord.” Just, “yes!” Choose life!

NOVEMBER 4 – (JUST) TALK IS EXPENSIVE

Surely you’re acting! You know how to interpret the signs you see on the earth and in the sky. How is it you can’t see the signs of God around you? Why don’t you do what you know is right? (Luke 12:56)

                   Often people complain of not knowing what the Lord would have them to do. However, after honest, prayerful reflection, many will see that there is much that God has shown them. In many cases, He has made the next step abundantly clear. His word is more often a foot lamp (Psalm 119:105) than a beacon that will show the entire way forward for you. It is God’s intention to be with you moment-by-moment (Isaiah 41:10), revealing His truth for your life as you go (John 14:6).

                   In this passage, Jesus observes that people give their attention to the things that are important to them. He also exposes their hypocrisy; saying it was hard to believe they had professed faith in God, while ignoring all that He wanted them to do. As they talked constantly about God’s law, they oppressed everyone who was excluded from their privilege. They silenced and killed God’s prophets, and they behaved in other ways that ignored the law’s intent.

                   As you see and hear God’s signs, remember that He wants you to act rather than just talk about what He says to do (Jeremiah 7:23).

OCTOBER 28 – RULE PROBLEM – CONTROLS

But I would not have even thought about wanting and desiring so much, had it not been for the law saying, “don’t covet!” But, sin saw an opportunity in that commandment, and brought to my mind lusting after everything I could think about. (Romans7:7-8)

   Some people really like rules and regulations because they can set limits on how much abuse is allowed. Is your response to a rule ever, “How can I get around this?” In some ways, as compared to simple rules being applied with judgment, having a lot of detailed regulation can legitimize bad acts and bad actors if those actions are not too much or too bad. A regulated environment can encourage selective enforcement and punishment by you or by others.

                   As a Pharisee himself, Paul was familiar with all the bad ways to use laws and rules. Certainly, he saw the waste of time and needless oppression of people under a heavy load of rules. But, Paul also saw another aspect of the law. He observed that the sin remaining in his flesh seems to be drawn toward evil simply by knowing what is evil. Presenting the rules against actions, seemed to draw him to those very same prohibited actions as he thought about them.

                   Be cautious as you define your values to give definitions that are positive, and full of promise. Don’t engage in trying to control each detail. Let the Lord lead you to communicate in a clear and hopeful, yet simple and trusting way.

OCTOBER 19 – MADE IN HIS IMAGE

…after our likeness… (Genesis 1:26)

So (since Jesus has left us with this work of reconciling His people to Himself), we are to put on Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:19-20)

                   What does it mean to be made in God’s image… after His likeness? How in the world can you “put on Christ” as Paul suggests? Is this figurative – surely it could not be a literal instruction. The Hebrew words used describe both masculine and feminine, and they speak of a representative model that resembles an original. Possibly to say, “to be God’s representative presence in the world,” is a good way to blend these two passages. 

                   Paul says here, “He has placed in/on us the word of restoration to favor.” In his letter to the Romans (13:14), he uses the imagery of “clothing yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.” This work of representation is extensive, from both perspectives. Not only does God call on you to bear His image in every act he calls you to do, and every word you say, but there is more. You are also called to remind the men and women of His world that it belongs to Him – both to help them know their true value, and to remind them constantly of His love and desire for relationship with them.

                   Take the work of clothing yourself in Christ Jesus seriously. Recognize and live into the reality that God created you to bear His image.

OCTOBER 16 – SENDING IS PART OF TEACHING

(It is my role to send you) so, go, replicate yourselves as followers of me among all people, then baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach them to do all I’ve taught you, and I’ll be with you until the work is completed. (Matthew 28:19-20)

                   Do you understand that part of your role; and part of the reason you have been given the authority God has given you, is to send your people out? Part of the work is to teach them to live in community, and to embrace the vision and values that the Lord has given you. But completing replication – their transformation – will mean that they too must relate to God directly. Each of them must find and pursue the unique vision Jesus has for them.

                   Jesus explained that He had been given the authority to send them. He says directly, “You are to go.” There was a three-fold, consistent message here. First – replicate – go and make them like you in that they will follow Me. Then, walk with them so you can teach them all I taught you. Finally, stay with them; be there for them to mentor them in how to trust in Me, knowing I will also always be there.

                   Sending is an important part of teaching. Kind of like a mid-term exam, sending causes you as a student-follower and leader to put all of what you are learning into action.

OCTOBER 15 – MODELING TEACHES MOST

In every action, see an opportunity to show a model of good works, so your teaching will have integrity and be taken seriously. Let your words always be carefully chosen, so opponents will be silenced in their attempts to harm you. (Titus 2:7-8)

                   Do you realize that you are always teaching; every moment? Those who follow you; especially those who admire, respect, and aspire to be like you are looking constantly at what you do. If your actions and your words disagree they will be confused at best, and they may become frustrated or feel betrayed. Those who oppose you or your vision will also be watching. They will miss no opportunity to point out disparities.

                   Paul cautions his student Titus, first telling him that his attempts to mentor and teach others will be harmed if he does not have the integrity to live his values. That lack of consistency will be called hypocrisy; a label that no one wants to hear applied to themselves. Hypocrites are treated with contempt, and they are compared with the worst and least honest of a group. That is why Paul added special advice that Titus must especially guard his words. “Don’t say you will if you won’t, and don’t tell me not to do what you are doing – nor what you are allowing others to do.”

                   Be true to your rules. Live out your values, so that everything you do will help and teach your people.

OCTOBER 11 – TEACH THE OLD WAYS

Christ has one Body and one Spirit, just as each of you was called to the very same hope and faith. One Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all. He is over everything, through everything, and in everything. (Ephesians 4:4-6)

                   Do you value each of the ways that the Lord has given you to relate to Him? As your people grow and come to be receptive to the Lord, do you introduce them to these opportunities? The old ways; loving relationship with God, prayer, listening for His voice, reading Scripture as you pray, fasting, and worshipping, are all valuable gifts from God. They will enrich your life and the lives of all your people who practice them.

                   Paul explains there is one way – God. Even as you recognize that people are unique, they are the same in at least two ways. First, each is created by God, and is accountable to Him. God is God over every person and activity. Second, He is “in everything.” This means He has made Himself available to each person.

   Sometimes you want to be relevant, or current, and you may look for new methods. God may lead you to them. But, don’t abandon the old ways He has given you. These ancient paths to relationship with God hold great value for you and your people.

OCTOBER 10 – TEACH THE TRUTH

But the time is here. Real followers will worship the Father, God in Spirit and in Truth. That is the people the Father wants. (John 4:23)

                   Are you willing to always tell the truth? This is one of the hardest things to do, but – especially as you lead others – you can’t pursue God’s calling without being truthful. That includes not only being careful with what and how you teach, but also that you be truthful with your people as they move forward. As you are always teaching these you lead, their actions may tell you they are lying when they tell you they have adopted the vision and values as their own. Teaching truth means that you must require their words and actions to be consistent. You must require them to be honest with themselves, with the Lord, and with you.

                   Jesus here mentions truth is a characteristic of genuine worship; the kind that God is looking for. “God is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19).” Lying, deceit, false balances, flattery are all characteristics and actions that God says He despises. As you pray, asking that the Holy Spirit show you where you must change, ask that He reveal places where you are being dishonest with yourself and with others. Listen to the Spirit prayerfully as you observe and speak with your people, asking that He show you where you and how you should speak the truth.               Truth is hard. Your people need you to speak and model the truth as you lead them.

OCTOBER 9 – TEACHING IS VITAL

Go and replicate yourselves in the other nations, and baptize them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them how to follow in all that I taught you. And listen, I am with you every day; all the time, until the completion of this age. (Matthew 28:19-20)

                    Does your plan for your people include ongoing teaching? Is teaching imbedded in your processes? Is it a responsibility of each leader to be teaching and growing others whom they lead? Repetition is important. Recognize that new people enter the groups you lead and relate to, and that someone must be charged with teaching them as well.

                   Jesus left His followers here with three clear, direct mandates; replicate, baptize, and teach. Replication is the product of transformation. Baptism is the clear communication of the changed life. This includes both the intentional act of the transformed person to say, “I have been changed, “and the public witness he or she gives to that transformation. Teaching brings maturity, forming the new life that grows each day when it is nurtured. God has chosen to do the work of teaching and nurturing partly through His people just as people share in helping others come to faith in Christ. He intends for you to include your people in this work of teaching and nurturing too.

                   Embrace the opportunity that Christ has given you to teach and provide for ongoing instruction of His people. It is vital to His work and yours.

SEPTEMBER 17–FOLLOW–FIND YOUR PARTNERS

Is any one of you sick? If so, call the elders to have them anoint you with oil in the name of the Lord, God, and then pray over you together. Faithful, believing prayers will heal the sick; the Lord will heal. If they have sinned He will forgive. So, confess to each other and then pray for each other, so you all may be healed. The prayers of one who lives in close relationship with God are strong medicine. (James 5:14-16)   

                   The author of James paints a colorful picture of a community of faith that depends not only upon the Lord, but upon each other as they relate to God together in community. Sharing in the burdens of sin and its effects on the fragile, valuable lives of brothers and sisters in Christ is God’s expectation for His children. The pride that will tempt you to feel that you must be a perfect role model, free from temptation and error, is not from God. While you may not confess every stray thought to everyone of your people, you need strong, faithful partners for accountability and help.

                Who are your partners in the work? Are you looking for those God will lead your way to help in the work? The Lord will lead you to the community of confession and prayer and healing He has prepared for you if you will ask Him to do so.

                   Look for your partners as you follow Jesus each day.

SEPTEMBER 11 – DETAILS…. WHO ARE WE?

And this – This is His will (the Father, God) – that I will not lose any person he has given to me. They are mine, and I will raise them up on that last day. (John 6:39)

                   You are a child of the Lord, God. He has called you to a life of following Jesus Christ; to be a part of the story of His work in this world today. That is your identity. You are a Christ-follower. You do not have to waste time trying to find yourself, nor figure out your purpose in life. That identity and your purpose have been given to you by God. Will you give this identity; this purpose to your people? Or, will you allow them to struggle and search for it in an effort to find themselves?

                   Jesus understood His role. He says clearly in this passage, “God has given me a people to save, and I will deliver them safely home.” With Christ living in you – consuming your thoughts and controlling your actions – this is your work with the people He has given you as well. God has promised that he will complete the work in and through your life. This is a promise to every believer. When you know this, you can find rest in the Lord. You can know who you are!

                   Lead your people to understand their identity as followers of Jesus Christ. Help them to walk each day in the confidence of His love.