April 7, 2021 – Click here to listen
I once read 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. It has been my experience that most people who do not succeed, do not understand this concept and at the first sign of trouble quit and accept their defeat.
Sometimes it takes a leader to help those who are struggling get to the winner’s circle. Someone who is undeterred when obstacles of life, (rain), are encountered. Occasionally they can help lead others to reach their “rainbow”, (even when they have to drag them along while they kick and scream every inch of the way).
There is a story in this little book about General (and later President) Dwight D. Eisenhower. He used to demonstrate his 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 them much easier than pushing. Effective leaders must lead by example. Whatever you state should be lived out in your own life. 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 yes 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 who observe this will take note and hopefully emulate the example that is set.
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 effective if we try to push Jesus on anyone, but leading the right kind of life can help pull them to Him.
As Christians we have the rainbow and can put up with the rain, all because of Him. Demonstrate this spirit by example this week won’t you?
Matt.5:16
“Let your light so shine before
men, that they may see your good
works and glorify your Father in
heaven.”