Thanks to Anna (Ben) Crumback at Sointula Community Church for producing the Church of the Week!
Down, but not out…
Last Friday evening, I attended the BC Lions football game with my three sons. It was a Father’s Day gift from them and a special experience together – and we won!
We were excited to know that Travis Lulay was starting as quarterback. He had been our starting quarterback, but has been prone to injury. This year, he has been a backup to Jonathon Jennings. Recently, Lulay has played especially well, and has been our best hope to achieve a win.
Sadly, Lulay was injured on the second play of the game, and is now gone for the season – and maybe more. Jonathon Jennings is now our #1 quarterback. Lulay and Jennings have been competitors for the starting job. They are also teammates, and victory for the team is more important that who wins the starting position.
When Lulay first learned that he would be #2 quarterback to Jennings, he was interviewed by the Globe and Mail (Feb. 16, 2016), and in an article titled, “Travis Lulay OK with playing second fiddle to Jonathon Jennings for B.C. Lions,” he was quoted saying,
“If that’s my role, then so be it,” said Lulay. “I’m up to that point in my career where I’m fortunate that I can really put the team in front of myself. Sometimes early in your career it’s just survival of the fittest and you’re worried about you. “I really want what’s best for this club….”
If one is insecure in life, in ministry or any other role, he or she will tend to put oneself ahead of others, ahead of the mission and ahead of developing leaders. Gifted people are perceived as threats rather than assets, and as such, will not be welcomed onto the team, the board or the staff.
In an article, “Why Insecure Leaders are so Bad,” John Maxwell speaks of both the symptoms and the “cure” for insecure leaders. Here’s the link: WHY_INSECURE_LEADERS_ARE_SO_BAD.doc
Jesus presents the ultimate example of servant leadership. His secure relationship with the Father enabled him to serve freely. The insecure disciples believing that, “you are what you do,” could not bring themselves to serve others. Christ, being secure in the Father, was free to serve others. Doing so, he remained their, “Teacher and Lord.” (John 13).
***
Please click this link to this week’s Five Minutes on Friday with the LPD – Five_Minutes_on_Friday_Sept_15_2017.pdf
***