Sign I ran across in Bangkok, Thailand
Sign I ran across in Bangkok, Thailand
Author: Dave Dishman (Page 437 of 475)
sanjuanpuertorico.com
I’ve been dealing with a great many “gatekeepers” lately. At one time, our cities were made safe by walls and the only way to enter was through a gate. I fell in love with the beautiful city gate found in San Juan, Puerto Rico, pictured here. The inscription above the gate reads, in Latin, Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini, which translates to, Blessed in he that comes in the name of the Lord. Isn’t that a nice way to welcome guests into your city?
The gatekeepers I’m dealing with are not protecting a city. They are people who’ve been given authority to safeguard an aspect of their organization. However, a little bit of authority often grows into an over-developed sense of control. There is a fine line between control that protects and control that harms. The gate to the city of San Juan remained open except in times of war or extreme danger. The gates to many of our organizations remain closed as their default position. While staying shut, opportunities pass by and entrepreneurial leaders who are denied entry move on to more welcoming places.
A leader keeps the gates open. A leader knows that new possibilities and strong partners and fresh ideas are outside the walls of the organization and it serves no one to keep the gates closed. If you’re in a position of “watching the gates” for your organization, take a good look at how hard it is to open your doors.
As I write the post, it’s raining outside. Here in Colorado it’s been really, really dry. Wildfires have burned throughout the state this spring and my yard is crunchy. The rain is much needed and much desired. Isn’t it funny how we can be so appreciative of a simple thing like rain? We all know that although simple, rain gives life and that is amazing.
A needed rain coming just in time always reminds me of Matthew 5:45 where we’re told that the Lord sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. That’s called common grace – the Lord’s goodness that comes to all, despite our righteousness or lack thereof.
As for me today, I’m not sure if I’m just or unjust, I’m just glad it’s raining.
A statue of Brahmin in India where Hindus worship today
I’m reading in the Old Testament right now as part of my “read through the Bible in a year” discipline. I just read about Moses going to the mountain to meet with God and get the 10 commandments. While he was gone, he left Aaron, his brother and spokesman in charge.
You know the story. The Israelites freaked out when Moses was gone too long and revolted. Aaron responded by gathering gold and crafting an image of a calf, thus creating a new god to worship. Bull worship was common back in the day (and it still practiced in some parts of the world as the picture above demonstrates). Aaron crafts a common god to give the people what they want – something safe and familiar to worship.
There’s no indication that Aaron opposed this idea or stood against this move to idolatry. He folds under the pressure of the people. All this while Aaron and the Israelites stand at the base of a mountain engulfed with smoke and fire, literally looking at the miraculous presence of God.
Moses was a great leader. His brother, Aaron, a failure. Leaders are made, not born, and these brothers bear out that point.
Seers, Sayers, Schemers & Saints
Stories to encourage you with the leadership experiences of overlooked men and women of the Bible. Their lives will inform your story, and move you to step out and lead.
GO: Following Jesus to the Ends of the Earth
This book contains reflections on the Lordship of Christ, the Great Commission, and a life of adventure and eternal significance. Read this book and you won't be able to sit still!