January 1 – ONLY ONE HOPE

 We are holding back nothing, putting everything we have and everything we are on our Hope. That Hope is Jesus, and our trust is that He is the answer to what each of us need in our lives. That’s the reason we follow Him so closely each day. (I Timothy 4:10)

Is Jesus really your hope? Or, is it your wits, your management team, your process, and your effort that you count on when it comes down to stressful times?

Paul tells Timothy here that he has made a basic, bottom-line decision; “Jesus is going to be my answer!” Notice too, the way he makes Jesus his answer. Paul says that he follows closely. That gives him opportunity for constant conversation, constant questions, and the chance for Jesus to give (and be) the answer to each situation.

Resolve now only one thing; that each day this year will begin with an affirmation that Jesus is the hope for you, your family, your church, your people, and all the rest of your life.

DECEMBER 31–YOU MUST CELEBRATE

 17-18The seventy-two followers came back – elated, saying, “Master – even the devils obeyed us at the sound of your name.” Jesus said, “I saw the adversary tumble down like lightning from the sky… 20But don’t celebrate that you defeated the demons. Rather, celebrate that the Lord, God makes that victory possible!”(Luke 10:17-20)

                  Do you celebrate? It takes time and costs resources to celebrate. Why would you spend money needlessly to throw a party? Isn’t the satisfaction of experiencing the victory enough? You will celebrate. In whatever way you feel is appropriate, you will take a personal victory lap. The real question is, will you allow your people to join you?

                  Jesus let His people celebrate. He was never in too big of a hurry to focus on them, and what was going on in their lives. This passage likely is a shortened version of a much longer discussion, but Luke does include that Jesus joined in, echoing His peoples’ excitement (vv.18 & 19). Then, He did what every great leader should do. He reminded them it was God’s work that they had done, and that God gave them everything they used to succeed. Jesus pointed all the celebration toward God. They celebrated Him rather than what they had done.

                  Be the leader who sees value in celebration. Show the world that God has worked in and through you and your people each time He does something great.

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 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 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.