Is He worth studying the Word for? Are you willing to give up your free time and put your effort into studying God’s Word? “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 ).
Is He worth forsaking the world for? There are many allurements that the world seems to offer, are we really willing to give them up to be pleasing to Jesus? “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God” (James 4:4).
Is He worth losing friends and family for? Whom do you really want to please? “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn “a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law — a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.‟ “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:34-38).
Is He worth being persecuted for? Would you really be willing to suffer for the name of Christ? “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).
Is He worth denying yourself for? Are you really willing to give up your life for Christ? “Then He said to them all: “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me will save it” (Luke 9:23-24).
Most people don’t mind claiming to be Christians when it doesn’t cost them anything. True Christians know it costs everything to follow Christ.
Brad Tolbert Monticello church of Christ,Monticello, AR
Sign Ministry: We are looking for volunteers who might be interested in helping change the message board on the church sign. Let one of the elders know if you would like to help.
OUR FELLOWSHIP MEAL
Today, after our Sunday AM worship assembly, the March Fellowship Meal is being hosted by Bob & Doris Foster, Linda Lively, Cary & Brenda Miller and Kathy Patterson. Thank you!
BEAUTIFUL FOOTPRINTS
“And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”” Romans 10:15
Photo by Adrianna Calvo on Pexels.com
When Typhoon Odette, a powerful and catastrophic tropical cyclone, struck the Philippines in December 2021, it devastated the lives of many there. Our fellow workers there, Richard and Becky Emperado, started helping those near them, particularly people in a badly damaged fishing village. We sent support to help their efforts which they call The Hands of Christ ministry. Here are a few photos of things they are doing. Continue to pray for this effort. For the elders, Ken D
Some of the boats done, we already have provided materials for twenty boats, and we are planning to get more materials.
Boat engines have been purchased and donated.
Feeding and amusement as part of the healing process from traumatic stress.
Counseling and marriage enrichment seminar to typhoon victims who were badly devastated by typhoon Odette. The Hands of Christ ministry focused on FEEDING, HEALING and COUNSELLING. In addition to food and boat rebuilding, we believe in a continuing and sustainable ministry of helping them overcome their traumatic stress. We’ll never give up on them.
We are the hollow men, We are the empty men Leaning together; Headpiece filled with straw. Alas! Our dried voices, when We whisper together Are quiet and meaningless, As wind in dry grass, Or rats’ feet over broken glass In our dry cellar
If you went out into the streets and asked people what they want most in life, most would say, “Happiness!” But instead of happiness, so many people find only emptiness. Why?
Some are living empty lives because they lack knowledge of the Savior. Millions in our world have never heard the name of Jesus. Even many of those who think of themselves as “Christian” actually know very little about Jesus and His teachings, and most of what they think they know is either completely wrong or tragically distorted! Those who do not know Jesus need to hear about Him from us!
Some are empty lives because they have not honestly tried God’s way. They have some knowledge of the truth but refuse to obey it and live it. It is not that Christianity has been tried and found wanting; it is that Christianity has been found difficult and not tried! They think the Christian life is too difficult to attempt. Our task is to show them they will never escape their emptiness until they do.
Some are living empty lives because they have missed the emphasis of the Gospel. It is ironic but true that there is a certain kind of religion which leads only to emptiness. A lot of people think of Christianity in terms of “negative goodness.” They think they are Christians because of what they don’t do: they don’t lie, steal, murder, get drunk, commit adultery, etc. Jesus taught that we must not only clean the evil out of our lives, we must also replace it with positive goodness (Matthew 12:43-45)! We must get busy in serving God and our fellow man! The goal of true religion is not emptiness (absence of evil) but fullness (serving God and doing good to others)! The attitude, “I never did anybody any harm,” will not make you happy; “bearing one another’s burdens” will!
Jesus longs to fill empty lives. This is the good news of the Gospel! Jesus can, not only clean out your life, He can also fill it up (Ephesians 1:23). Life without Jesus will always be a life which is subject to barrenness and hollowness. Life with Him is fullness and grace upon grace (John 1:16).
Bobby Dockery, via Chapman church of Christ, Ripley, MS
Sign Ministry: We are looking for volunteers who might be interested in helping change the message board on the church sign. Let one of the elders know if you would like to help.
FELLOWSHIP MEAL
Our Fellowship Meal, next Sunday, February 27th, is being hosted by Jeff & Peggy Hale, Linda Lively, Linda Robertson and James & Vicky Williams. Thank you!
BEAUTIFUL FOOTPRINTS
“And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”” Romans 10:15
Photo by Adrianna Calvo on Pexels.com
We appreciate so the work of those who are growing in God’s word and are thankful our congregation does support a fine young man, Pascal Diomo, who has been working hard the last couple of years at the South Africa Bible college in spite of the challenges of the COVID pandemic there in his country. The following is from Pascal recently, reporting on things happening there in the last few months. Please keep Pascal and all those at SABC in your thoughts and prayers. For the elders, Ken D
I greet you my beloved family member(s) in the Lord. It is my prayer, hope and wish that you are doing well. I guess that it is still appropriated at this time to say HAPPY NEW YEAR. I hope that you had a great festive season filled with love, joy and happiness.
When the College closed last year in December I left and went to KwaZulu Natal (SA’s province). The reason being so that I can attend the so called “Year-end Combined Service” and it was very nice and went well; thus praise to Lord was given. Then after I went to Mpumalanga (SA’s province) to visit my family, this includes my parents. I would say that I had good festive season surrounded by family members whom before that I have not seen for some time. Thus seeing each other brought us a lot of happiness and most of the time we spent together was really nice.
Now we are back at the College’s campus, just concluded our orientation period and about to start with our new academic year. As one who is doing his last year here I can say that it is nice seeing lot of new faces and the increase of the student body in comparison to last year. Thus it is my prayer and hope that the new students will be able to finish what they have started. This is really a promising year for me to do better and hope that is the case on your side too.
Having in mind that this is my last year studying here; it fills my mind with gratitude for you; since it is through your support that I made it thus far. I am saying this not leaving God out of the picture. Thank you so much and may God continue blessing you.
“Nobody’s perfect!” You’ve heard it. You’ve thought it. You’ve probably said it. Unfortunately, we seem too often find ourselves on the receiving end of the imperfection. Sometimes the mistakes are not that big of a deal —putting pickles on a plain burger or calling you by the wrong name. Other times the mistakes are a really big deal—running a red light into oncoming traffic or giving someone the wrong medication. So, what do we (Christians) do when people make mistakes, and at our expense?
Sympathize with them. If Jesus could and can “sympathize with our weaknesses” (Heb. 4:15), then why can we not try to do the same by putting ourselves in their place? You’ve been there yourself!
Be patient with them. Paul addressed how to respond to those who may test our patience sometimes by saying, “Be patient with all” (1 Thess. 5:14). A servant of the Lord must be “patient when wronged” (2 Tim. 2:24).
Be kind to them. A servant of God is to “be kind” and “tenderhearted” (Eph. 4:32) to “everyone,” rather than being “quarrelsome” (2 Tim. 2:24), for the Lord Himself “is kind to ungrateful and evil people” (Luke 6:35).
Golden Rule them. “As you wish that others would do to you, do so to them” (Luke 6:31).
Go to them. If the situation calls for a resolution, then “go and tell him his fault between you and him alone” (Matt. 18:15). Aim to keep it private.
Refuse to malign them. A Christian is charged, “Do not speak evil of one another” (Jas. 4:11). In fact, Paul would “remind” us “to speak evil of no one,” and instead “to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men” (Tit. 3:1-2).
Love them. Just as the Lord possessed and demonstrated love for all men (John 3:16), He calls upon us to do the same, even to “love” people we would consider our “enemies” (Matt. 5:44). Agape love is unconditional, unselfish and seeks the best of the one to whom we direct that love (cf. Phil. 2:3-5).
Pray for them. While our tendency might be to give someone a piece of our mind, the better choice would be to talk to God about and for that person (Matt. 5:44; Luke 23:34) to obtain a peace of mind.
Be merciful to them and forgive them. Once again, our God shows the way. “Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful” (Luke 6:36). If we want God to forgive us, then we must forgive others (Matt. 6:14-15).
Don’t let their mistake rule you. You control you. Better yet, “Set your mind on things above” (Col. 3:1). Read Colossians 3 and then let verse 15 resonate in your heart: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”
– David Sproule, Palm Beach Lakes church of Christ, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Sign Ministry: We are looking for volunteers who might be interested in helping change the message board on the church sign. Let one the elders know if you would like to help.
Children’s Classes: We are needing volunteers who would be willing to teach children’s Bible class on Sunday mornings at 9 AM. Please speak to one of the elders if you are interested.
THANK YOU NOTE
Dear Highland Lakes Church of Christ
I would like to thank the church for the lovely luncheon you provided. It was greatly appreciated by all the family. God’s blessings to you all!‖
Jean Worley in Houston (A former sister–in-law of Dollene Pearson)
EATING OUT TOGETHER
Next Eating Out Togetherwill be on Thursday, March 17th at “Gio’s” in Llano about 5:00 PM. There is a sign-up sheet on the table in the back of the auditorium.
BEAUTIFUL FOOTPRINTS
“And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”” Romans 10:15
Photo by Adrianna Calvo on Pexels.com
The COVID pandemic hampered greatly the evangelism work of the Emperado family in the Philippines over the last two years by making it impossible to travel nearly anywhere away from home. We were excited to know via the following Face Book posts by Becky that these last two weeks Richard has finally gotten to go visit Christians and congregations that he hasn’t been with for two years. Keep them in your prayers. For the elders, Ken D
Photo from Richard Emerado
(Feb 22nd) Howdy! Richard is leaving in a few hours (Wednesday 5am our time/3pm Tuesday Texas time) for his first trip visiting churches on other islands since the pandemic hit almost two years ago. He will be driving & cross from Negros Island to Cebu, then hopefully cross to Leyte by evening. He wants to visit Baybay & Bato. He also hopes to visit Naval, Biliran but he is working on getting some special paperwork to be able to cross to Naval. He will hopefully also visit churches in Samar. Please pray for his safe travels & no problems crossing due to COVID restrictions. I think all of the areas he will be visiting have been reduced to COVID Alert Level 2 last week, so things should be easier. With national elections coming in May, there will probably be many Army/police checkpoints he will have to deal with as well from island to island, & town to town. He is still excited to go visit brethren in person, & hopefully be an encouragement to them.
(Feb 27th) Howdy! Heard from Richard! His trip is going well. No problems crossing from island to island yet. He has visited Bato & Baybay, Leyte last week. He had a great visit in Baybay with Hansel & Luz, & the new preacher there, Renz. Baybay, was doing ok, they had already repaired their building & were helping church members. Bato church had some damage to their ceilings & several members that needed help buying materials to repair their houses. He was on his way to Catarman, Northern Samar when he had cell phone signal for a few minutes. He hoped to stop in Tacloban and visit Jack & Telly Belo on the way! Not sure where he was going after Catarman. Have not been able to contact him again.
(Mar 3rd) Howdy! Richard is on his way home. He is spending Thursday night in Cebu and be home tomorrow sometime. I know he will have a lot to report about soon. He did make it to Catarman, Northern Samar & Calbayog City, Western Samar to visit churches planted there. He also stopped off to visit Jack and Telly Dominador and Telly Belo in Tacloban. He spent a night there. Then I think he visited Opong, Leyte, where we did so much typhoon relief & building houses after Typhoon Yolanda in 2015. Several of the houses built, have been added onto. He spent a night there at the church building near the ocean. He also was able to go to Naval, Biliran, the last couple of days and visit with church members & check on the Nelson Farm. Traveling through ferries & over bridges & through checkpoints went smoothly. We will be glad to have him home tomorrow. He is supposed to bring us some Krispy Kreme donuts for pasalubong*. I know he probably already has his plans going for his next trip, after he follows up with typhoon relief we have going on here in Negros. Please be praying for his safe travel home tomorrow. Love you guys!
(Mar 4th) Howdy! Just wanted to let everyone know that Richard Emperado made it home safe & sound this morning. He left Cebu about 4am, caught the first boat across & was home about 9:15 with Krispy Kreme donuts for us! What a treat! He is super tired, but happy. Already planning to go back next month to help with some church repair work & work on getting his license to do marriages with Jack Belos help. (*ask Ken D about pasalubong if curious)
A young man invested his savings in a peach orchard. He worked hard. The weather was favorable, he had a beautiful crop. Then, just before harvest, a blasting hailstorm struck. In a matter of minutes everything he had worked for was ruined.
Embittered by the experience, he quit going to church. A Christian friend expressed his concern. The young man said, “I’m not going to church anymore because I can’t love and worship a God who cares so little for me that He would let the hail destroy my crop.”
All was silent for a while. Then the friend said, “The Lord loves you more than your crop. He knows that fruit does better without storms, but He also knows it is impossible to produce Christian character without the storms of trial. God’s primary concern is to develop strong men, not lovely peaches.”
Many people equate God’s providence with events that are favorable such as being spared from a near tragedy. But their confidence in the Lord is shaken when disaster strikes.
Providence has two edges. One edge brings protection from painful things. The other edge permits painful things to happen in order to build strong people.
Job’s friend had a simplistic view of providence. He told Job his affliction was due to his sin. Job knew that wasn’t so. Yes, there were times he questioned the ways of God, but ultimately, he knew he didn’t have to comprehend God’s ways—he only had to trust Him.
We cannot always understand why God allows problems to come. But one thing is sure — those problems can be used by our Father to promote our spiritual growth and development.
Joe R. Barnett via Nettleton church of Christ Jonesboro, AR
In addition to our collective sympathy expression last week . . . . If you would like to send a sympathy card to Dollene Pearson‘s daughter, her address is accessible from the church office.
EATING OUT TOGETHER
Next Eating Out Together will be on Thursday, March 17th at ―Gio‘s‖ in Llano about 5:00 PM. Bill Flanary will put a sign -up sheet on the table in the back of the auditorium.
BEAUTIFUL FOOTPRINTS
“And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”” Romans 10:15
Photo by Adrianna Calvo on Pexels.com
It is exciting to hear from Kyle Hankins, whom we help support in the Adventures In Missions (AIM) program, especially as he with his team prepare for their mission work in Alaska. Please keep them in your prayers. For the elders, Ken D
WE ARE TEAM ALASKA!!!!!!
What a blessing it is to have a wonderful team and a wonder field. The Lord has a plan, and it is His will – not mine – that it is to be done. I am so excited to begin this journey with four wonderful people, and my future coordinator, Michael Katkus. We had the privilege to call Mike and meet the current on-field AIMers there currently. I absolutely cannot wait to be working by their side!!!
Photo from Kyle Hankins
This third term we have just now started is entirely focused on the team – settling possible future disputes, disagreements, and the like. We are also expected to make decisions as a team in a synergizing way. With that in mind, we have decided to put all social media, video games, or anything electronic aside to have our full attention on what is important. Upon that, our car usage and eating out at restaurants are now limited, so we may have the full experience.
Finals are completed and the hardest part of AIM is out of the way!!I am so relieved to have that completed and on to working with my team. This experience has been an outstanding blessing. Looking forward what the Lord has in store for all five of us.
The picture to the left is my wonderful team heading to Alaska. First from the left, is Tucker (from Area Church), then Dace, Jade, and Emily (also from Area Church). These people are so wonderful and I’m so happy to have them along with me for the next two years. Jade is the “cool aunt”, as she likes to call it. Emily is the “fun and goofy sister”. Tucker is the awkward, quiet, joker. And Dace is the insightful teacher. God Bless!
I wouldn’t be here, and have the opportunity to travel to Alaska, if it wasn’t by the grace of my Lord’s hand… and yours. You mean so much to me and I pray that my work would be pleasing to yours, but most importantly, God’s eyes. God Bless, Church Family. May He show prosperity in all of your endeavors.
Galatians 5: 22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” This well-known passage commonly inspires us to set a goal of pursuing these individual qualities, and these are wonderful goals to have.
However, what many fail to realize is that these various qualities are not meant to be pursued individually. Instead, we should understand them as a whole. In the same way that fig tree produces figs rather than olives and a grapevine produces grapes rather than figs (James 3:1-12) the Spirit produces just one kind of fruit. The Spirit of God produces a godly spirit.
These qualities then are descriptors of that fruit. You might describe an apple as red, crisp, and sweet. Here, Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit as something that is beautiful, wonderful and desirable. These qualities, and others like them (against such things there is no law — no bad consequences!) are part of the Christian life. They describe the qualities of a life that has been transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
A few verses earlier, Paul also describes “the works of the flesh” and says they too are self-evident “sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies.” And like the fruit of the Spirit, this by no means is a complete list of descriptors of the works of the flesh for Paul says “and things like these.” These qualities of the flesh describe a life that is corrupt with the spirit of the world.
In verse 17, Paul reminds us that these two very different types of fruit should not be growing in the same orchard. He says, “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other” (see James 3 again). This is the very struggle that the Apostle Paul himself was dealing with in Romans, chapter 7. In verses 21-24 he says, “So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” Thankfully, his answer is our answer: “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” As Paul said in Galatians 5:16, “walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
Joel Shelton, Commerce church of Christ, Commerce, TX
Our Fellowship Meal, today, February 27th, is being hosted by Jeff & Peggy Hale, Linda Lively, Linda Robertson and James & Vicky Williams. Thank you!
EATING OUT TOGETHER
The group that met on February 17th at the “River Grill” in Marble Falls had a very enjoyable time together. About 20 attended. The members of the Marble Falls congregation were not able to come. You may want to join the group for the next get-together when they meet on Thursday, March 17th at “Gio’s” in Llano.
WITH SYMPATHY
The sister-in-law of James and Vicky Williams, Linda Williams, passed away on Monday, February 14th in a Lubbock hospital. She had COVID, complicated by various health issues. Services are pending. Our condolences, love and prayers for God’s comfort go out to James and Vicky and to all in the family and friends.
THANK YOU NOTES
Dear Brethren and Sisters in Christ,
Thank you again for all prayers lifted up to God for our family. Our cousin Donna Wood is home from the hospital, but please continue to pray for her.
God bless you all,
In Christian love, Judy & Barry Womack
WITH SYMPATHY
Former member, Dollene Pearson passed away on Friday, February 18th. She was 91 years old. Grave side services were held on Tuesday, February 22nd at the Lakeland cemetery in Kingsland. Joe Winnett officiated.
Our love, condolences and prayers are with daughter Zotyne Smith, the family and to all those who knew and loved Dollene.
BEAUTIFUL FOOTPRINTS
“And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”” Romans 10:15
Photo by Adrianna Calvo on Pexels.com
From a recent communication from Sylvester Imogoh we find an interesting way how the church can serve people in a very different way. Sylvester explains below. Continue to pray for all their efforts. For the elders, Ken D
Ugbogbo Barbing Salon
I have been noticing how many young people come to church services looking very unkempt, especially on the head. Countless times I have given money to young boys to go have haircuts. As a consequence of the hyperinflation that Nigeria is experiencing, late last year, The Barbers Association have notice of price increases. But the increase was not gentle at all. Rather, they increased prices drastically. For example, adult haircut, without any style went up from N300 to N500. And children haircut went up from N150 to N300. So since then I see more children at church with unkempt hair. If a woman has three children, to take them to the Barber shop will cost N900. Many of these rural women are struggling with food. So haircut is not a priority at all.
So I came up with an idea to assist poor families in the church. I talked with two professional Barbers in the church and asked if they could render free service for two hours or less each Sunday after church service. So they can help barb hair for free for church children. They were very eager and excited to do so for free. And one sister also volunteered to help in barbing the church children. So now we have three barbers ready to serve in the church.
So I asked the professional Barbers to find out the cost of clippers and other accessories. Everything amounted to a little less than N40,000. So I gave them the amount. They have purchased the clippers and the accessories. On Sunday February 6th, the church “Barbing Salon” took off. There were at least 10 kids who received free Barbing on that Sunday before I left. More children received haircuts on the next Sunday February 13th. This is another method of “evangelism”.
So I asked the professional Barbers to find out the cost of clippers and other accessories. Everything amounted to a little less than N40,000. So I gave them the amount. They have purchased the clippers and the accessories. On Sunday February 6th, the church “Barbing Salon” took off. There were at least 10 kids who received free Barbing on that Sunday before I left. More children received haircuts on the next Sunday February 13th. This is another method of “evangelism”.
One of the Barbers has told me that just the next day after the first day, the Barber’s Association Chairman was informed. He had already heard what wonderful initiative the Ugbogbo congregation has taken to help people see the goodness of Christ through our Community Services. This is bringing more glory to Christ as people talk about this small initiative. This is so important to people against the backdrop of the common practice of pastors who are exploiting the flocks.
Thank You very much for your support for us in different ways. I used some of my personal support and work funds to pay for the clippers and the accessories. We already have a power generator to provide the power and the church provides money to buy the fuel for the generator. May God be praised for all we are able to do to enhance His Kingdom’s work one way or another.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35 ESV)
Mask use is optional during our Sunday morning Bible Study and worship assembly and the Wednesday evening Bible study. We recommend that those who are unvaccinated or have personal health concerns to wear a mask. We thank you for your consideration of and care for others. Masks are always available if you need one.
Join 97 other subscribers
Scripture of the Week
“Praise be to the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion, Who comforts us in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” ~~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Something to Smile About
A dog ran into a butcher shop and grabbed a roast off the counter. Fortunately, the butcher recognized the dog as belonging to a neighbor of his. The neighbor happened to be a lawyer. Incensed at the theft, the butcher called up his lawyer neighbor and said, “Hey, if your dog stole a roast from my butcher shop, would you be liable for the cost of the meat?” The lawyer replied, “Of course, how much was the roast?” “$7.98.” said the butcher. A few days later the butcher received a check in the mail for $7.98. Attached to it was an invoice that read: Legal Consultation Service: $150.
A linguistics professor was lecturing to his class one day. “In English,” he said, “A double negative forms a positive. In some languages, though, such as Russian, a double negative is still a negative. However, there is no language wherein a double positive can form a negative.” A voice from the back of the room piped up, “Yeah, right.”
Think About It
Think About It
You Can’t Push a Chain
A chain is a handy device. You use it to pull a car
out of the ditch. You can hoist a heavy item. You
can use one to anchor a boat or secure a gate.
But can’t push with a chain. It will pull or hold,
but try to push and it’s pretty much useless.
People are a lot like a chain. When linked
together they can be powerful, if you pull them and
don’t try to push. You start pushing them and the
links go every which way.
Too many times we try to lead folks by just
pushing them. We’re in the back trying to get things
moving and it rarely works well. All that shouting
and cajoling and needling might move things an
inch or two, but the bang for the buck is
underwhelming.
If we stand at the front and start pulling,
however, things change. Things snap into place.
The effort is multiplied. The strength of the whole is
unified.
In any role — parent, teacher, mentor, boss
— that we want to help lead others, we would be a
lot better off if we try pulling instead of pushing.
– Barry Haynes, Hope church of Christ, Hope, AR
Highland Lakes church of Christ 