Tag Archives: art

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“When people commend themselves, it doesn’t count for much.  The important thing is for the Lord to commend them.”  (2 Corinthians 10:18, NLT)

The current fixation on self-promotion isn’t new.  Folks were marketing themselves long before Paul wrote today’s admonition against self-promotion to the Christian disciples in Corinth — which was the New York City of its day: Populous, cosmopolitan, a crossroads of humanity.

I know, I know. . .  We reason that if we’re not for ourselves, then who is?  It is a valid question.  The answer for the disciple of Jesus is that it is God who is our champion.  God opens doors that no one can close; and God closes doors that no one can open.

Be faithful to Him in all things, and he will not only chart the course of your life; but He will ensure that you arrive at all of the correct checkpoints at the right time.   – Luther

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“Jesus called them together and said,‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.  Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’”  (Matthew 20: 25-28, NIV)

I like the adage: “Unless you’re the lead dog, the view never really changes.”

The problem is that my ambition for leadership almost always conflicts with what Jesus says His disciples’ ambitions ought to be vis-a-vis leadership.  While the common ideas of leadership usually involves the exercise of power, the acquisition of perquisites, and the maintenance of prestige; as a disciple of Jesus, I need always be on guard that I not use religious language to hide these secular objectives.

We cannot argue with the common concepts of leadership and their place in this world.  However, regarding their applicability, we must never forget Jesus’ words: “Not so with you.” – Luther

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