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 28 – YOU MUST LOVE & RESTORE

…. (Jesus gathered them together, privately, and quietly took them away to Bethsaida. (Luke 9:10)

                   Do you take time to concentrate on your people? Remember, Paul said, “the greatest of these (values) is love (1 Corinthians 13:13).” Jesus said the commandments all speak of loving God and other people (Matthew 22:37-40). Your people are fighting the fight each day against fierce opposition, and as a minority in a world that does not play by the same rules. If they are to persevere, they need you to show them some love.

                   It is not surprising that Luke’s abbreviated account of the accountability meeting is immediately followed by a time of team building. Jesus knows people. He understands that work can make you weary, even successful work. He understands that the conflict that can be part of accountability can be discouraging. He knows that people who are accustomed to rejection are looking for signs of their falling from favor. It is difficult for them to be authentic and focused in those times. So, Jesus made time to invest in His people, assuring them of their value to Him.

                   There is much work to do, and it is very challenging to find time for the work of restoration. But, it is valuable, important work. Find the time to invest in loving your people.

DECEMBER 17 – YOU MUST BE TRANSPARENT

Rather (instead of giving up when you are rejected), we won’t resort to desperate tactics, dishonesty, or try to spin the word of God. No, we transparently present God’s Truth. The, it is up to them. Even if this Truth is hidden, it is only hidden to those who have been blinded by Satan. Choosing the road to certain death, some can’t see God’s light and truth and glory the truth about Jesus. (2 Corinthians 4:2-4)

                   Do you sometimes choose to talk more (or only) about God’s love and care and gifts, and the peace and joy of following? Do you hesitate to give the full picture of what life lived on God’s terms will require of others? Have you ever been surprised to see someone turn away from God angrily when things go wrong, or when times are hard?

                   People deserve the truth. God did not create men and women with the freedom to choose so they could be tricked into choosing relationship with Him. The work with each person God sends you, as Paul explains, is to share the unvarnished truth with them. That is the only way that you can be obedient, and God can be glorified. There is no end that justifies anything less than transparency. Your end is always to obey God’s call.

                   Be transparent. Present the truth about Jesus and His work in your life authentically and honestly.

DECEMBER 2 – WHY UNUSUAL JOY?

Think of it as joy; be glad brothers, when you find yourself in very tough situations. You can be sure that this test of your faith will build your ability to patiently endure. These trials work to bring you to maturity, sound and complete in every way. So, keep going until God brings you to completion. (James 1:2-4)

                   It is very important for you to have a strong command of the values framework that God is giving you. Words, especially words that describe values, are often viewed differently – sometimes with great emotion attached - by different people. People often define words differently too. So, it is very important that you clearly state, define, and live your values without the confusion of mixed messages.

                   James’ value of being joyful in tough situations is not one most people would choose these days. Some psychologists say everything people do is motivated by a desire to avoid such pain. See how James painted the picture for his reader to help them understand his ‘Why?’ The ‘why?’ is very important when you are arguing for a value that goes against another person’s perceptions.

                   Consider your values and their definition in view of how they will be received by your people. Recognize that your actions and policy can be an important part of defining them. And, don’t forget to tell your people the ‘why?’ of your values