Comic Quote of the Day

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

                                              Gandhi, as quoted by Patrick McDonnell/Mutts



                                                     

New Perisseia Series

Who Is Your Master?

In Matthew 6:24, we read Jesus’s challenge to us regarding the influences in our lives: we cannot serve two masters.  Jesus was referring to wealth as a competing master, but in truth, there are limitless masters that would draw us away from God.  We often find ourselves making God a secondary master, following feelings of obligation and guilt to  serve human masters at God’s expense.

If we do in fact want to follow Christ as our sole Master, then we need to put would-be masters in their place.  This is where boundaries come in.  The concept of boundaries is a powerful tool that enables us to say, “No” to “shoulds,” “musts,” and the tyranny of the urgent so that we can fully and freely say, “Yes!” to Christ.

Perisseia, our women’s growth group, is returning to the important topic of boundaries in its Fall series.  This workshop will be loosely based on the work of Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend and their book, Boundaries.

All women are invited to join us Thursday evenings, in the Chapel House, 7:00-8:30, September 19 through November 7.  No commitment or preparation is necessary or expected.  Copies of Boundaries and the Boundaries workbook will be available for optional purchase:  $6.00 for the book; $8.00 for the workbook.

For more information or to reserve a copy of either or both books, please contact Cindy Bills (clbills@verizon.net; 609-275-8557).

Running the Zoo

I love the work of Theodore Geisel.  Dr. Seuss, as he is better known, wrote a large collection of wonderful children’s books, many of which are quite instructive for adults as well.  One of his most whimsical books is If I Ran the Zoo, a story about what a young boy would do if he managed the local zoo.

As one would anticipate by the title, the book contains the ideas that the main character would pursue given the authority.  We learn that young Gerald McGrew would spend his time seeking and acquiring a large collection of the most outlandish animals imaginable, much to the acclaim of zoo visitors.

With all due respect to Mr. Geisel, I respectfully disagree with the premise of his book.  You see, there are many days when I feel like I am running a small zoo.  Two cats, a puppy, and frequent doggie guests can easily make our home look—and sound—like a zoo.  At those times, when I am running the zoo, the last thing on my mind is collecting exotic specimens in order to impress visitors.  I am too busy filling food bowls, changing water, scooping litter boxes, collecting dog poop, engaging in and monitoring play, brushing coats, cleaning eyes and ears, administering medicine, and brushing teeth (yes, dogs and cats benefit from having their teeth brushed regularly).  And, let’s not forget visits to the vet, bathing (dogs only on this one!) and laundering pet bedding.

I believe that my experience in “running a zoo” is a helpful illustration of Biblical leadership.  Christ, as our Lord and Savior, Master and Model, is the quintessential example of the servant leader.  The Biblical model of leadership is not about being the boss or impressing onlookers, but about meeting needs and empowering those under us to be who God created them to be.  This is true even for my pets.  Unless I meet their needs, they will not be able to be good pets.  Cesar Milan, the “dog whisperer,” insists on the importance of encouraging a puppy to have lots of opportunities to engage in “dog behavior” in order to become a “well-balanced” dog and satisfying companion.

September is the “back to school” season, the time when we turn from the more relaxed attitude of summer to focus on the work before us.  As we do so, I believe it would be helpful to bear in mind that most of us are, in some way, shape, or form, a leader.  As leaders, we have the incredible privilege of following our Master’s example.  By the power of His Holy Spirit, we can grow to be servant leaders who humbly meet needs and empower those “under” and around us to fulfill God’s purposes for them.  It seems to me that such a focus is far more satisfying than acquiring a “Mulligatawny” or a “Thwerll” in order to garner admiration.

A final comment: Theodore Geisel knew quite a bit about leadership and leaders.  For an excellent and encouraging example, you might want to read, Bartholomew and the Oobleck.