Impromptu Leadership

The book of Joshua begins with God telling Joshua,“Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them…" (Joshua 1:2) Moses, the greatest leader in their national history is gone, now you’re going to lead the entire nation into battle…now.

Life comes at you fast doesn’t it?  We spend a lot of our lives trying to stay in our comfort zones and avoid uncontrollable circumstances, but once in a while it sneaks up on you.  The journey that Joshua was about to embark on was anything but safe; it was probably something closer to terrifying.  But God had more to say than just “go.”  His instructions to Joshua continue, “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:6-9)

As you consider the challenges that lie ahead of you.  Leading your family, facing your fear, running a business, battling illness, fighting for your marriage, etc…What do you imagine God would say to you right now?  I’d imagine something like, Be strong and courageous, I am with you, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged…

You were made for more than safety.  You were made for purpose.  Ephesians 2:10 says that God created us for good plans that He laid down long before we were ever born.  Be strong and courageous.  Fight for your purpose.  Whatever God has given you responsibility for, take charge, today.  Because some things are more important than simply staying safe and waiting for status quo to play out in front of us while we watch from the sidelines.

Own Your Attitude

Romans 15:5 says May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had…

Being placed in an uncomfortable or stressful situation always seems to bring out either the best or the worst in us.  Maybe you’re feeling the weight of responsibility for employees or for supporting your family.  Maybe you’re feeling the pressure to work from home and homeschool the kids.  Maybe you're a highly social person like me and the isolation is driving you out of your mind.  Whatever the dynamics of your situation, at least you know that we’re all going through our own version of the same struggle.

While coronavirus is probably not your fault, and job loss is not your fault, and the lack of toilet paper is not your fault (if it is you should probably keep that information on the DL), there’s a lot of dynamics that are not your fault and are beyond your ability to control.  But here’s what you can control: your attitude.

Whether you accept it or not, you own your attitude.  Your attitude toward the situation, toward the people at the store, toward the media, toward politicians, toward the other people locked down in your house…your attitude is  your responsibility.  Consider what John Maxwell said about our attitudes: “The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That's the day we truly grow up.”

Here’s my encouragement: Own your attitude.  Don’t criticize, empathize.  Think like a victor, not a victim.  Be patient, not pushy; grateful not grumpy.  Have the same attitude toward others, that Jesus had.

The 1st Day of School

Today was the 1st day of school in our house.  We have a 1st time high schooler, a middle schooler and an elementary student; just saying it is chaotic.  I took 2 hours out of my day doing drop-offs and pick-ups.  Not exactly something that a work-lover reflects on with satisfaction. 

At the end of the day, my high-schooler was a bit overwhelmed by the chaos of his first day in such a large school.  The middle child was elated beyond measure to be reunited with her friends and the youngest was exhausted because the day was “soooo long.”  All of those things; chaos, elation and exhaustion are magnified by the moment.  They’re a bigger deal than they should be, simply because it’s the 1st day.  All of them will be business as usual by next week.

In life, when we face a crisis, a disappointment, an opportunity, unfamiliar territory or some other significant moment, it’s important to recognize the context.  Sometimes, things seem overwhelming in the moment but if we give ourselves even a few hours of perspective, they return to their actual size.

Psalm 33:20 says We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.  Perhaps we were designed to be less anxious and more faith-full.  God’s track record is good so let the moment breathe a little.  It’s okay to let Him handle it; it’s not irresponsibility or naivety, it’s faith and good judgement.