Rule #10

After I posted last week’s "Public Service Announcement", I realized that I never really brought my thoughts regarding ‘leadership/potential’ to a close.

Since I used a quote from Dr. Henry Cloud’s 9 Things a Leader MUST Do as a springboard to my posts about the importance of following one’s potential, I thought I could conclude with what I have decided to be the 10^th thing to add to Dr. Cloud’s list.

Before sharing the verse that creates ‘my’ 10^th thing, I want to tell you about how cool I thought it was when I added it to my copy of the book. The verse that stood out was 2 Chronicles 1:10. So, on the title page of my copy of 9 Things a Leader MUST Do, I wrote, “#10-Second Chronicles 1:10". I thought it was pretty cool that #10 was from verse 10! (And to all of my husband’s chiastic structure fans—why not?)

Now, let’s take a look at what #10 from verse 10 has to say:

I had been reading from 2 Chronicles (BTW: 2 Chronicles has some ‘fun’ and interesting events-good reading! And, always begin with the end of 1 Chronicles). The Book begins with Solomon’s anointing as the new King. I imagine most of you are familiar with his first prayer/conversation with God in this new position. God told Solomon to ask for whatever he wanted (verse 7). Solomon replied by recognizing the greatness of God and the smallness of himself. (verses 8-9). Then he made his request, “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people…” He didn’t ask for greatness, success. riches, long life, or health. He asked for wisdom and knowledge to lead. As we continue reading verses 11-12, we see that God honors this request over and above what Solomon ever dreamed.

Yes, there are a lot of leadership guidelines and suggestions whereby we can improve our leadership skills. There are many books that help us get started in handling leadership responsibilities. There are great sections of Scripture where godly leadership is exemplified. These are all good to consider and/or follow; however, let’s never forget to begin our leadership reign as Solomon did: 

Give me wisdom and knowledge to lead this people...

That has become my prayer as I face the ‘fear’ of taking another step towards reaching my potential.

Rule #10~~2 Chronicles 1:10

Debbie

Public Service Announcement

My son, if sinners entice thee~consent thou not.

Proverbs 1:10

I always enjoyed teaching that verse to my first graders, or to the kiddos from church. It was always fun to get to that last phrase and shake your finger in your verse partner’s face as part of the actions.

While teaching in the 80s it reminded me of Nancy Reagan’s drug campaign, “Just say NO!”   It was fun to quote, “ My son, if sinners entice thee~Just say NO!” and put a loud emphasize on the last three words!

Well, believe it or not, those same words play in my mind at the airport when the PA announcement states, “If any unknown person or persons attempt to give you any item….” That is as far as I hear it, because in my mind I hear, “If any unknown person or persons attempt to give you any item, ‘consent thou not’”!  Whenever we hear that announcement, my husband always waits for me to ‘shake my finger’ and say, ‘consent thou not!’ We always get such a laugh!

My dear friend, if sinners entice you, 

  consent thou not—

      do not give in-

         just say NO-

            refuse-

               walk away-

                  report it to an accountability partner-

                     tell God-

                        quote a verse (Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against God)…

 DON’T DO IT!!!!

Giving in is just a serious as taking an unknown package through airport security-you just don’t know what you could be getting yourself into!

So if you travel by air this summer, be listening for the warning from ‘my friend’ and …

Consent thou not!

Debbie