What do people think when they see your name on ‘Call Display’ on their phone? There are some names that I see that make me cringe. Some leaders are so toxic to a workplace that team members have to grin and bear every interaction with them. What a shame. It not only hits your bottom line, but it also hits your effectiveness as an organization. Robert Sutton's book (that we talk about in Sunday School as The No Jerk Rule) well illustrates the tremendous cost of failure to build a civilized workplace. No kidding. And not just the workplace. Every relationship and organization.
Our goal as Christian leaders ought to be that of the apostles, Peter and John. They were tough. Yes, of course they were. And they were hard workers (ever notice how the best leaders are also the ones in the trenches with the people and leading by the example of hard work - no one truly values a shirker). But they were also tremendous builders, encourages, and sharers of joy.
We too ought to stimulate wholesome thinking, remind people of the promises of God, and be an ever-constant model and encouragement. When people see our number on Call Display they ought to rejoice (i.e., be truly happy to answer) because they know that no matter the content of the call they can trust us and know they are loved by us.
The topic of sharing joy and encouraging others reminds me of what I read in Dale Carnegie’s famous book a few years back. He said when you answer the phone, no matter who it is on the other line (i.e. for all people, not just those you report to) have a big smile on your face. It will impact your voice, your demeanor, and the tone of the conversation. After reading that I’ve tried to make that a habit. Even try it with toxic people; it makes a difference.
Just a few quick thoughts this morning as you ponder 1 John 1. First, keep eternity in mind. That is, think of Daniel and his mindset. He knew what we and millions of angels know: there is eternal victory in Jesus Christ. Here’s what we see in Daniel, “But in the end, the holy people of the Most High will be given the Kingdom, and they will rule forever and ever” (7:18). Amen! Trust God today. He loves you and has great plans for you.
Second, and lastly, let us not long to get rich. Let us flee from that kind of thinking. It is not about us. And it’s certainly not about getting more stuff. Instead, stimulate thinking and activities that help those we interact with pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness (1 Tim 6:9-11). Again, how's your leadership? Let's make sure we are modeling what Jesus expects in our marriages and our families.
Unlike the apostle John we didn’t walk with Jesus 2,000 years ago. We haven’t heard or seen Jesus with our own ears or eyes. Your hands haven’t touched Him like John’s did.
And yet we do know the Word of life. God loves us. He speaks to us and yes, disciplines us. Jesus provides for us so well and He longs for us to seek our instruction and encouragement from Him.
But we don’t just take John’s word for it - although we do indeed trust John’s testimony. It’s much more than that. We’ve been born again by the Spirit of Christ - the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead. We are now anew in Christ. We are grafted into God’s family. We recognize how odd the family is. There are lots of EGR (extra grace required) people. So be it. Give them grace as we’ve been given grace. The family of God is eclectic, poor, rich, quirky, diverse, old, young, etc. It truly is an intricate body with many parts. It’s striving for perfection, but by no means perfect. It’s growing and healthy, yet it is often so pruned the cuttings exceed the remaining stock.
Like John, we know and trust our Shepherd. Yes, we’ve tasted the sweet fellowship of the King. And like John, today we seek to honor the King and share the joy of Jesus Christ with everyone we encounter. Let’s do that today. Not only pick up the phone call with a smile on your face, but with knowledge and intent to share the love and joy of Jesus with the person on the other line.
Lord Jesus, please help us today in every way. Help us to make every effort to follow and obey the Most High’s lead today. Amen.
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