THE BLIND EYE AND THE DEAF EAR (Synopsis)
This Blog is a synopsis of quotation from an incredible MUST READ ARTICLE FOR ALL MINISTRY entitled, "The Blind Eye and the Deaf Ear" by Charles H. Spurgeon. The article is lengthy; hence, I have shortened it by personally extracting the most pertinent points. The entire article can be found at http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/The-Blind-Eye-and-the-Deaf-Ear.pdf . Enjoy!
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Having often said in this room that a minister ought to have one blind eye and one deaf ear, I have excited the curiosity of several brethren, who have requested an explanation; for it appears to them, as it does also to me, that the keener eyes and ears we have the better. Well, gentlemen, since the text is somewhat mysterious, you shall have the exegesis of it.
Ecclesiastes (7:21): "Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee."
Do not take them to heart or let them weigh with you, do not notice them, or act as if you heard them.
Tacitus describes a wise man as saying to one that railed at him,
"You are lord of your tongue, but I am also master of my ears"--you may say what you please, but I will only hear what I choose."
BLIND EYE AND DEAF EAR IN BEGINNING A NEW MINISTRY
In enlarging upon my text, let me say first--when you commence your ministry make up your mind to begin with a clean sheet; be deaf and blind to the long-standing differences which may survive in the church. As soon as you enter upon your pastorate you may be waited upon by persons who are anxious to secure your adhesion to their side in a family quarrel or church dispute
; be deaf and blind to these people, and assure them that bygones must be bygones with you, and that as you have not inherited your predecessor's cupboard you do not mean to eat his cold meat.
; be deaf and blind to these people, and assure them that bygones must be bygones with you, and that as you have not inherited your predecessor's cupboard you do not mean to eat his cold meat.However, I added, that all the past had gone away with my predecessors, that he must follow them to their new spheres, and settle matters with them, for I would not touch the affair with a pair of tongs.
I am quite certain that, for my own success, and for the prosperity of the church, I took the wisest course by applying my blind eye to all disputes which dated previously to my advent.
Know nothing of parties and cliques, but be the pastor of all t
he flock, and care for all alike. Blessed are the peacemakers, and one sure way of peacemaking is to let the fire of contention alone. Neither fan it, nor stir it, nor add fuel to it, but let it go out of itself. Begin your ministry with one blind eye and one deaf ear.
BLIND EYE AND DEAF EAR TOWARD GOSSIP
The blind eye and the deaf ear will come in exceedingly well in connection with the gossips of the place. Every church, and, for the matter of that, every village and family, is plagued with certain Mrs. Grundys who drink tea and talk vitriol.
At tea-meetings, Dorcas meetings, and gatherings, they practice vivisection upon the characters of their neighbours, and of course they are eager to try their knives upon the minister, the minister's wife, the minister's children, the wife's bonnet, the dress of the minister's daughter, and how many new ribbons she has worn for the last six months, and so on ad infinitum.
There are also certain persons who are never so happy as when they are "grieved to the heart" to have to tell the minister that Mr. A. is a snake in the grass, that he is quite mistaken in thinking so well of Messrs. B. and C., and that they have heard quite "promiscuously" that Mr. D. and his wife are badly matched. Then follows a long string about Mrs. E., who says that she and Mrs. F. overheard Mrs. G. say to Mrs. H. that Mrs. J. should say that Mr. K. and Miss L. were going to move from the chapel and hear Mr. M., and all because of what old N. said to young O. about that Miss P. Never listen to such people. Do as Nelson did when he put his blind eye to the telescope and declared that he did not see the signal [to retreat], and therefore would go on with the battle. Let the creatures buzz, and do not even hear them, unless indeed they buzz so much concerning one person that the matter threatens to be serious; then it will be well to bring them to book and talk in sober earnestness to them.
What can't be cured must be endured, and the best way of enduring it is not to listen to it.
"Thin-skinned persons should learn this motto by heart. The talk of the village is never worthy of notice…”
Above all, never join in tale-bearing yourself, and beg your wife to abstain from it also.
BLIND EYE AND DEAF EAR TOWARD CRITICISM
Avoid with your whole soul that spirit of suspicion which sours some men's lives, and to all things from which you might harshly draw an unkind inference turn a blind eye and a deaf ear. Suspicion makes a man a torment to himself and a spy towards others. Once begin to suspect, and causes for distrust will multiply around you, and your very suspiciousness will create the major part of them. Many a friend has been transformed into an enemy by being suspected. Do not, therefore, look about you with the eyes of mistrust, nor listen as an eaves-dropper with the quick ear of fear.
When nothing is to be discovered which will help us to love others, we had better cease from the enquiry,…”
I am not, of course, referring to cases requiring discipline which must be thoroughly investigated and boldly dealt with, but I have upon my mind mere personal matters where the main sufferer is yourself; here it is always best not to know, nor wish to know, what is being said about you, either by friends or foes. Those who praise us are probably as much mistaken as those who abuse us, and the one may be regarded as a set off to the other, if indeed it be worthwhile taking any account at all of man's judgment.
If we have the approbation of our God, certified by a placid conscience, we can afford to be indifferent to the opinions of our fellow men, whether they commend or condemn. If we cannot reach this point we are babes and not men.
You must be able to bear criticism, or you are not fit to be at the head of a congregation; and you must let the critic go without reckoning him among your deadly foes, or you will prove yourself a mere weakling.
It is wisest always to show double kindness where you have been severely handled by one of who thought it his duty to do so, for he is probably an honest man and worth winning. He who in your early days hardly thinks you fit for the pastorate may yet become your firmest defender if he sees that you grow in grace, and advance in qualification for the work; do not, therefore, regard him as a foe for truthfully expressing his doubts; does not your own heart confess that his fears were not altogether groundless?
Never make a brother remember that he once uttered ahard speech in reference to yourself.
It would be better to be deceived a hundred times than to live a life of suspicion. It is intolerable. The miser who traverses his chamber at midnight and hears a burglar in every falling leaf is not more wretched than the minister who believes that plots are being spread.
Suspicion in kings creates tyranny, in husbands jealousy, and in ministers bitterness; such bitterness as in spirit dissolves all the ties of the pastoral relation, eating like a corrosive acid into the very soul of the office and making it a curse rather than a blessing.
Brethren, shun this vice by renouncing the love of self. Judge it to be a small matter what men think or say of you, and care only for their treatment of your Lord. If you are naturally sensitive do not indulge the weakness, nor allow others to play upon it.
Those who will fetch will carry, and no doubt the gossips go from your house and report every observation which falls from your lips, with plenty of garnishing of their own. Remember that, as the receiver is as bad as the thief, so the hearer of scandal is a sharer in the guilt of it.
Solomon says "a whisperer separateth chief friends" (Proverbs 16:28).
Ours is a mission of grace and peace; we are not prosecutors who search out condemnatory evidence, but friends whose love would cover a multitude of offences. The peeping eyes of Canaan, the son of Ham, shall never be in our employ; we prefer the pious delicacy of Shem and Japhet, who went backward and covered the shame which the child of evil had published with glee.
BLIND EYE TOWARD OPINIONS ABOUT YOURSELF
To opinions and remarks about yourself turn also as a general rule the blind eye and the deaf ear.
We cannot expect those to approve of us whom we condemn by our testimony against their favourite sins; their commendation would show that we had missed our mark. We naturally look to be approved of by our own people, the members of our churches, and the adherents of our congregations, and when they make observations which show that they are not very great admirers, we may be tempted to discouragement if not to anger: herein lies a snare.
Endeavour to improve for the, but do not want to hear all that every Jack, Tom, and Mary may have to say about it.
Pride is a deadly sin, and will grow without your borrowing the parish water-cart to quicken it.
A sensible friend who will unsparingly criticize you from week to week will be a far greater blessing to you than a thousand undiscriminating admirers if you have sense enough to bear his treatment, and grace enough to be thankful for it.
A BLIND EYE AND A DEAF EAR TOWARD FALSE REPORTS
In the case of false reports against yourself, for the most part use the deaf ear.
Be not staggered thereby, for this trial has befallen the very best of men, and even your Lord did not escape the envenomed tongue of falsehood. In almost all cases it is the wisest course to let such things die a natural death. A great lie, if unnoticed, is like a big fish out of water, it dashes and plunges and beats itself to death in a short time. To answer it is to supply it with its element, and help it to a longer life.
Some lies especially have a peculiar smell, which betrays their rottenness to every honest nose. If you are disturbed by them the object of their invention is partly answered, but your silent endurance disappoints malice and gives you a partial victory, which God in his care of you will soon turn into a complete deliverance.
Your blameless life will be your best defence, and those who have seen it will not allow you to be condemned so readily as your slanderers expect.
Only abstain from fighting your own battles, and in nine cases out of ten your accusers will gain nothing by their malevolence but chagrin for themselves and contempt for others.
Standing as we do in a position which makes us choice targets for the devil and his allies, our best course is to defend our innocence by our silence and leave our reputation with God. Yet there are exceptions to this general rule. When distinct, definite, public charges are made against a man he is bound to answer them, and answer them in the clearest and most open manner.
In every instance counsel should be sought of the Lord as to how to deal with slanderous tongues, and in the issue innocence will be vindicated and falsehood convicted.
The Teachable Spirit
Matthew 11:29
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me…”
The very nature of God is that of the great teacher. In the very beginning He created an immense earth with a very overwhelming place of dwelling for his most beloved creation: man. He then proceeded to show man all that he had made for him. He began the God-Man relationship with instruction, teaching, and guidance.
Instruction from the Voice of God is always the opening to intimacy and relationship with Him.
The Bible speaks of the “ways of the Spirit”, “the knowledge of the Lord”, and “His thoughts”. It is the intention of God to teach us His character, His judgments, and His will. Without this learning we are useless to His kingdom purpose and plan; and, throughout the Bible we seldom ever hear the voice of God speak without it’s purpose being that of teaching and/or loving.
Teaching and loving are so very closely related. Christ even said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)
A new born baby is born into a world surrounded by knowledge, science, understanding, etc.; however, his mere birth does not fill him with this profuse supply of understanding. As he matures he must submit to the instruction of his parents and other influencers in this life to grow in earthly knowledge. Likewise, Christ says, “Take my yoke upon me…” and then he proceeds to say that there is more to this connection than just being yoked together with him. You must go on to “learn from me…”
Many declare to be yoked to God but they do not have a teachable spirit. The New Birth and a teachable spirit are a marriage without which no man will see God.
TEACH ME, LORD.
David cried it out to the Spirit of God 16 times. “Teach me!” The attitude that cries “Teach me!” is essential to carry the anointing of God! But it is a hard confession!
The one that cries “Teach me!” is also admitting his lack of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. He is declaring his need to submit to God’s methods: God’s Word, God’s Spirit, and God’s Men! GOD’S TEACHERS
The Word is riddled with God’s methods for teaching. God taught lessons through prayer, through His Word, and even used a donkey. There is, however, one consistent way which God chose to teach us. In the Old Testament the World declared the priest to be a “teaching priest”, Ezra stepped up and instructed the people in the “ways of the God of the land”. In the New Testament the Bible says God gave the church a faculty who were called to be “speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things.” (Eph. 4:15).
Ephesians 4;11-12
11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
You can’t be truly teachable until you will hear the truth of God’s Word when it is spoken in love by the professors which God has chosen for the edification of the body of Christ. The ministry God has called must be ready to teach and preach the Word, and you must be ready to learn and have a “teach me” attitude!
I know many “stay at home” children of God who are deceived into believing they are going to graduate without ever hearing God’s teachers – there is much Biblical proof to show that they will be sadly mistaken when graduation day arrives.
YOU CAN’T PLEASE GOD WITHOUT GOD’S FACULTY
God calls men to teach us. A brief study of Ephesians 4:11-15 will show you that without this ministry of called men in your life the following will occur:
Verse 12: Without them you cannot come unto the perfection God has called you and you will not be built up to withstand the enemy of your soul.
Verse 13: You cannot come into the unity of the faith, gain knowledge and understanding at the level God ordains for you.
Verse 14: You cannot gain maturity in spiritual matters, you will be unstable, and you will be open to deception to false doctrine.
HOW CAN I ENSURE I MAINTAIN A TEACHABLE SPIRIT?
1. A man who has a Bible that is falling apart, always has his life together. Make time for the Word. Read it with a readiness to learn from God. 2 Timothy 3:16 says “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”
2. Find a pastor of a local congregation. Recognize that he is not called for your comfort, but to teach you. Lose the arrogance and pride. Understand that Submission is not tried or proven until you disagree and then still comply regardless. Hebrews 13:17 “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”
3. Find a mentor who is wise in your pastor’s eyes. Curiosity is a virtue. Ask questions and learn to listen to the answers. Prov. 13:20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
4. Make the altar call the most important part of your church service. Fall on your knees and apply what was just preached to your life. Psalm 119:15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
Complaints - Don't Waste The Good Whine!
They exist. Complainers . They are part of the ministerial landscape - wherever you go. They will find a way to let you know they have been mistreated, what is taking place is just not fair, the price is too high, or it is just too hard to follow your leadership. They will come up with reasons for being upset, disillusioned, and disheartened that you never remotely considered. And you are called to lead these criticizers. The good news is, nobody complains about things they want to do!
All moving objects encounter resistance! Jesus encountered it daily and cutting edge leadership is no different. Great leaders are always embracing change and forward progression; the very nature of which is going to feel unfair to others who may be affected. I have learned that if I am addressing a group of 10 people, most likely, there will be at least one who will not like my words (or my tie)! Learn to expect complaints; do not avoid them, learn to deal with them and use them as opportunities to lead those you serve. Don't place a person's head on the chopping block just because they have a complaint; and, for the sake of your sanity, commit today to refuse to take complaints and criticisms personally. Learn to masterfully lead criticizers - even the greatest and most faithful saints will complain sooner or later! An empty church has no complainers!
TWO-THIRDS EARS AND ONE-THIRD MOUTH
My Pastor is an amazing man. He recognizes that God gave him two ears and one mouth. He endeavors to listen two-thirds of the time and talk the other one-third. That is wisdom; the kind of wisdom that really gets on my last nerve!Listening is difficult for most leaders; but is mastered by the greatest leaders. I am not yet one of those!! If you don't take time to listen to their words, look into their eyes, and try to empathize with what they are feeling, regardless of whether or not their complaint is justifiable, you will not be able to give a sincere, genuine, and heartfelt response.
The launching pad for discussing complainers must be set before we move forward. The bottom line is this: You exist to please God. You will never please everyone. You will never please any one person all of the time; however, YOU CAN PLEASE GOD. This is your goal.
As leaders, we must also learn how to please God in dealing with complainers and criticizers.
EMOTIONAL REACTION VS. PRAYERFUL RESPONSE
Complainers usually address leadership with the expectation of your immediate reaction. You don't owe them one. Complainers come across with the attitude that you are accountable to them - you are not. Even though you don't owe them an immediate response, you should prepare a prayerful one. Although you are not accountable to them, you are responsible for them.Do not respond "off the cuff". Let the complainer know you are going to pray and seek God about the situation at hand. You owe God's people spiritual leadership, nothing more and nothing less. Do not be intimidated into replying to them in a reactionary manner, but respond maturely. You can tell the maturity of a leader by how he responds to complainers and criticizers.
The natural response to criticizers and complainers is ANGER. If you determine today to respond to every complainer with emplathy and prayer, the emotional default reaction of anger will not be an option.
Complainers and criticizers have a very important place in your calling. They should drive you closer to God and cause you to become better in your leadership. If we are not careful, we can view them so negatively that they are a dread even to greet at church! Don't let that happen...take the upper hand.
You train complainers. You train them to push you around if you allow them to set your agenda. You train them to keep complaining or to learn to pray. You train them on what is acceptable and unacceptable. You train them on whether they will be allowed to call you at 11 p.m. or sit in your office for an hour every other week! You are their trainer - never forget that. It does go without saying that some complainers will never be taught boundaries - but they are few.
If complainers know they can exact your time, energy, and attention - they will. Time given to them should be quality; nevertheless, very short. Whatever you allow to distract you, will eventually drain you. If you train complainers to be your distraction, eventually - they will suck the life right out of you. Don't let the complainers have the time you need to be giving to the faithful laborers who are striving to do everything to see the Kingdom of God prosper!!
Some people were born crying - the Doctor never had to smack them to make it happen! They are born trouble-makers who just like to stir the pot until it boils over on the floor. Their happiness is hinged upon your unhappiness. These chronic complainers may change their complaints, but they will never change the time they spend complaining or the spirit with which it is done!
Titus 3:10 says, "Warn a divisive person once, and then warm him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him."
In my own words I say, dismiss his complaints several times, explaining to him the need for an excellent spirit. If he continues, dismiss him, not just his complaint. Don't give him ear. Let him sit in the pot he is stewing. Eventually, others who follow your leadership will also dismiss him as a "trouble-maker" as well - you won't have to tell them to do it. Wisdom will cause you to ponder a complaint in your heart in prayer to confirm it's legitimacy and if the individual is wounded, hurt, or simply concerned. If the pattern in the person is 'divisive', you would be wise to obey Titus 3:10. If you dismiss everyone who complains, you won't have enough laborers to do the work God has called you to do; however, if you don't dismiss the divisive criticizers whose spirit is that of a trouble-maker, you will not have the atmosphere and morale to get the work done!
REPEAT, REPEAT, REPEAT
It has been said by more experienced leaders than I, "Repetition is the best teacher." Some followers just don't understand your goals as the leader among them. You must bare your heart, give the reason why you know the Lord led you where He has. Do everything you can to repeat it to them in many ways, helping them to see the "why" of your vision and goals for the church. After doing all you can to help them understand your God-given vision for the work of God, if they still don't understand and hold the same criticisms - then you must simply group them with those who just don't understand. Leave it in God's hands and move on. A PLAN FOR COMPLAINERS AMONG US
1. Hear them out. 2. Take it to prayer.
3. Pinpoint their spirit. What manner of spirit are they of? Is it in the right place. Let God talk to you.
4. Show them love.
5. Express gratitude for their concern. Show them the way of prayer and peace as you give a reply to those you feel need a response.
6. Dismiss the divisive complainers.
Refusing Intimidation In Ministry
He walks into the room. His very presence is staunch with control. When I walk in leadership roles with almost every other person, I feel at ease… in God’s favor… able to lead and give direction, cast vision. Not with this man. He steps into the room and the ‘vampire chill’ leaves me staring on without words. Anything I say is like swinging my axe in full power and the blade bounces off the stone cold trunk of the tree, never leaving a mark.
INTIMIDATION –
The disciples felt it when the temple guard stormed the Garden and they scattered into the darkness. The 10 spies were seized by it when they heard the incessant reports of the outsized and exaggerated giants. Ahaz was overwhelmed by it when he looked at the huge army that was preparing to remove him from his throne and the Bible says in Isaiah 7:2 that his heart “shook as the trees of the forest shake before the wind” – even though God had personally granted him divine protection.
I HAVE FELT INTIMIDATION
I have felt it as I watched others walk in the gifts of the spirit and compared myself to their work. I have felt it when I stepped out in faith while others seemed so secure. I have felt it when others are growing families and I have been declared unable to do so. I have felt it when I made decision with which my mentors did not agree. I have felt it as men of my own age appear to be so far advanced on the surface in their ministry than I.
WHAT INTIMIDATION HAS MADE ME FEEL
Intimidation has made me feel inadequate, insecure, disheartened, unsuccessful, full of failure, useless, and powerless. Am I incompetent and unlearned. Am I wasting my time and is my personal work actually irrelevant and small? AND INTIMIDATION IS VERY PERSUASIVE… It argues loudly without ever raising its voice. It echoes in the soul and zaps the passion you have for which you live from your very heart. It leaves you weak and wringing your hands. It leaves me questioning whether I have anything to offer this world, in reality…am I fooling myself and others?
THREE DIFFERENT TYPES OF INTIMIDATION
I must recognize where intimidation comes from. It source tells me how to remedy each.
Intimidation from ME: Often, intimidation causes insecurity – but not the intimidation that comes from me. If I am simply intimidated as a result of what I see or feel, then it is actually the insecurities in me which cause me to feel intimidated, not the other way around. I have felt this type of intimidation from within when I have seen others successful in areas where I am weak, when others make suggestions against my made up mind, or when I others see an error or lack that I have and bring it to my attention without meaning me any harm. I also felt this intimidation when others' appearance is more trim, fit, in style than mine. What about the better salaried people with the nicer home? Women can battle this type of intimidation when they meet up with other women who, in their estimation, are prettier or have better physique. The other woman is probably thinking the same thing! I must recognize that I am human, imperfect, and that I will always have lacks in my life. I must recognize that I am the way God made me - in me there is no lack. If I am delighting myself in the Lord, then my feet are led of Him, I am chosen, in His perfect will, and I have no reason to feel insecurities even if I have lacks. God chose Moses and he was a stutterer – an anointed stutterer used of the Almighty!
Intimidation from OTHERS: Oftentimes others have a personality, disagreement with me, or are of such an opinionated mindset and arrogant spirit that they bring a pressure to the relationship. The motive is generally to cause you to see their power or position and is driven by a sense of having to have control. The ministry must be careful not to walk in this spirit themselves. I have felt this type of intimidation from people in positions who are not spiritually mind and would like to wield their power or control, when a mentor or leader insists that I do exactly as they say without personal reasoning, or when people with whom I have relationships try to use their close proximity to me to manipulate my decisions. Many pushers of secular leadership teach principles of driving, manipulating, and intimidating as acceptable forms of leadership.
Intimidation from THE ENEMY: The enemy can use people, circumstances, and positions to intimidate. This intimidation comes from Satanic desire to halt, impede, and hinder the will of God and the work of the Spirit. Often people who are intimidating as mentioned above can also carry Satanic intimidation. These two intimidations teamed together can create an almost overwhelming and disheartening situation. This is the intimidation that Jezebel carried – it was bold, manipulative, demanding, controlling, and beleaguered the mind of the man of God until he desired to take his own life.
REMEMBER – NO WARRING IN THE FLESH
Regardless of the source of intimidation there is only one way to deal with it. Intimidation comes from the words “in timidity”. It is a lack of boldness and confidence and fearless assurance.
Remind Yourself That It All Goes Beyond Your Flesh. No question about it. The battles you are facing, even if their source is in your flesh, the answer is always a spiritual one. The weapons you fight with as a new creature in Christ are not carnal ones. Do not endeavor to intimidate in return, do not try to overshadow those who try to intimidate you, do not try to lead them out of intimidating you, do not grow arrogant or fierce with them, do not take up your own “power” or position to fight back. If the arm of your flesh is found, then the arm of the Lord is bound. David knew he must guard his attitude and reaction toward King Saul. Intimidation must be dealt with spiritually.
If you try to battle intimidation, regardless of the source, you will find yourself endeavoring to become an expert in secular leadership, politics, business, and force. These are carnal methods of battling intimidation – to become a bigger giant than the one that overshadows you. Be careful that you do not become of the same spirit as the intimidator – in that you will find your ruin. Paul said he would know nothing else be “Jesus Christ and him crucified”. The Word of God, the gospel, the work of the Kingdom IS ALL YOU NEED. Become an expert in the love of God, the work of the Spirit, the principles of the Kingdom of God, in giving, and in serving – become an expert in spiritual disciplines. I have found that if I try to fight the intimidator by becoming bigger than he is then I will have to walk in the flesh - In doing so I will produce the works of the flesh – strife, envying, and every evil work. I will walk in the spirit of competition and I am more interested in the people I know, the social networking I have, how I appear before men instead of before God…and I will devise all types of things to cause myself to not be less or weaker than anyone else. THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE. THE ONLY ONE WHO IS NEVER WEAKER THAN ANYONE ELSE IS JESUS CHRIST – That’s why I must walk in the Spirit and not fight intimidators in my flesh.
Spend Time in Daily Prayer and Weekly Fasting. Time in the presence of the ALMIGHTY will help you to see that even though you are weak and powerless – the ever increasing power of God in your life is NOT. You need daily prayer to help you notice your weaknesses, not only so that you can endeavor to strengthen yourself in HIM, but more importantly, to RECOGNIZE YOUR NEED FOR DEPENDENCE ON HIM. You will never be good enough to cover every area of possible intimidation. You will always have lack. YOUR GOD NEVER WILL. Praying for your lack, praying for your enemies, and praying for divine intervention in satanic intimidation will put your mind in the right place – to have faith in the Omnipotent and UN-intimidatable God. When I am praying and fasting I have confidence to walk in the Spirit of the unstoppable God of my strength. When I am not connected in this way I find myself self-reliant, insecure, timid, and running away from satanic intimidation like the feet of the great prophet from Jezebel. THE DEEPER ISSUE IS NOT WHO I AM BUT WHO GOD IS – I must have an assurance of His working in my life. My relationship with Him is the greatest wrecking ball to the gates of hell.
WHEN BEING PURSUED BY FEAR AND INTIMIDATION - PURSUE GOD'S PRESENCE!!
Magnify The Lord. Speak of the good things of God every chance you get. Lift him up before the people. Show others how mighty his hand is. Show them his mercy and draw a picture in their minds, via your words, of how mighty the fortress of the Lord is. Confess your SMALLNESS in comparison to his GREATNESS. Let his MAGNITUDE construct your HUMILITY.
Refuse to Be Intimidated. It can also be summed up by saying HAVE FAITH IN GOD. What you listen to goes in your mind and eventually forms your thoughts. DO NOT LISTEN TO INTIMIDATION. Surround yourself with humble people of God. Choose the company of true saints and leaders. Rid your life of intimidating people. Refuse to settle for political circles and expectations of man. WALK WITH GOD and only be intimidated by HIS SPIRIT. In that I do not mean negatively condemned or beaten down – I simply mean recognize that HE IS ALL IN ALL…and I am very, very small. I must deliberately keep this temple away from people, places, and events that minimize God and maximize man. Isaiah spoke words of reassurance to Judah which was the key of defying intimidation from their enemy when he said in Isaiah 8:11-13, “The Lord spoke thus to me with His strong hand upon me, and warned me not to walk in the way of this people, saying, “Do not call conspiracy all that this people call conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. But the Lord of hosts, his shall you regard as holy; let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.”
If we place God where he should be, above all powers, peoples, positions, gifts, abilities, successes, leaders, kings, and thrones…and we submit to his vast and awe-inspiring majesty – we will not be embraced for even a moment by intimidation. WALK WITH GOD!
HELPING OTHERS DESTROY
i n t i m i d a t i o n....
1) I don't have to hear from God to know that I have been called into the life of others to help them see their worth in God's eyes. The very call of God in my life to lead and the steps that I have are ordered of the Lord. It is the perfect will of God for me to encourage and exhort others to be un-intimidated - and I must believe it is one of the reasons I have been called.
2) Empower them. Help them to see that God has called them just the way they are.
3) Direct them toward God. Who doesn't have failures, blemishes, weaknesses? These are no reason to be intimidated - but they are a reason to be dependent upon God.
4) Notice their abilities and help to place them in the body for ministry. Recognize their talents. Give them credit and help them to see what they can do for the Kingdom of God if they will be dependent upon God to annoint their skills.
5) Teach them to pray, walk in the Spirit, and disciple them to follow Christ - not man.
Be Careful For The Gifts God Has Placed In You
None of us has come to this earth by accident. Not a single soul has been created by God to simply float from one place to the other waiting on life to simply happen. NEVER!
With Him - THERE ARE NO COINCIDENCES. So where does that leave you?
You can find your place in God by doing something I realize I did without realizing what I was doing...
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE APTITUDES YOU HAVE NATURALLY IN YOUR LIFE?
One day I had empty pockets. I would have done anything to have a few bucks, no doubt... and God bless the poor man who had a job for me to who no idea what he was getting himself into!! An elderly gentlemen approaches this 14 year old young man and showed me around his beatiful landscaping. I have never seen such beauty with leaves in all my life. I have no idea how someone can have such a green thumb! - unfortunately this guy was fixing to find out how altogether thumbless I was!
He takes me to a line of bushes and asks if I would please trim them for him. "Do you think you can handle that?", he asked. I thought to myself, "It can't be that difficult it's a few little trees." ... "Sure! I can do it for you..." He handed me the trimmers and went n the house.
I had fun!! I whipped, I wacked... this was easier than I thought!! I cleaned up everything real nice...figuring if barbers get tips shouldn't tree barbers get tipped also? O yeah... I was gonna make me some money!
My new boss steps out onto the front porch with a crisp fifty dollar bill in his hand and a smile on his face. "That looks great!", he said, "Good job!". I grabbed the $50.00 bill, spewed a "Thanks!" and off I went. I was now in the landscaping business - it wouldn't be long and folks would be calling on me to do more fine work!
Until the next day when I got up... I walked outside and looked across the street at the neighbors bushes to awe once again at my artistry. They were dead. Dried up. Drooping. Slouching. Brown. YOU GET THE POINT!! I have never prayed for temporary blindness as I did for my neighbor that day... it wouldn't be a few hours and that $50.00 would be back in his hand for sure!!!
THE LESSON: If you are called to be a painter do not try to be a pilot. You may end up with the nicest painted plane around, but you won't have any paying passengers!!
Naturally I am a leader. I love Spanish culture and language. I love music. I am creative. These things are the heart of my life. God placed these things in me - and He wants me to be confident in the gifts he has given me.
What are your natural abilities and gifts? Have you ever thought about God purposely placing those gifts in you for his kingdom? Do you think that these things are an accident? What an incredible thing to believe with your heart that God has given these talents to you, hand-picked by him, for you to develop them and use them for his glory. He is depending on you!
HOW CAN JAYSON PAGAN MAXIMIZE HIS GIFTS FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD??
1. BE HONEST WITH MYSELF
Sometimes taking those tests on "What is your gift?" doesn't go over so well. Why?...The church culture and people around us choose to shine the spotlight on certain gifts. I have caught myself highlighing gifts and abilities on those test that, quite frankly, are things I WISH I had, but are not things God has placed within me naturally. There is nothing wrong with desiring to develop other areas of your life, but I must begin my development by being a great steward with the natural abilities God has given me.
I really like sports...but everyone who knows me knows within the first dabble in a sports conversation that I couldn't name three football players of the NFL during the last 30 years!! It is not my natural inclination.
You need to accept your proclivities. You will find out certainly that the greatest and most peaceful place for you will be functioning within your gifts and natural abilities. These are God given. Others can be developed later - but be honest now about what your's currently are.
No se enfoque en las abilidades que, de veras, no tiene usted. Si usted trate de ser un piloto cuando usted debe de ser artista - saldrá con el avión más bien pintado del mundo pero sin pasajeros. ¡Sea Artista! No hay mejor lugar en este mundo para usted que el lugar donde se encuentra funcionando y serviendo en el reino de Dios con los dones naturales que Él le ha dado.
2. FOCUS ONLY ON THOSE ABILITIES WHICH GOD HAS GIVEN YOU
You need to write down what your natural abilities are and choose a life of growth. FOCUS!
There will be those in your life who will look at you and think you are a better carpenter than you are a leader. There are those who will determine you are best at hospitality than you are at speaking. THEY ARE NOT YOU. Know yourself - be confident. You cannot focus if you are not confident that you are aiming at the right target. Go for the gold!!
KEEP YOUR FOCUS.
3. DEVELOP A PLAN FOR GROWTH
I remember when I first started learning Spanish. I knew I had an aptitude for the language. I remember telling myself I would study an hour every day and would read 20 new words in the dictionary every day.
Not everyone will go after Spanish with such passion; however, if you know it is a gift of God in your life - you owe it to the kingdom to run after it with all of your heart, whatever your gift is.
IF YOU DON'T PLAN TO GROW... YOU WILL NOT GROW. 18 Years later, and I am still studying every day, reading, listening, growing... and I am mastering this language more every day.
If you are going to double, triple, and better yourself - your heart must be set on getting and being better. The wonderful thing is that if God has placed this gift in you, YOU WILL LOVE THE PROCESS. It's not like learning Geometry when you love history... it's like learning history when you love history. It is exciting, challenging, and it is God's will.
MAKE PLANS. Make a schedule. Make a growth plan. Buy books about your gift. Listen to audio books and teachings, seminars and look up every verse in the Bible that surrounds your gift and apply them in your best ability to your life. Pray about your gift. and WATCH THE GROWTH BEGIN TO HAPPEN!
I am amazed at the musical talent in our church. I live next door to the church. At times I will be outside and hear the piano playing and someone who is not even in the church band is inside on the keyboard. I will go over to pray at times and several different people will be on the keyboard playing. It is wonderful to see the people who I used to see focussing on practicing at the church when no one knew about it start showing up as fill-ins and regulars in the church services. IF YOU DON'T PURPOSELY GROW YOURSELF, YOU WILL NOT GROW.
4. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WITH THE SAME GIFTS.
One of the greatest decisions I ever made was surrounding myself with leaders. My pastor is a great leader. I have about 6 others in my life with which I surround myself weekly. I stay in contact with them. They help to grow, they question me, keep me accountable, check my prayer life, push leadership down my throat, challenge me in leadership, and help me to grow. I love the round-table principle. A life of mentors, both above your abilities and below your abilities is a MUST.
If you don't surround yourself with people with your gifts, you will only learn and enrich yourself and not be able to gain from anyone else. You will not grow or become mature in this way.
Find someone who can teach you how to use your gifts...and find someone with lesser maturity in the same gift that you can pour yourself into.
5. FIND A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN FUNCTION IN THE GIFTS AND CALLING OF GOD
What use is a lightbulb in plain daylight? What value does a hammer have if it sits in a drawer, unused. What difference can a great composer make when he has no orchestra or sheet music? FIND A PLACE WHERE YOUR LIFE CAN COME TO LIFE FOR GOD AND HIS KINGDOM!
If you are an administrator and organizer - find a place that needs organization and offer to give yourself away. Find a pastor that needs help. If you are a musician, find a place where you can serve God and others in leading in worship.
DO NOT WAIT TO BE CALLED ON. How many have lost out...and ended up feeling empty in the kingdom of God because they waited for someone to call on them. FIND A PLACE TO USE YOUR GIFTS !!
You don't just need knowledge, you need ACTION. If you have a gift you need to know three things TODAY...
1) Where can I use my gift at the current level of giftedness? ... Find that place TODAY!
2) When will I be using my gift? ... Make those plans TODAY!
3) Who do I need to tell about my gift? ... Tell those people TODAY!
THERE IS NOTHING WORSE THAN A BURIED TALENT.
LAUNCH OUT TODAY AND BECOME WHAT GOD HAS DECLARED YOU TO BE BY GIFTING YOU WITH HIS CHOSEN TALENTS!
Lessons From A Dog's Tail....
WINTER.
Biting winds whistled through the deserted streets of a quaint, northern town. The temperature continued to drop, but that failed to deter one lone man from venturing outside. Heavily bundled he plunged through the sub-zero weather, with the ends of his plaid, woolen neck scarf flapping in the wind. Jake Matthews walked with steady, brisk strides. His hunched shoulders and forward lean gave him the appearance of a man on a mission. Who else would be out on such a fearsome night?
As Jake pressed onward to a destination known only to himself, he spotted a trembling, emaciated dog cowering for shelter behind a telephone pole. Something drew him a step closer. He couldn’t be sure, but it looked like a child had played a cruel prank on the poor dog.
Jake squinted. Sure enough, a tin can was tied to the dog’s tail and the rope was wrapped around the pole several times. In his frantic struggles to get free from the can, he must have run back and forth from pole to tree. All to no avail. Finally, with one last desperate dash in a circle, the animal had sealed his fate. Without a break in the weather, which was unlikely, he would make his last stand entangled around the telephone pole.
What a sorry sight! Jake thought as he stared at the dog. Compassion tugged at his heart. For the moment, he forgot how cold it was. Drawing closer still, he paused and inspected the creature. He’s skinny, all right. Looks miserable. Bald patches in his coat. A stray, no doubt. . .
Jake stooped down, reached out his hand and called to the dog. Suspicious at first, and for good reason, the dog overcame his fears and gradually approached. Inch by slow inch he crept forward, whining with each step. Gently, Jake reached out his hand and stroked the frightened animal, all the while speaking kind words. After removing the string and tin cane from his tail, the man lifted the dog up, opened his overcoat and tucked the bedraggled animal inside for the journey back home.
They arrived at last. As Jake went into the house, he explained to his wife how he found the half-starved little dog on the street. He urged her, “Please, sweetheart, put a blanket in the corner of the kitchen, by the heater where it’s warm. We’ll take care of him, at least for tonight.” He looked down and shook his head, “He would’ve died if I’d left him out in the cold.”
Mary smiled to herself, knowing her husband’s soft heart for strays. One night would never be enough. She returned with a suitable blanket and together they lovingly placed the still-quivering creature upon it. He whimpered softly. They offered a delicious bowl of warm milk and bread, followed by some scraps from the evening meal. The famished dog devoured the feast. For the first time in many months, he wagged his tail (with caution) for the unusual kindness bestowed on him.
The next day, as Jake and Mary awoke to the early morning sunlight, the dog greeted his benefactors with a slightly more enthusiastic wag of his tail. As the couple exchanged a quick glance, they reached a decision. The dog, thought not much to look at in his present state, had found a home.
“What should we name him, dear?” Jake asked. “He must have a name if he’s to be part of the family.” They were both silent for a few moments, then stared at the dog and at each other.
Mary volunteered with a chuckle, “The way he looks…Old Bones might suit him fine.”
“True, he’s not much of a prize right now,” he answered. “You just wait, though! In a month or so he’ll look like he’s got royal blood in him.” He paused and thought a moment. “How about Monarch for a name? Rather regal-sounding, don’t you think? Besides, that’s the name of a butterfly. You know how different they look from the caterpillar that spins a cocoon!”
Monarch he became.
Days and weeks passed since the new addition to the family. Time revealed an incredible metamorphosis taking place in the old dog. His eyes became clearer, his nose grew cool and moist, and his tail wagged vigorously whenever anyone even glanced his way. More remarkable, though, was his coat. The silky, russet-colored fur glistened in the sunlight streaming through the window onto his favorite napping spot. What a change in Monarch! After lots of good food and tender loving care, Jake and Mary could scarcely recognize the fine-looking animal as the same miserable stray of four weeks ago.
Each afternoon about four-thirty, Monarch whined and scratched at the door to go outside. He trotted to the end of the walk, sat by the gate and waited for his master to come home from work. The sound of the family car coming up the street was etched clearly in his memory. As soon as the familiar noise reached his ears, he would begin barking excitedly and thumping his tail with wild abandon. Joy… JOY! Master was home!
Then, when Monarch heard the car door slam shut, he could restrain himself no longer. He ran in circles and bounded about, almost knocking over his beloved Jake as he came through the gate. From that moment on, master and dog remained inseparable for the rest of the evening.
One night after dinner Jake was snoozing in his favorite easy chair with is arm dangling over the arm rest. Monarch lay nearby in utter bliss. Suddenly, Jake awakened to something wet nuzzling his hand. As he leaned over the side of the chair, his gaze met two of the most loving eyes any dog ever had for his master. He nodded and smiled as, over and over, Monarch licked the hand of the one to whom he owed his very life. It was the same hand, in fact, that had reached out to him in far different circumstances.
Above all else, one thing stood out in the scene. It was obvious that Monarch had followed Jake into the room and had lain by his side out of sheer devotion. He didn’t beg for food or whine for attention, but merely expressed gratitude for being able to rest in his master’s presence. Looking up with eyes filled with rapt adoration, and as the best way of expressing the love he felt – licking the hand of his master – Monarch was content. (A story by A.P. Gibbs)
Lessons Learned from a Dog’s Tail….
RECOGNIZE THE HURT
We cannot only recognize the hurting when they are brought to our attention. We must keep an eye open for the condition of people and the soul. Often our greatest enemy to finding and loving people is our “full speed ahead” mindset. We walk so briskly through life “doing ministry” that we fail to see where to truly “minister”. If you do not desire for your schedule to be interrupted by people who are “tied to the pole”, then ministry is not for you. We need an eye for the hurting and must learn to “make haste slowly” enough to recognize where hurting is present. If you are so focused on YOUR destination how do you expect to get other people to THEIR destination? Isn’t that what leadership is about?
This was not Jake’s first rodeo with one stray. His wife recounted his ‘soft heart for strays’. Jesus had a soft heart for strays as well. He said that the true shepherd leaves the ninety-nine protected sheep to launch a search for the one who has gone astray from the fold. Self-serving ministry, leadership, and churches chase the strays off with brooms and rocks – not us. WE MUST DEVELOP A HEART FOR STRAYS.
LET COMPASSION GRIP YOU
When Jake saw the dog he did not judge where the dog had come from or determine how stupid the dog was for having run back and forth from pole to tree, sealing his own death sentence. Blame is not issue here – COMPASSION IS THE ISSUE. 
Even Jesus, who knew every detail of every life, saw people “tied to their pole” by their own fault, and was ‘moved with compassion’. Jake was so enveloped by this compassion that he forgot how cold it was. His present circumstance of sub-zero temperatures was forgotten when his eyes fell on the near death circumstance of this poor wounded dog. YOUR COMFORT and COMPASSION OF CHRIST are not easily married. Generally, having compassion on someone else will mean placing yourself in an uncomfortable and self-denying place. DRAW CLOSER
People need faith. People need to feel like there is hope and help. People need to feel that they are worth finding and salvaging – that they have value to someone and to God. The presence of these needful feelings takes place when you draw close to them. A phone call with genuine concern, a visit with authentic relationship in mind or a sincere prayer will do wonders. Leaders are often afraid to let people in, but you cannot help them if you cannot reach the wound to bandage it. REACH OUT YOUR HAND AND CALL OUT .... butEXPECT RECOIL AND SUSPICION
Remember that the last time they came near to someone there were “strings attached” – for this puppy, in a literal sense. The puppy was bounding around to play with some kids, pouncing, jumping, and rolling. He thought he was having fun. No walls. No boundaries. Just fun – relationship! You see where that openness and naivety got him? – a lonely bitter-cold death sentence. 
Don’t expect everyone to just trust you because others do. More often than not, just as the wounded dog hunkered down at the ‘reaching out’ of Jack’s hand, people will be suspicious of your motives as well- don’t take it personally. MOVE GENTLY AND KINDLY
Leaders are used to ‘get it done!’ brisk, task-oriented lifestyle. People are not paperwork. You WORK with things, paperwork, tasks – you SERVE people. You do not WORK with people. If you look at people as WORK you will find yourself punching a time clock and feeling that people invade your life. They become a problem, not a calling or a burden. You have to switch gears when serving people. You have to slow down…be GENTLE…and be KIND. This is when the fruit of the Spirit is so needful in ministry. People need to feel that genuine gentleness and sincere love and kindness – not the fake kind that sweetens the conversation until they walk away from you. They need the gentleness that comes from a leader who has met God in prayer for them before they meet the person face to face. A Kindness that flows from a heart who is willing to be give back to others from the bounty of goodness that God has given them. The more we take time to remember God’s so awesome mercy and gentleness in our lives, the more readily we will allow the same to flow out of us onto the ones who need it in desperate measures.
You must move to help, but you cannot ‘slam’ healing into someone. You cannot grow a garden overnight. Some things God needs us to handle gently and kindly.
REALIZE THAT EVEN THOUGH THE STRING AND TIN CAN ARE GONE, THE WOUND IS STILL THERE
It took Jake only a few seconds to unravel the tin can and string; however, it does us well to understand that deliverance may take a moment, healing can take some time. How many times I have met people who were raised a certain way, have experienced horrible things in their life, and because they came to God, people expected them to “shape up or ship out”. That attitude is as ungodly as it gets. We cannot underestimate the long-term effects of horrors that have befallen those God decides to rescue.
OFFER PROTECTION
Drawing close is not enough. Somehow we must offer protection. Jake took the wounded even closer than his hand; he put him under his coat in a warm sheltered place next to his heart. Stopping by to say “hi” is only the beginning of your position in helping someone to heal. They need to know you have totally committed to them. They need a place near your heart. They need to know you will protect them from others who have ‘strings and tin cans’. One of the greatest ways of doing this is helping them to leave the cold. Get them into a different environment, physically and spiritually. And then, CONVINCE OTHERS OF THE NEED TO LOVE AND AID THEM. Jake told his wife of the sub-zero rescue in detail – and he rallied her compassion and willingness to sacrifice for the healing of the dog along with him. Others will wonder why you have chosen to open your life to ‘such a wretch’. Do not defend the wretch, but take that person to the pole, pour your heart out and endeavor to rally them to help and sacrifice for the same. In this way you are protecting the wounded. If people will not be rallied, they may have a few ‘strings and tin cans’ tied around their own tail.
RECOGNIZE YOU WERE SENT TO THEM BY GOD – AND DEATH WITHOUT YOU WOULD BE IMMINENT
It is true. It is a fact. It is simple. God knows every situation and you were sent to this person – no questions asked. The steps of a good man are ordered of the Lord. Do not take it as an option. God called you for this purpose. Jake look a final look down at the dog before he retired, exhausted for the night – and as he reviewed the whole scenario he stated, “He would have died if I’d left him out in the cold.” It is undeniable. You are irreplaceable. Without you, they will die. REALIZE THAT HEALING CAN TAKE LONGER THAN YOU’D LIKE TO TAKE
Jake’s wife sees the horrific state of the poor dog. Even though the dog’s rescuer, Jake, says, “we’ll take care of him, at least for tonight”, she recognizes the fact. This may take more than a night or two. There are some things, as ministry, we can control and determine, but when it comes to how long healing will take- that determination is God’s. We must simply be committed to service, and when someone inquires, “How long?”, we should reply, “As long as God needs, “ because – One night may not be enough. Jake set out to be a hotel, but when God gives you a stray he has one thing in mind – A HOME. There is a big difference! UNDERSTAND THAT FAMISHED PEOPLE DEVOUR WHAT IS OFFERED
I have personally stood in amazement of how much a dog can eat. I have heard it said that they will eat themselves to death if you allow them. I don’t know how true that is, but as ministry we should understand that famished people devour. They can easily be mistaken as ‘sponges’ and always looking for a ‘handout’. Is it so strange that starving people in third world countries are often arrested for violence which they committed in the name of hunger? Strays will get what they can – the thing is, no one owns them, so everything they get will generally belong to someone else. Jake feeds the wounded dog, and he inhales quickly to the last crumb. The dog knows nothing about stopping to enjoy the blessing or sharing with other dogs or doing something to deserve the meal – strays are scavengers and have learned that if they don’t demand or steal they will not lie down with a full belly. It causes them to become wild and mean… and they are not easily re-trained. I was once confronted by a stray while on a door to door outreach campaign. That dog was incredibly intimidating. It was not afraid to show its teeth-it was territorial and threatened by my close proximity. This is the life of a stray. Always remember, “Hurt people hurt people”. They generally have no idea they are doing it – it is simply the way they were taught by someone’s example or maybe they were abandoned and had to ‘hit the streets’ and fend for themselves.
It is important to understand that this does not go away just because they are delivered from the ‘string and tin cans’. They must have someone to feed them, lead them, love them – and after they learn to trust, they will begin to see that God and you will be faithful. You must teach them how much they can have, how to get more, and bring balance to their diet. If they are not taught, they will maintain the same disposition as a stray, but now they will be in your home. Don’t be surprised if they tip over the trash can on the kitchen floor and bring havoc. It is your responsibility to train them to abandon the ‘devouring nature’.
REALIZE THAT DURING RECOVERY, YOU USUALLY AREN’T GOING TO GET ANYTHING IN RETURN
A small wag of the tail- that’s it! Don’t do what you are doing with the motive of getting something in return. You will be disappointed in them and frustrated in the relationship. You are in this for God. You are in this because God sent you, it is your calling, you are here to serve, and you know God’s reward will be incomparable to anything the stray has to offer. Jake fed the dog milk that took time to warm, along with bread and other food that someone had to buy, and just gave it to a nameless stray – and all he got in return was a few hesitant wags of the tail that were probably more directed at the food than the person giving it. You cannot expect people who are hurt to show gratitude – it’s just not realistic. NAME THE PERSON AFTER THEIR POTENTIAL, NOT THEIR PRESENT CONDITION
David’s ‘mighty men of valor’ were really just a bunch of mess-ups. David was royalty in the making. Instead of labeling them as warriors, soldiers, or fighters, David said the vagabonds be called ‘mighty men of valor’. DAVID HAD A HEART FOR STRAYS – and loved the men more than himself. Jack didn’t go to the store and get dog food and a water bowl. He made it more personal than that. He heated up some milk and took some fresh bread from the cabinet. He showed hospitality to the undesirable guest. When it came time to name the dog others suggested the name “Old Bones”, which was indeed the perfect name based on his current condition. Jack never stopped seeing beyond that ugly dog. When others would have taken the dog to the vet to have him put to sleep, Jack took him home and made a place for him. When others would have fed him water and dog food, Jack ransacked his cupboards. When others wanted to name him “Old Bones”, Jack refused and wanted to name him “Monarch” - A title of royalty. If you are their leader, how you treat people and how you view them is generally the way they will turn out. How many times David’s vagabonds risked their lives, breaking through gates of cities, storming the enemy while devouring their foe one by one – because David acknowledged them as MIGHTY and full of VALOR. If you treat people like dogs don’t be surprised when they come home with fleas. When you treat them like princes, don’t be surprised when they produce loyalty, bravery, courage, and become assets to the kingdom. Good leaders don’t see Old Bones, they see Monarchs.
TIME WILL REVEAL AN INCREDIBLE METAMORPHOSIS TAKING PLACE
Commitment to service brings true results. The true reward doesn’t come from untying ‘strings with tin cans’, it comes from the long-term permanent transformation. The result of your commitment to God and the hurting is undeniable. Sadly enough, a lot of leaders aren’t willing to stick around long enough to witness the transformation. It doesn’t happen fast enough for them. Misery is turned into overwhelming joy. Clouded eyes are clear again. The physical appearance is renewed. The timid, hunkered down, freezing, fearful, and physically ravaged dog is now alert, mindful, loving, and other remarkable differences are obvious. It takes time and sacrifice to lead someone from ashes to beauty, but it is well worth the price.
LOYALTY AND WORSHIP TO THE MASTER WILL FOLLOW
This is the ultimate goal. If the loyalty of this ne-made creature is only to the human who rescued him, the rescuer has failed. Human relationship without the GODly connection is dangerous and lifeless. Jack was the rescuer and the Master – but that’s in dogland. In Godland it is different – we are used by God to rescue, lead, and bring healing. But we are called to lead people into the presence of the ONE that truly transforms. We do this by our example of aggressive love and persistent faith. There are many leaders, but only one healer. Leaders deserve loyalty if they have nurtured thus far, but God deserves WORSHIP for the power of his amazing love and operation of Calvary. We must show them the cross and the source of our power. Take them to the one who took us to them.
How do you get people to be loyal to you as a leader? This happens automatically to the true godly leader who is leading toward the right things. Loyalty is a natural result of godly leadership, but the sole motive of men who would rather that others follow them than to worship Christ. Lead people to Jesus Christ, and forget about gaining their loyalty…they are one in the same. Show them the power of his presence, relationship with him, and the greatness of his regeneration in their life. If you have lead them to the Jesus I know, they will be sure to be more loyal to you than to any other person on earth. You will have a very strong sense of fulfillment as they ‘run to meet the Master’ every day…
Words easily written… not easily done.
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About Me-
- Jayson Pagan
- Salina, Kansas, United States
- Being raised in a home void of leadership, leading people does not come natural for me. After creating much havoc and chaos, it is my endeavor to share with others the lessons that I have learned along the way. I am a bilingual minister with the UPCI and have spent time pastoring, evangelizing, and have functioned for the last 8 years as the Administrator of a wonderful and growing Church in Southern Illinois. I have also been at the helm of successfully growing a small construction company to become a multi-million dollar industry. Space does not permit all the lessons learned!