Light in the Darkness
Are you a people watcher?
As I work to increase my awareness regarding how I “show up” in various environments, I find myself naturally observing the way others present themselves, particularly when they don’t have the proverbial home court advantage.
Most people behave very differently walking down the street, at the store, or attending a public event than they do in their power zones – at their place of work, their home, or in their church.
The vast majority I see walking by me in public spaces seem to carry themselves with very little confidence, intentionality, or sense of purpose.
There may be any number of indicators involved:
Head down
Shoulders sagging
Eyes diverted
In their own bubble
Clothes choices are about nothing more than comfort and convenience
Conversations are with their immediate companions only, and even then it tends to be terse
Their pace is cautious, avoidant, and/or tentative
No smiles, no joy, and no assertive engagement with the world around them
Who knows – they could be a major player in their workplace, home, or church.
But out here in the wild?
It’s as if one of their goals is to not be seen.
Either that, or they absolutely couldn’t care less about the impression they leave on others or the world at large.
It’s all about them. Nothing else, and nobody else, matters.
How about you? Have you thought about how you “show up” in the world outside your more famiar spaces?
It can be daunting to feel like we have to always be “on”. Let’s agree we all need times when we can shut down and recharge.
Even so, if you and I consistently see the potential for a better tomorrow…
If we have motivation, plans, and/or skills that naturally rise up within us, calling us toward that vision…
If we have been given the gift of leadership…
The world needs us to “show up” just about everywhere we go.
Real leaders – Christian leaders in particular – don’t lead out of position or from places of power.
They lead out of passion, skill, and purpose, and their leadership gifting should not limited to the building they happen to be occupying at the time.
It’s not about our title or position.
It’s about our heart, our mind, our purpose, and our calling.
And that calling doesn’t get turned off when we go out into the wild.
In fact, if you look around with me and watch people as they continue to recede further and further into themselves (often based in a spirit of fear), a case could be made that our leadership is desperately needed “out there”.
You’ve heard about the difference between a thermostat and a thermometer. This is a common reference in leadership circles.
But Jesus used a few other metaphors. We are called:
· To be Salt and Light
· To put our Light on a Lampstand
· To be a City on a Hill
Not just at work. Not just at home. And not just at church.
We are called to be a light in the darkness everywhere we go.
We are called to be ambassadors of Christ working to usher in the Kingdom of God all around us.
And that calling should probably influence how we “show up” in the wild.
Blessings to you, my friends!
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This Week’s Resource Recommendation:
The GLS has a special place in my heart.
Much of what I do today was born out of my experiences there from around 2010 through 2016. I can recall seeds that were planted, books that were launched, speakers that moved me, and messages that linger with me to this very day.
August 8 – 9, 2024, they are going to do it again. After a change in leadership at the Global Leadership Network (GLN) a few years ago, they have worked hard to build a faculty and program that serves the needs of diverse leaders from around the globe.
This year, Connect Church in Washington will be hosting the local satellite presentation for the Greater Peoria Area. I am grateful to be working with Dave Jane (Connect Church) and Tony Escobar (Exponent Group / Thrivent) to help provide this resource locally.
Over the years, the GLS has provided a strong foundation for my development as a Christian leader. I highly recommend this annual resource for anyone looking to be a light in the darkness as a leader.
MMS 24-03
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Blessings to you, my friend!
