Being Transparent
Lord, leaders who follow you, no matter where they live and work, are under a spotlight. We are often reluctant to shine that spotlight on our sins and failures. However, if we do, it helps us better integrate what the world sees on the outside and what our spouse and family see behind the scenes. As I think about this, my friend Jimmy Dodd comes to mind. He has the largest and most successful pastoral coaching organization in the USA, and has written many books for pastors. What he calls this issues is FRONT STAGE and BACK STAGE.
Dear Daniel, I see where you are going with this post today, and I approve. Yes, I want leaders who claim to follow me, and seek to lead others, be healthy spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Many of those who claim to lead my people are frauds. They let the world see the “good” side, but then hide their “bad” side with their sinful behavior.
VOLUNTARY TRANSPARENCY
Father God, I want to be transparent. This is key to being held accountable by others. Otherwise, no amount of “accountability” will work on us. We must voluntarily disclose to others are sins and failures.
Dear child, you have your inner circle of men that you are transparent with, and that is good. I am not talking about you today. This message is for those leaders who are living a double life. They are reading this post and knowing in their hearts that they are disqualified from leadership because of their behavior. I need them to step down from leadership.
Lord, I don’t feel worthy to lead your SOLIDpastors ministry.
Child, you keep on trying to make this about you this morning. I put you in this role for a reason. When you are done there, it will be obvious to you. I will provide for this ministry. But I want this ministry to help those I am talking about to step out of ministry roles because of their sinful behavior.
OK Lord. I get it. Sorry. I try to make too many things about me. What can I do to serve you?
You can post this. He who has ears to hear, let them hear.
HAVE EARS TO HEAR
Can we put some scriptures with this to give it a stronger message, Lord?
Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. James 3:1-12 NIV
Thank you Lord for this lesson today. None of us are perfect. I confess that I say things I should not. I have a big mouth. I interrupt people at times. My tongue is often untamed.
Dear child, I know you fail, but this message today is not about you. This is not what I am talking about. Go in peace, to love and serve me.
OK Lord. Thank you for your forgiveness. I still don’t feel worthy to lead this ministry.
Child, for the third time, this is not about you. Please accept my provision of grace for you.
PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION
OK. Sorry. I have a hard time with this “grace” that is so unlimited, free, and expansive. I love you Lord. And thank you on behalf of all of us deeply flawed ministry leaders. Thank you that is really is “progress, not perfection.”
I love you too, Daniel. And yes, if I needed perfection, there would be no one left to lead my people.
Thank you Father God for this message.
Your aspiring servant,
Daniel M.
21 April 2023
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