Author: admin

Life is characterized by mystery. Though scientists feverishly conduct research to discover the secrets of the universe. Though philosophers and theologians and moralists debate the great questions of life. Yet there are certain aspects of life that remain beyond the grasp of people to adequately answer.

God’s ways are not our ways. He is spirit; we are flesh. He is eternal; we are temporal. We simply do not have the framework to understand much of what is happening in our world and life, today.

Some people hate mystery. They need to have an answer for everything, even if it is inadequate. Yet wise people are not necessarily those who know everything. Rather they are the ones who recognize the limit of what they can understand. They embrace mystery as an exciting dimension to walking with an infinite God. Some of God’s ways are far beyond our understanding. Aren’t you glad?

The cause of much of the world’s grief can be traced to people who hoard their possessions. God has blessed the earth with abundance, yet millions of people suffer great want. While certain people collect and save and pile high, others can barely eke out a meager existence.

So how should we live? By investing in what matters. While the world heralds those who leave great wealth to their heirs, heaven condemns misers who come to the end of their earthly lives wile not having invested in things that matter.

Casting our bread upon the water means we sow into the lives of others. We are generous. We refuse to hoard what we have. We certainly can do so wisely and prudently, but we cannot become so attached to our wealth that we refuse to invest it in others.

What happens to those who cast their bread? It eventually returns to them with much gain. As we invest in people, we cannot know for sure who will ultimately thrive and who will not. Some people disappoint us. Others amaze us. But if we are to enjoy the fruit of having invested in other people, we must cast our bread upon the waters.

Complaining rarely accomplishes much good. Whining and criticizing achieves even less. In fact, complaining can bring you much harm.

Be extremely careful where you voice your complaints. Our words have a way of finding their way to the “wrong” people! We may think we were having a private conversation when we were complaining about our boss to a colleague, but we can discover, to our great dismay, that those harsh words traveled all the way to the corner office.

Many leaders have experienced turbulence and even dismissal because of words carelessly spoken. Never assume that your comments are “confidential.” Once they leave your mouth, they have a life of their own. They can find their way to the most embarrassing and harmful places.

Before you speak, ask yourself the simple question: “Would I want my boss to hear what I am saying?” If not. Perhaps you should keep your thoughts to yourself. Or, better yet, maybe you should change your attitude altogether.

The harsh reality of life is that nothing remains the same. Everything is deteriorating. You might have built your dream house using the finest of materials. You may have refused to cut any corners. Nevertheless, it does not take long before the building begins to show signs of wear and tear. Our bodies might be in the peak of physical fitness today, but if neglected, will soon show signs of neglect. Organizations may have been humming along like a well-oiled machine. Yet if untended, will inevitably have problems arise. Nothing stays the same. Everything is deteriorating.

While this truth may be disconcerting, it ought not discourage true leaders. For they understand that this truth provides a compelling justification for the leader’s role. We need leaders who are continually addressing problems that arise. Wise leaders do not allow their organizations to deteriorate or to grow out of date. They address small leaks before they become major cracks.

But woe to those who suffer under lazy leaders! Issues that could have been quickly addressed are allowed to grow and fester. Problems that might have been quickly resolved, grow to gargantuan proportions due to the lazy leader’s neglect. No one ever feels like fixing a leak in the ceiling. But true leaders aren’t driven by their feelings. They are motivated by their calling.

Good leadership is a blessing to people. When a nation or company or church or family is led well, everyone benefits.

Unfortunately there are people who hold leadership positions but who do not rise to the level of their office. Leadership is for mature people! It is for people who act responsibly and who handle situations as mature adults. It is not for those with thin skins and uncontrolled egos. It is not intended for those who allow their emotions to override their judgment.

Likewise, leadership positions are for those who do the right thing, at the right time. Some people abuse their positions. They indulge in the benefits without fully embracing the responsibilities. They “feast” in the mornings when they should be planning and working. When the time is ripe to be productive, they squander their days in meeting their own needs, rather than the needs of their organization or people. How tragic to be led by self-indulgent people!

If you are leading, there are times when it is appropriate to care for yourself and your personal needs. But there are other times when you must be found at your post, doing what only you, as the leader, can do.

A person’s wisdom is made evident by what they say. Some people remove all doubt of their foolishness the more they speak. While a fool may try to vociferously prove he is wise, his words inevitably demonstrate the opposite.

Wise people use their words to dispense grace to others. When you hear a wise person speak, you are encouraged and lifted up. When you hear from a fool, you are brought lower. Wise people make the people around them better. People like to be around them because it inspires them. Not so the fool.

A fool’s words ultimately lead to their ruin. They eventually offend enough people that in time, they are undone. People no longer take them seriously nor do they want to hear what they have to say. While their words might have seemed entertaining at first, people ultimately grow tired of foolish talk.

Examine your words. Are they gracious? Do they make people better? Or do your conversations need to be upgraded?

There are some things you never let out of your sight. A snake is one. A snake is not likely to hurt you if you have it under your control. But the moment it is free, you are in danger.

Likewise, a person who loves to babble is a loose canon. His words may sound innocuous enough in the beginning, but at the most unlikely moment, he might utter words that bring you and others much harm. Words can be far more venomous than a snake’s bite. For words can penetrate to the depths of our soul. Be careful in entering discussions with those who are careless and voluminous with their words. For the discussion can turn dangerous at a moment you least expect.

Likewise, be cautious with your own words. You may not have intended to hurt someone else, but with many words, harm is inevitable.

We are generally in too great of a hurry! We can neglect crucial details in our effort to get our work done. Sharpening our ax should not be postponed to a more convenient time. You might still be able to work with a dull instrument, but your labor will become increasingly difficult and time-consuming.

How do you “sharpen your ax?” By taking care of yourself. By getting proper rest. By maintaining a healthy diet and schedule. By learning and growing personally and professionally. While this can sometimes seem to be a luxury for those who face demands on their time, it will pay large dividends over time.

Many a person has set out with their work in a flurry of activity. But, over time,they slowed their pace and eventually quit in exhausted discouragement. They swung their ax mightily at the outset but could barely lift it by the end. If you want to still be swinging your ax powerfully years from now, don’t neglect to sharpen it today.

It has been said that those who live by the sword will die by the sword. This is true. The manner in which we treat others will also be used against us.

Those who dig a pit to entrap others will inevitably fall into a pit themselves. Those who attempt to use surprise against someone else will eventually encounter a rude awakening themselves. This might not happen immediately. But it will occur in due time.

How much better to be someone who always deals with people with honesty and grace! You are blessed when you bless those around you and treat them righteously. Not only can you generally expect to receive better treatment in return, but you also have the intense satisfaction in knowing that you are treating others as Christ would.

Fools have a wide variety of means at their disposal to appear wise. But inevitably they expose their true colors.

At times people try and conceal their lack of discernment with a flurry of activity. They give the appearance of “going places.” They seem in a hurry and project the appearance of making progress. But eventually such imposters expose themselves. They lead their organization down the wrong path. They commence a flurry of activity that has no purpose. They are all sound and bluster without substance.

Just because someone appears to be making progress does not mean they are wise. Time will tell. Watch them closely and if indeed they are a fool, it will become evident soon enough.