Fruit Stems From Root

All behavior is fruit rooted in the thoughts, ideals, and values (i.e. worldview) of the individual. Therefore, would it not be the focus of an effective leader to seek change in this area first with little concern for behavioral effects? In a spiritual context Jesus said, “every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit” (Mt. 7: 17-18). Similarly, Paul states, “be transformed by the renewing of your minds” (Rom. 12: 2). While behavior may be a secondary concern, the successful leader will discern the heart of the issue creating a barrier to productivity and begin to develop redemptive change to the underlying flaw inherent in the worldview that is causing the problem. As the folks at CCEF like to say, to begin with behavior would be like gluing healthy fruit on a sick tree; for a time the appearance of change would exist, but eventually the individual or organization may find themselves worse as the root issues become increasingly entrenched. Productive behavior may be beneficial for this short life, but my position of authority has been granted to advance the more eternal things of the Kingdom. Character development in our followers is critical as a leader, while preferential behavior may be a naturally occurring byproduct. Leadership founded on behavioral change will be categorically ineffective in bringing about persistent change in an individual or organization (i.e. division, department, watch section). The Law demonstrates man’s inability to change until the heart is renewed. Pursue heart change, lest we “whitewash the tombs” of the Sailors that we are called to lead.

To Do List

^"27'Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.' ²⁸Then they asked him, 'What must we do to do the works God requires?' ²⁹Jesus answered, 'The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.'" Jn. 6:27-29

What if God wasn’t at the top of the list, but was the entire list? Denis Haack explains the often mistaken Christian view of work asserting that many Christians justify all of the things and activities on their lists in terms of spiritual goals. Haack bothers me with his Biblical statement that, “Our careers (a term adopted from the world) are seen as secular but able to provide opportunities to do spiritual things, like evangelism rather than seeing our work itself as spiritual.” The Puritan William Perkins summarized the biblical teaching correctly when he said, “The main end of our lives. . . is to serve God in the serving of men in the works of our callings.” Does not the listing of priorities (even with God graciously placed at the top) seem like a completely inappropriate Christian perspective on our calling as created beings? Let’s consider work from a truly biblical perspective before we buy in to the worldly notions of the role of work in our lives (as if they were really ours anyways).

Covenant Leadership

"²⁶But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. ²⁷For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves." Lk. 22:26-27

When Admiral Vern Clark was Chief of Naval Operations he instituted a formal Navy program called “Covenant Leadership”. The premise is Biblical in nature and applicable because of the oath that every service member makes upon enlistment. He believed that they promised to obey those appointed over them and in return the Navy’s leadership was required to enter into a contractual understanding in which they promised to serve their subordinates. He formalized the program through written guidance, establishing a clear mandate and expectation on behalf of both parties that strengthened the Naval service through a foundation of objectively defined terms and trust. He then ingrained the covenant into the core values, his guiding principles, and the organization’s culture. To further encourage the adoption and exercise of the covenant by both followers and leaders alike he linked it with an area of rating on performance evaluations. The Admiral knew how to implement his ideas. Do you serve as one promised to serve those who have promised to serve the organization? Jesus served us before we agreed to enter into covenant with Him (He was the initiator). Jesus serves us, even now, when we have some understanding of the covenant we have been called to, but continually break it/fail to honor it. How does understanding the Covenant aspect of the Gospel (God as pursuer, covenant maker, promise keeper, and servant-King) influence the way in which you functionally lead?

Time Management (No, Stewardship)

¹⁴ But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." ¹⁵ My times are in your hands; Ps. 31:14-15

Time is a resource allocated to the believer for stewardship. I submit that time management (synonymous to stewardship) is similar to personal financial management. The Lord declares the allocation of the money He has provided to you for managing a spiritual act, never separating the management of resources from all of life as being essentially spiritual. Christ states, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:21) Likewise, time management of everyday events should be thought of holistically as a spiritual act of stewardship as it is written in Romans 12:1 “Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering.” How are you using your time? Wisely - as a good and faithful steward? Endeavor to redeem the time lost, making the most of it in submissive daily living.

Career Advice From Ecclesiastes (pt. 3)

Scripture tells us that our lives are but a vapor - like the sea mist you observe as you pilot the channel outbound for sea in the early morning. In our arrogance we make many plans accompanied by many words with little fear or recognition of the Sovereign God who pilots our lives in this perishing world. Hold it all loosely, like sand in your hand. If you cup it gently so that God can give and take away in His wisdom you preserve it. Grasp tightly in selfish ambition or fear and little will remain. Rest in the sovereignty of God - be at ease in God Himself.

". . . To draw near to listen is better . . . for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. 3For a dream comes with much business, and a fool’s voice with many words. 7For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity;but God is the one you must fear." (Ecc. 5:1, 3, 7)

"13Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." 16As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. 17Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins." (Ja. 4:13-17)

Bible Reading Plan

Plans from JT's Blog. Bible Reading Plan for Shirkers & Slackers from Ransom Fellowship. Great for the New Year!

To Blog or Not to Blog?

So, that's the question. Already the blog has some critics and I've received a bit of "heat." The issue is being an active duty officer while advocating some controversial beliefs (as if just being Christian isn't enough). So, a little over three weeks writing now and with nearly 1400 hits, I'm not sure what to do. There seems to be some interest and desire for someone to be talking (on the internet) about how to lead as a Christian in the military. I haven't seen anyone else writing about this kind of stuff that is currently serving. There may be some retired folks involved in military ministries writing about these important areas - but, they're safe. There is an inherent danger anytime you put yourself out there and let people know what's going on in your mind. I'm not risk adverse, but I want to be smart about this. I do write anonymously to create some shroud of safety, but that can only last so long. Enough research will ensure people know that I am the author of this site. Religion, particularly in the military, lights a fire like few things can. So, I'm asking for a simple vote. If you read this blog, benefit from it, and think it should stay up let me know and tell me why.