Reading a bit today on Spiritual Leadership. Came across this section in John Piper's The Mark's of a Spiritual Leader.
Lazy people cannot be leaders. Spiritual leaders "redeem the time" (Eph. 5:16). They work while it is day, because they know that night comes when no man can work (John 9:4). They "do not grow weary in well doing" for they know that in due season they shall reap if they do not lose heart (Gal. 6:9). They are "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord their labor is not in vain" (1 Cor. 15:58). But they do not take credit for this great energy or boast in their efforts because they say with the apostle Paul, "I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I but the grace of God which was with me" (1 Cor. 15:10). And: "For this I toil, striving with all the energy which He mightily inspires within me" (Col. 1:29). The world is run by tired men, someone has said. A leader must learn to live with pressure. None of us accomplishes very much without deadlines and deadlines always create a sense of pressure. A leader does not see the pressure of work as a curse but as a glory. He does not desire to fritter away his life in excess leisure. He loves to be productive. And he copes with the pressure and prevents it from becoming worrisome with promises like Matthew 11:27, 28 and Philippians 4:7, 8 and Isaiah 64:4.
Very good - sometimes in the Christian community the concern is only for "boundaries" and not "burning out." It is good to read that some men still like to work. I do not advocate neglect of relationships, family and children - but the obsession with leisure, me time, and living the good life prevents us from moving forward in the urgent task before us.
Jun 7, 2007








Comments
Good call.
Posted by: ifihadastick@hotmail.com | June 8, 2007 12:26 AM
Step 1. Carefully scroll out a hole in your television.
Step 2. Insert white phosphorus grenade.
Step 3. Run like the wind.
Step 4. Keep running
Step 5. Record how much time you have for leisure OR work.
Even if you don't have any extra time for leisure or work, at least you got in a good workout (sprinting).
Posted by: Greg R | June 8, 2007 08:07 AM
Nweg, you crack me up with your subtlety. Continue your anti-television crusade. But when you wife wants to watch a bit - don't begrudge her too much - smile. Even watch a tiny bit with her. But then blow it up! I pray you guys are doing well.
Posted by: Reid Monaghan | June 8, 2007 09:53 AM
The baby will be two on Sunday. I do watch a tiny bit with her. I like the breakdancing on "so you think you can dance." I still can't do a windmill, but at least I look stupid trying. Later. GER
Posted by: Greg R | June 12, 2007 10:25 AM