August 25, 2020 – Click here to listen
There is an interesting book on motivation by John Capozzi entitled: If You want the Rainbow . . . You Gotta Put up with the Rain! I believe this to be true.
Most people who do not succeed, do not understand this concept. Sometimes it takes a leader who is undeterred when obstacles of life, (rain) are encountered to help lead others to reach their “rainbow”. Some people need to be dragged all of the way to success, while kicking and screaming every inch of the way.
There is a story in this little book about General Dwight Eisenhower. He used to demonstrate this method of leadership by placing a piece of string on a table. “Pull it and it’ll follow you wherever you wish. Push it and it will go nowhere.” There is no substitute for effective, decisive leadership. An effective leader will pull those around them into the winners circle along with him/her much easier than pushing.
Leaders should lead by example. Whatever you state should be followed by example. i.e. It is pretty much common knowledge that if you want a “career” versus a “job”, you will have to work more than 40 hours per week and even work an occasional Saturday. Someone who leads by example will do just that, often being the first one there and the last to leave, and they do not just merely talk about it. The result of the extra effort will pay off and the career will soar. Thinking people should take note that there are seldom free rides. Most businesses, ministries, sports teams, or other endeavors that wildly succeed put in the extra effort and sweat to achieve their dreams.
The same is true with our Christian lives. Are you leading by example?
Do your kids/spouse see you get up every Sunday morning, (regardless of rain or shine), and go to church? Do they ever see you read the Bible or offer thanks at the breakfast table? Can anyone at your workplace tell that you are a Christian? Are you “pulling” anyone towards our Father Jesus? We cannot be as effective if we try to push Jesus on anyone but leading the right kind of life can help pull them to Him.
Why? Because those who know Him and love Him have the joy and peace in their lives that those who don’t are missing. Joy and peace are desired by all of us. There is only one way to achieve them, however, and that is through Jesus. Christians have the rainbow and can put up with the rain, all because of Him.
Matt. 5:16
Let your light so shine before
men, that they may see your good
works and glorify your Father in heaven.”