The Man They Crucified: A Portrait of Jesus (1975) by R. T. France, Book Review

 The Man They Crucified: A Portrait of Jesus (1975) by R. T. France

Philip went to look for Nathaniel and told him, “We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.” “Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathaniel. “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” “Come and see for yourself,” Philip replied. As they approached, Jesus said, “Now here is a genuine son of Israel - a man of complete integrity.” “How do you know about me?” Nathaniel asked. Jesus replied, “I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.” Then Nathaniel exclaimed, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God - the King of Israel!” (read John 1:45-49). After Nathaniel's personal encounter with Jesus, he turned from being a skeptic to one of His most devoted followers.

Two things will always happen when someone meets the real Jesus of the Bible: accept Him or reject Him. Of course, one can be undecided but not for long because decisions have to be made soon or later when it comes to the person and identity of Jesus (to ignore Him is to reject Him). He demands a verdict! As R. T. France (1938 - 2012), a renowned New Testament scholar, writes about the change that happened to Nathaniel: “That is the sort of thing that happens when Jesus is around. People find their prejudices shaken. Some of them respond by digging themselves deeper into the trenches. Others find themselves, to their amazement, abandoning the preconceptions of a lifetime, and they are never the same again.” By faith, I know why Jesus is irresistible: He is the divine Son of God, the gracious Son of Man, and the wonderful Savior of the world. But these truths, although can be supported by the Scripture, can only be accepted fully by faith. So, what about Jesus in His humanity, in the context of history, that is also irresistible? Or to put it another way, why Jesus was controversial and phenomenal in His lifetime on earth? And why does Jesus still do so today, more than 2,000 years later? This book can help us to understand - as an introduction, not comprehensive studies - Jesus in His historical context and background.

By using the Gospels as France’s main sources for his portrait of Jesus (see Appendix for explanation) and some other reliable materials, he divided the book into 12 chapters, namely, Nazareth, Expectation, Preparation, Disciples, Miracles, Society, Controversy, The Kingdom, Confrontation, Condemnation, Vindication, and Dilemma. The book helps us to explore the life of Jesus as a Jew living in Israel; surrounded by particular religious issues, customs, and ideologies; with unique socioeconomic orders and political turmoils. Examining Jesus’ claims about Himself in these chapters also makes it more meaningful and relevant. These are the things that we must take into considerations when we read the Gospel accounts of Jesus and it helps us to make the decision (that I write earlier) with intellect and awareness NOT just by faith. Well, of course, at the end of the day faith is required to bridge the gap between mere knowledge to saving knowledge. “It would be much more convenient if Jesus could be made to fit the formulas which we are all so good at devising for him, as the ethical reformer, the pacifist, the prophet of the oppressed classes, or whatever. All of these he is, and much more,” said R. T. France in the closing of this highly commended and accessible book, “But he cannot be reduced to any one of them. The only meaningful way to relate to the Jesus of the Gospels is in the totality of the claims he makes on us. If we do not come to him on his terms, we do not come to him at all.”

“Can anything good come from the life of Jesus of Nazareth?” you might ask. I want to invite you to read the Gospel accounts for the first time - or once again - and say, “Come and see for yourself.” And if you need help, this book can be one of your guides 😉☑💡#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #GrowingLeaders #LifeOfJesus #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

I also recommend:

1) The Jesus of the Bible (2009) by Stephen M. Miller ✔
2) Jesus, A Virtual History (2014) by Donald Brake ✔
3) Jesus the Messiah: A Survey of the Life of Christ (1996) by Robert H. Stein ✔

 

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Angelus' Quote: Where Are the Followers?

Joshua followed Moses for more than 40 years before he led the children of Israel into the promised land. Elisha served Elijah for 10 years before he took up his master’s mantle and went on to perform even more miracles. The Apostle Peter followed Jesus for about 3 years—and made a lot of mistakes—before he and his fellow-disciples became first Church leaders.

If you want to be a good leader, you must first become a good follower. Being a good follower is underrated today. Be one anyway. If you read history, almost always bad 'leaders' making their followers' lives miserable simply because they never learned to be good followers 😅🙂😊 #ServeToLead #GrowingLeader

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Angelus' Quote: Nearly All Good Leaders are First Good Followers

Being a good follower doesn’t make you a “sheep" (negatively speaking). A mindless and blind follower is bad but a respectful and wise follower is good. The truth is that most of us are in followership roles regularly, perhaps in our families, workplaces, social circles or other settings. In my experience, observations and based on my reading: Nearly all good leaders are first good followers.

I love this one question by Michael Hyatt, my favorite leadership podcaster, when he asks, "Nearly everyone sees themselves as leaders. But where are the followers?" 😊😉👍 #ServeToLead #GrowingLeader

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Angelus' Quote: What Separates a Leader from a Follower?

What separates a leader from a follower? Steve Jobs, a visionary and creative leader himself answers this question this way: “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” In order to get ahead in today’s fast-paced world, a leader must be creative and innovative at the same time.

Creative thinking and constant innovation are what make you and your team stand out from the crowd. Plus, boring and sameness is a bad culture. Think out of the box to come up with unique ideas and turn those ideas and goals into reality... even a small adjustment is good 😉🤞#ServeToLead #CreativeLeader

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Angelus' Quote: Followers Do Not Orbit Around the Leader

Ira Chaleff, author of The Courageous Follower, writes this, and I love it: "Followers and leaders both orbit around the purpose; followers do not orbit around the leader" :)

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Angelus' Quote: Great Leaders Are Intelligent Followers

Napoleon Hill, the father of the self-help movement, in his classic book, Think and Grow Rich, writes this on leadership:

"Broadly speaking, there are two types of people in the world. One type is known as 'leaders' and the other as 'followers.' Decide at the outset whether you intend to become a leader in your chosen calling, or remain a follower. The difference in compensation is vast. The follower cannot reasonably expect the compensation to which a leader is entitled, although many followers make the mistake of expecting such pay.

There is nothing wrong being a follower. On the other hand, it is no credit to remain a follower. Most great leaders began in the capacity of followers. They became great leaders because they were intelligent followers. With few exceptions, the man who cannot follow a leader intelligently, cannot become an effective leader. The man who can follow a leader most efficiently is usually the man who develops into leadership most rapidly. An intelligent follower has many advantages, among them the opportunity to acquire knowledge from his leader."

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From Ruth to Rich: Be In Shape Spiritually and... Travel Light

As I read late Billy Graham’s Just As I Am (1997) autobiography, I’m encouraged by his wife, Ruth Bell, for her life, support, and works in the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association ministry. About Ruth, Billy writes, “God gave Ruth many, many gifts, one of which was writing.” I agree. In this series, I try to imagine (one of God’s greatest gifts to humankind) what would Ruth Bell says to encourage young man like me – and perhaps, you. I hope you enjoy it!

Dear Richard,

            The Christian life is like climbing a mountain. For some people the climb is a gently sloping ascent; for other people, the climb is like attacking the north face of the Eiger (mountain). Christina Rossetti wrote:

“Does the road wind uphill all the way?

Yes, to the very end.

Will the day’s journey take the whole long day?

From morn to night, my friend.”

Whether your climb is easy or difficult, you need to be in shape spiritually and to travel light. To be in shape spiritually, you need spiritual nourishment and exercise. You need to spend less time reading about the Bible and spend more time studying the Bible. Then you need to apply what you learn – carefully and vigorously – to your life, to live out daily what you have taken in.

To travel light, you need to lighten your loads. Some of us may need to trim off excess weight. Others of us have too many social involvements and too many meetings to attend (Remember the caution: “Beware of the barrenness of a busy life”). But for you, do whatever it takes, my son… travel light. When the disciples were sent out two by two, they traveled light – “without purse, bag or sandals” (Luke 22:35).

Time change, situations vary, and God’s orders to His followers are individualized. But the need and the message continue the same – and the goal. It’s up to you to be in shape and to travel light.

With love, my son,

Ruth Bell Graham

(1920 – 2007)

THINK BIG.  START SMALL. GO DEEP.

                  

John C. Maxwell on Leadership #28 People Do What People See

According to noted medical missionary Albert Schweitzer, “Example is not the main thing in influencing people… it is the only thing.” Part of creating an appealing climate to grow potential leaders is modeling leadership. People emulate what they see modeled. Positive model – positive response. Negative model – negative response. What leaders do, potential leaders around them do. What they value, their people value. The leaders’ goals become their goals. Leaders set the tone. As Lee Iacocca suggests, “The speed of the boss is the speed of the team.” A leader cannot demand of others what he does not demand of himself.

As you and I grow and improve as leaders, so will those we lead. We need to remember that when people follow us, they can only go as far as we go. If our growth stops, our ability to lead will stop along with it. Neither personality nor methodology can substitute for personal growth. We cannot model what we do not possess. Begin learning and growing today, and watch those around you begin to grow. As a leader, I am primary a follower of great principles and other great leaders.

[Taken from Developing the Leaders Around You: How to Help Others Reach Their Full Potential (2005) by John C. Maxwell. Published by Thomas Nelson Inc.]

Ask No More of Others than You Are Asking of Yourself.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Book Review: A Leader’s Legacy (2006) by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner

A Leader’s Legacy (2006) by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner

One of the top leadership books recommended by other leaders is The Leadership Challenge by the same authors. Since I found this one in the library, and this one is the latest between the two and is shorter in volume than the other, and since each chapter in this book is briefer and nontechnical like the other one – I borrowed this one and I’m pleased with my decision. Satisfied customer! The idea of this book begins when their editor, Susan Williams, wanted both of them to write a book that was “a free-flowing exploration of leadership topics and lessons” that they learned over about two decades of experiences. She challenged them to “come down from the podium” and to be “much more personal, introspective, subtler, and at times, more blunt” in their writing style. And so this book is concise lessons that they learned in all those years. As a reader, this is good because it means I don’t have to read their other books.

What interest me about this book is the word “legacy.” Either you’re a leader or a leader with no formal title or a student of leadership (like me), every leader I’ve ever worked and talked with wants to leave a legacy. Thinking about our legacies requires us to move beyond short-term definitions of success. Legacies encompass past, present, and future, and when I pondered about my legacy, I’m forced to consider where I’ve been, where I’m now and where I’m going. I’m brought face-to-face with questions of who I am and why I’m here. “By asking ourselves how we want to be remembered,” writes Kouzes and Posner, “we plant the seeds for living our lives as if we matter. By living each day as if we matter, we offer up our own unique legacy. By offering up our own unique legacy, we make the world we inhabit a better place than we found it.”

Even though there were little ‘new ideas’ on leadership in this book, I’m challenged to think (or focus-thinking) about the legacies that I want to leave behind me. I’ve read books on leadership that touch on the subject of legacy, but none as intentional, personal, and provocative as this one. Here Kouzes and Posner examine in 21 chapters – arranged into four parts – the critical questions all leaders must ask themselves in order to leave a lasting impact. Below are the contents with my selection of quotes for each part:

Part One: SIGNIFICANCE

“When we move on, people do not remember us for what we do for ourselves. They remember us for what we do for them. They are the inheritors of our work. One of the great joys and grave responsibilities of leaders is making sure that those in their care live lives not only of success but also of significance” (p.10)

Chapter 1: Leaders Serve and Sacrifice

Chapter 2: The Best Leaders Are Teachers

Chapter 3: We All Need Loving Critics

Chapter 4: You Are the Most Important Leader in Your Organization

Chapter 5: No One Likes to Be an Assumption

Part Two: RELATIONSHIP

“Leadership is a relationship. It’s a relationship between those who choose to follow. Whatever the relationship is with one or many, leadership requires engaging others. No matter how much formal power and authority our positions give us, we’ll only leave a lasting legacy if others want to be in that relationship with us. Other people decide whether to follow or to run away. Others decide whether to cheer or jeer. Others decide whether to remember us or forget us. No discussion of leadership is complete without considering the quality of the leader-constituent relationship. Leadership requires a resonant connection with others over matters of the heart” (p.48).

Chapter 6: Leadership Is Personal

Chapter 7: Leaders Should Want to Be Liked

Chapter 8: When You Don’t See Eye to Eye, Seek to Understand

Chapter 9: You Can’t Take Trust for Granted

Chapter 10: Let Your People Go

Part 3: ASPIRATIONS

“People commit to causes, not to plans. Commitment is fuelled by what we cherish. If the values about which we care deeply are vividly clear to us, then the whims of fashion and the opinion polls won’t side-track us. A lasting legacy is built on a firm foundation of principles and purpose... Leaders must decide on what matters in life, before they can live a life that matters” (p.90).

Chapter 11: Lead from the Inside Out

Chapter 12: Forward-Looking Is a Leadership Prerequisite

Chapter 13: It’s Not Just the Leader’s Vision

Chapter 14: Liberate the Leader in Everyone

Chapter 15: Leaders Are Followers, Too!

Part 4: COURAGE

“Leaving a legacy is all about making a difference. We can only make a difference when we take stands. Every one of us is capable of taking stands on things that matter. That’s what it really means to live a courageous life. It takes courage to realize your dreams and to give meaning to your values. If you’re going to leave a legacy of lasting significance, it’ll be the result of acting courageously… Courageous is the virtue that makes all other virtues possible” (p.132).

Chapter 16: There’s Courage in All of Us

Chapter 17: You Can’t Plan to Be Courageous, But You Can Choose It

Chapter 18: It Takes Courage to Make a Life

Chapter 19: The Courage to Be Human

Chapter 20: Failure Is Always an Option

Chapter 21: No Money-Back Guarantee

Afterward: The Legacy You Leave Is the Life You Lead

The afterward title is worth repeating, read and let it sink in your mind. Read slowly:

The Legacy You Leave Is the Life You Lead. Lead on!

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Book Review: Fairness Is Overrated (2015) by Tim Stevens

Fairness Is Overrated:
And 51 Other Leadership Principles To Revolutionize Your Workplace (2015)
by Timothy Alan Stevens a.k.a. Tim Stevens

I'm instantly attracted to books that have the word ‘leadership' as its title. And the simplicity of its wordings and bright orange cover also influenced my choice to buy this book. I do judge a book by its cover and as I read this one, I'm glad I've chosen wisely. The truth is, I sometimes choose poorly (or you can say, unwise). Most leadership and personal development books that I pick up either from libraries or book fairs tend to present their ideas within the first few chapters, then basically recycle, rephrase and repeat throughout the rest of the books. Fairness Is Overrated is unlike most leadership books. It's completely practical on every page, in every situation, for every leader both in business and church settings. I praise this book together with Thom S. Rainer, "[This book] is an incredible leadership book for those in the workplace. Tim's principles are timeless; their application is life-changing. Business leaders, church leaders, all leaders: get this book and devour it immediately!" Agree, agree and amen!

Tim Stevens comes from a church leadership perspective but his 52 principles are applicable anywhere because as long as we are in the workplace – company or organization, church or business, managers or workers – we are all leaders. I love the authenticity of the stories within the book. Tim isn't afraid to share his struggles, failures, and humanity. It's one of those few great books that I read a chapter or two and have to take a small break and come back to it the next day because it's communicated so well. Each chapter has 2-3 questions to think about. So before I proceed to the next chapter, I process through the practical applications (that's why I won't lend this book to you, sorry). I haven't jotted down and highlighted a book this much since I read John C. Maxwell's books!

Tim begins the first chapter with "Live A Life With Margins" and ends with "The Five Stages of Failure." He quoted Mark Batterson that says, "You need margin to think… You need margin to have impromptu conversations. You need margin to seize unanticipated opportunities." Living a life with structured-margins is not only helps all of the other leadership principles discussed in the book but it helps leaders move through the five stages of failure (justifying, questioning, blaming, redefining, leading) faster. The first principle is a foundational principle. The other 51 principles are then organized around four categories of leadership thought: be a leader worth following, find the right people, build a healthy culture and lead confidently through a crisis.

Part One: Be A Leader Worth Following

It all starts here. Tim explains, "Nothing more can be said or should be said about leadership until we deal with the person in the mirror." It's all begins with self-leadership (that's why I have written a series of Self-Leadership in my blog); before we talk about leading the church or a business, we must talk about being a leader worth following. To look at ourselves in the mirror is not for us to look more spiritual but so that we can lead with integrity and strength in a way that is honorable. Leaders need to set appropriate boundaries so that the organization and the people that they lead will not be dragged down by needless accusations or scandals. Tim touches on why leaders need to know themselves, to be lifelong learners, to guard our families, to set boundaries in the workplace, and more.

Part Two: Find the Right People

"The success of leaders will rise and fall based on the decisions they make about the people around them." A working environment will not and cannot be positive without "solid hiring decisions." Our greatest leadership challenge is surrounding ourselves with the right people. It doesn't matter how gifted a leader is; if he doesn't have the right people around him, representing him and pulling with him, his leadership potential will eventually be capped. When Tim was asked, "What is the most important thing you did as an executive pastor?" His answer is simple, "Finding and releasing leaders." Here Tim covers how a resume is worthless, why characters can't be trained, what questions to ask, when to release staff, who should be on the team, and many more.

Part Three: Build A Healthy Culture

"Every leader is developing a culture through everyday decisions, whether intentionally or not. Culture happens. With focus and skill, any organization can have a great culture where people are standing in line to join the team, where team members are energized by the mission, and where it's not just a job – people actually do life together." There is nothing worse than working in an organization that has a bad culture. It doesn't matter how much money we make, in long-term, when we work in a toxic environment, we still come home tense and stressed at the end of each day. To me, that isn't worth it! To build a healthy culture, Tim lay downs more than a dozen principles such as having fun, always believe the best in others, how to deal with mistakes, having leadership retreats, be a good follower and more.

Part Four: Lead Confidently Through A Crisis

Every leader who stays with an organization for very long will eventually face a crisis. It might be one that impacts a small department or it might be big enough that it has a potential to take down the entire organization. It's not about will it come. But when it comes, how will you face it? We can't wait until the crisis comes to think about the essential skills we need to face it. We need to be prepared now. Don't avoid it – lead through it! "It's leading through a crisis that separates great leaders from mediocre leaders." It is leading in tough times that create the greatest leaders. John C. Maxwell said that during tough times, "Leaders stretch to the challenge, while followers shrink from the challenge." Tim equips his readers by listing out principles on how to face change, bad attitudes, character issues, communication skills, etc.

There is a lot to be considered in this book. It is well-written (a bit of a page-turner) and I'm sure to want to go back, again and again, to see how my leadership measure up. Since my copy is filled reflections, notes and answers to discussion questions at the end of every chapter, I won't lend this book to anyone. But if I see any at BookXcess bookstores again, I'll buy it and give it away. I have few new and young leaders in mind that will be greatly helped by Tim's leadership principles. Oh ya, I bought this one from BookXcess for only RM19.90. A wise investment, right?

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Great Leaders Grow: Becoming a Leader for Life (2012) Book Review

Great Leaders Grow: Becoming a Leader for Life (2012)

by Ken Blanchard and Mark Miller

After reading their best-selling book The Secret, it is right for me to continue reading Great Leaders Grow. I just can't get enough of their wisdom on leadership. And since it is written in a story form, I enjoy myself as I learned. Why do leaders need to GROW? "Growing for a leader is like oxygen to a deep-sea diver: without it, you die. Unlike the dive, you may not physically die – but if you stop growing, your influence will erode, and over time, you can even lost the opportunity to lead at all." They concluded that "The failure to grow sabotages the career of more leaders than anything else." The way to increased influence, impact and leadership effectiveness is through personal growth. "Our capacity to grow determines our capacity to lead."

Debbie Brewster – the protagonist from Ken and Mark's The Secret – returns in this book to mentor her mentor's son, Blake, as he begins his career and wanted to grow in leadership. As accomplished leader herself, Debbie shows Blake how to grow as a leader and as a human being are inseparable. "How well you and I serve will be determined by the decision to grow or not," she says. "Will you be a leader who is always ready to face the next challenge? Or will you be a leader who tries to apply yesterday's solutions to today's problems?" As Blake confronts the challenge as an emergent leader, he turns to Debbie for guidance. Step by step, Debbie, and Blake explore the GROW model – four ways that leaders must challenge and stretch themselves, both on the job and off, to fulfill their highest potentials. Remember this always: Your capacity to grow determines your capacity to lead. If you stop growing, you stop leading.

To be a great leader, simply you must GROW:

G = GAIN KNOWLEDGE involves constantly seeking information in order to improve one's leadership skills.

R = REACHING OUT TO OTHERS as leaders grow by helping others grow.

O = OPEN YOUR WORLD by having new experiences both in one's personal and work life.

W = WALK TOWARD WISDOM. One can gain more knowledge through rigorous self-evaluation and receiving honest feedback.

With every point, both authors give it in details with explanations, examples and practical to-do lists. There are good questions and memorable quotations in this book. The question is not, "Do you want to grow as a leader?" but the question is, "Are you growing as a leader?" Because leadership is a never-ending pursuit, one must continuously grow. Your capacity to GROW determines your capacity to lead! One way to learn this is by reading this book! I highly recommend! Wow!

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

The 21 Indispensable Qualities of A Leader (1999) Book Review

The 21 Indispensable Qualities of A Leader:

Becoming the Person Others Will Want to Follow (1999)

by John C. Maxwell

"Everything rises and falls on leadership": that is what John Maxwell always emphasis in every book on leadership that he wrote. I've been his student, learner and (hopefully) practitioner of leadership since I was promoted to become Assistant Manager at Golden Screen Cinema (GSC) Times Square KL 9 years ago and now I continue as Staff Worker at Fellowship of Evangelical Students (FES) Malaysia. I don't know how to lead well then, and I'm still learning now. I wish to learned leadership my entire life. Great leaders don't become great in a moment – or in a month or a year or even after almost 10 years. They become great leaders one day at a time through their entire lifetimes. I'll never finish. I'll never completely arrive. I'll constantly and continuously find new ways to serve and improve my skills and attitude to become a better leader. The Law of Process says that leadership develops daily, not in a day.

I pick this book because I'm curious about this question: What makes people want to follow a leader? "The answer," writes Maxwell, "lies in the character qualities of the individual person." What qualities? Maxwell summits that there are 21 indispensables (essential, crucial, vital) qualities that a leader must have. "Leaders are effective because of who they are on the inside – in the qualities that make them up as people. And to go to the highest level of leadership, people have to develop these traits from the inside out." If I become the leader I ought to be on the inside, I will be able to become the leader I want to be on the outside. People will want to follow me. Ah, here is the key: learn and practice these qualities and people will want to follow you.

Even though this book has short chapters and small volume (only 157 pages), I don't read this book with speed-reading like I use to other books. Maxwell encourages his readers to "live with this book for a while. Read a chapter, and then give it some time. Use it to reflect, review and renew." I spent a little bit longer on my weak qualities – reflect on the questions, taking notes and begin to practice some – before I move to other qualities. For example, I'm really weak in listening and relationships qualities, and so I spent a bit longer in both areas. I can instantly connect with qualities like initiative and teachability, so I read it quickly but with cautions (not to be overconfident). Here are The 21 Indispensable Qualities of A Leader lists by John C. Maxwell:

#1 CHARACTER:  Be a Piece of the Rock

#2 CHARISMA: The First Impression Can Seal the Deal

#3 COMMITMENT: It Separates Doers from Dreamers

#4 COMMUNICATION: Without It You Travel Alone

#5 COMPETENCE: If You Build It, They Will Come

#6 COURAGE: One Person with Courage Is a Majority

#7 DISCERNMENT: Put an End to Unsolved Mysteries

#8 FOCUS: The Sharper It Is, the Sharper You Are

#9 GENEROSITY: Your Candle Loses Nothing When It Lights Another

#10 INITIATIVE: You Won't Leave Home Without It

#11 LISTENING: To Connect with Their Hearts, Use Your Ears

#12 PASSION: Take This Life and Love It

#13 POSITIVE ATTITUDE: If You Believe You Can, You Can

#14 PROBLEM SOLVING: You Can't Let Your Problems Be a Problem

#15 RELATIONSHIPS: If You Get Along, They'll Go Along

#16 RESPONSIBILITY: If You Won't Carry the Ball, You Can't Lead the Team

#17 SECURITY: Competence Never Compensates for Insecurity

#18 SELF-DISCIPLINE: The First Person You Lead Is You

#19 SERVANTHOOD: To Get Ahead, Put Others First

#20 TEACHABILITY: To Keep Leading, Keep Learning

#21 VISION: You Can Seize Only What You Can See

I listened to audiobook too so that I can instill all of these qualities in my mind and hopeful in my walk as a leader. Since I already read Maxwell's other book, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership (I will listen to the audiobook all over again), I find that this one is a great complimentary companion for it. If you want to be a good leader and desire others to follow you, buy and read this book! Highly recommend. After all, "He who thinks he leads but has no followers, is only taking a walk."

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You (10th Anniversary Edition)

If you ask 10 of your respected leaders to recommend 5 books on leadership, I suspect 1 of John Maxwell's books will be on their lists. Of those books, most people will cite The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership as his best work (It's certainly his most well-known). I've read the book once, taking notes and I listened to an audiobook at least twice per year. This good!

In this book, Maxwell dictates the 21 "laws" (not "principles") a leader must follow to get others to follow the leader. "He who thinks he leads," said the author, "but has no followers, is only taking a walk." Using numerous examples drawn from a variety of people from Mother Teresa to the founders of McDonald's, Maxwell shows how people have either used the laws successfully or ignored the laws and failed. Most of the laws are obvious, for example, #14 The Law of Buy-In states that people buy into the leader and only then do they buy into the vision. That makes sense and has a practical application in the real world (example, how we vote leaders).

Some readers have dismissed the book because the laws are easy to understand. These critics miss two significant points: #1 This book codifies and reinforces our thinking. For example, Law #17 The Law of Priorities, cautions against equating activity with achievement. Maxwell points out that we must constantly review our priorities to make sure that we are "steering the ship in the right direction" (this include Law #4 The Law of Navigation). Far beyond leaving it there and stating only the obvious, Maxwell adds that we must always evaluate our priorities with the 80/20 rule in mind. Focus 80 percent of your time on the 20 percent of your priorities that will provide the largest return. He notes that the rule applies equally to developing strategic sales accounts as does it in developing people; #2 This book is a reminder that leadership is a daily commitment. As Maxwell notes in Law #3 The Law of Process, leadership is a process that "develops daily, not in a day." Reading Maxwell's book reinforces what many of us already know about leadership and reminds us to put those theories into practice every day.

Many books on leadership are long on theory but don't help the reader understand how to put the theory into practice. Maxwell does not fall into that trap. At the end of every chapter, he lists three activities we can do to apply the law to our lives. But the truth is Maxwell himself admits that not every leader will have a proficiency in all 21 Laws. Leaders are learners. The author notes that leadership skills can and should be improved through practice. Remember this: "Everything falls and rises on leadership." So, learn!

Here is the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership list, and the tagline for each of the laws:

1. The Law of the Lid: Leadership Ability Determines a Person's Level of Effectiveness
2. The Law of Influence: The True Measure of Leadership Is Influence – Nothing More Nothing Less
3. The Law of Process: Leadership Develops Daily, Not in a Day
4. The Law of Navigation: Anyone Can Steer the Ship, but It Takes a Leader to Chart the Course
5. The Law of Addition: Leaders Add Value by Serving Others
6. The Law of Solid Ground: Trust Is the Foundation of Leadership
7. The Law of Respect: People Naturally Follow Leaders Stronger Than Themselves
8. The Law of Intuition: Leaders Evaluate Everything with a Leadership Bias
9. The Law of Magnetism: Who You Are Is Who You Attract
10. The Law of Connection: Leaders Touch a Heart Before Ask for a Hand
11. The Law of Inner Circle: A Leader's Potential Is Determined by Those Closest to Him
12. The Law of Empowerment: Only Secure Leaders Give Powers to Others
13. The Law of the Picture: People Do What People See
14. The Law of Buy-In: People Buy into the Leader, Then the Vision
15. The Law of Victory: Leaders Find a Way for the Team to Win
16. The Law of the Big Mo: Momentum Is a Leader's Best Friend
17. The Law of Priorities: Leaders Understand That Activity Is Not Necessarily Accomplishment
18. The Law of Sacrifice: A Leader Must Give Up to Go Up
19. The Law of Timing: When to Lead Is As Important As What to Do and Where to Go
20. The Law of Explosive Growth: To Add Growth, Lead Followers – To Multiply Lead Leaders
21. The Law of Legacy: A Leader's Lasting Value Is Measured by Succession

[Leader is Influencer and a Reader: My Top 15 Book on Leadership Lists, CLICK HERE]

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus is Not Against Denominations But For Oneness in Him (Mark 9:38-42)

“’Teacher,’ said John, ‘we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.’ ‘Do not stop him,’ Jesus said. ‘For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward. If anyone causes one of these little ones – those who believe in me – to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea” (Mark 9:38-42, NIV).

I’m not sure which ‘John’ was talking to our Lord Jesus here. I assumed the young apostle John. I think John was really shook up. He saw someone else minister to people in Jesus’ name then he tried to shut him down because “he was not one of us” or “he wasn’t in our group” (The Message). ‘Hey, you can’t do that,’ I imagine John might have said today. ‘You’re not an ordained minister. Besides, you didn’t exorcise the demon our way; you don’t dress like we do and you didn’t sing gospel songs like we do.’ What I hear Jesus might saying in His reply is: ‘It’s okay John. Just because he’s not in your denomination doesn’t mean he isn’t one of My disciples. The important thing isn’t that he be in our group but that he minister in My name.’ Really, Jesus said: “Do not stop him.”

There are a lot of people around today who think as John thought. We know the Bible says that all believers are one in Christ, but we are pretty suspicious of anybody who doesn’t believe in Jesus exactly the way we were taught (Just like a young Richard). Here, Jesus pointed out two reasons why John and other disciples should not stop anyone to use His name: 1) No one doing miracles in His name will turn against Him (v.39); and 2) Anyone who isn’t against Him and His disciples are supporters not saboteurs (v.40).

Steven, Gibreson and Oliver are all Christians. Each confess Jesus to be the Lord and Saviour of his life and all three are filled with the Holy Spirit. Steven’s church (Catholic) has an altar and crucifix; the congregation sings anthems for worship; the bishops serve wine for communion and baptize by sprinkling. Gibreson’s church (Anglican) has a foyer and choir loft; the congregation sings hymns in worship; the ministers serve grape juice for communion and baptize by having water pour on head or fully immersed in water. Oliver’s church (BEM/SIB) meets in a simple-decorated room, the believers sing contemporary songs, and the elders serve apple cider for communion and baptise in a river by immersion. When these three guys attended Christian Fellowship as students, they could do one of two things: 1) Avoid each other suspiciously and seek fellowship with their own ‘kind’ only or; 2) Set their denominational distinctive aside and focus on their oneness in Christ. Jesus’ Word in Mark 9:38-42 leads me to believe that He preferred the latter.

It’s important for Jesus’ followers around the world to appreciate one another differences - their church traditions and methods – to link hands and hearts as one in Christ. As long as someone claims a relationship with the Father through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and committed to the truth of God’s Word, there are common ground upon which to build a relationship. We must not boast to have exclusive right to certain teaching and ministry methods. We are not to let modes of worship or denominational distinctive separate us as family in Christ. Let us enjoy and appreciate the variety of people who follow Jesus – our brothers and sisters in faith. Let us not cause anyone “to stumble” but together we must encourage one another. Amen.

*Of course, Jesus doesn't encourage denomination either.
For denominational is human invention. 

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus' Success Principle: The Way to Up is Down (Mark 8:31-38)

“[After Peter declares that Jesus is the Messiah, Jesus] then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the Law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan!’ he said. ‘You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns’”
(Mark 8:31-33, NIV, bracket mine).

Jesus, the Son of God gave up His life in order to save the world. To some, Jesus’ death on the cross looks like an unnecessary surrender, a ‘loser’. But we now realize that without His death and subsequent resurrection we would be “unredeemed” and the daily personal guidance of His Spirit would not be available to us (see John 16:7). That’s why it is necessary for Jesus to take up His cross…

Now, Jesus began to tell His disciples of His coming death. But these men, particularly Peter, refused to hear of it. They have misconceptions and misunderstanding of what the Messiah first came to do. “You’re the Saviour, you’re great,” they were thinking. “You’re going to smash our enemies and we’re all going to ride to glory with you.” They were rightly concerned, but they were wrongly concluded Jesus’ mission. That’s where Jesus had to cut Peter short and introduce one of the most important principles Christians must learn: the way to up is down. In other words, the way to success in God’s plan is not to rely upon our own intelligence or strength to push to the top. That’s the pattern of the Satan-influenced human nature – “Get behind me, Satan!” “…merely human concerns” – smash and grab, look out for yourself first, do unto others before they get a chance to do unto you.

But Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34). Roughly translated, that means to set aside the primary goal of pleasing yourself first, to accept willingly the unpleasant or uncomfortable situation that may result from denying yourself, and then leave the outcome to God. That’s Jesus’ pattern for success in the Kingdom of God. I love Jesus’ honestly; it hurts, but it is sweet and necessary. Jesus doesn’t promise any easy way. True discipleship is costly, but worth it. David Hewitt writes, “Jesus is very honest about things; he does not hide the unwelcome demands in small print. Neither does he ask anything of us that he is not prepared to give himself. He has the right to ask us to take up our cross because he has carried his own. The call to follow Jesus is not a call to give up certain things, but to die. In this way, Jesus sifts out the true disciples from those who are merely camp followers.”

On the surface, Peter’s way of success looks like more fun and happier, but remember: after Jesus’ cross came His resurrection. After His resurrection Jesus was more glorious and victorious than before. But it would not have been so without the Crucifixion. If we follow Jesus through the Crucifixion (deny self, take up the cross) we are also privileged to “follow” Him in the glory of Resurrection. In the early Book of Acts, Peter eventually experienced Jesus’ style of success. After received the power of the resurrected Christ, Peter committed to deny self, take up his cross and follow Jesus wholeheartedly. According to tradition, Peter was crucified upside-down for his faith.

“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Mark 8:35-37). Jesus challenges our values. Do we want to follow Him or not? If we cling on to life selfishly, worry too much on our rights and privileges, we lose out in the end. That kind of life is not worth having. It is foolish to sacrifice eternity for a moment. Jim Elliot, a Christian martyr, says, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Think about it.

“If anyone is ashamed of me and my words… the Son of Man will be ashamed of them

when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels” (Mark 8:38).

Have you been ashamed to identify with a ‘loser’?

When Jesus returns, who will be the loser?

Take your stand for Jesus now – deny yourself, take up the cross and follow me.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus does It Again! Yesterday's Miracle Not Necessarily Guarantee Today's Faith (Mark 8:1-10)

“During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.’ His disciples answered, ‘But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?’ ‘How many loaves do you have?’ Jesus asked. ‘Seven,’ they replied… They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them… About four thousand were present…”
(Mark 8:1-9, NIV).

I believe that this miracle is different from the feeding of the five thousand as described in Mark 6:33-45. Here are some difference: First, the miracles occurred in two different settings. The place here is seem like at the mountain; on the other hand, the 5,000 were fed near Bethsaida. Secondly, both miracles differ in the following details: number of men, number of loaves, and number of baskets. Thirdly, Hugh Anderson commented: “The twelve baskets in Mark 6:43 (Greek: kophinos) were Jewish provision baskets. The seven baskets in Mark 8:8 (Greek: spyris) were the type used by Gentile merchants, and were large enough to hold a man (Acts 9:35). The difference in baskets may indicate a difference in the composition of the crowds. The five thousand may have been mainly Jewish, and the four thousand mainly Gentile.” Fourthly, there is also an interesting contrast between the two crowds in terms of attitude: the five thousand complained about hunger, but the four thousand sat without any complaint in order to listen to Jesus. I like the crowd in Mark 8 more.

So, if the two miracles are different, then why the disciples still doubted Jesus’ ability to multiply and provide food for them? “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?” Well, yesterday’s miracle not necessarily guarantee today’s faith. Jesus was very patience with His disciples. How many times has God provided for us in the past, and we still have trouble trusting and doubt him for whatever we going through in the present? I’ve going through this situation myself. I remember how God has asked me to take a giant step of faith in quitting my job as assistant manager at GSC Times Square many years ago and move to student ministry. God has asked me to do some crazy stuff before and He never (I mean never!) failed me even once. He is faithful. He is patient. He can do – will do – miracles in my life and yours over and over again if only we have faith and continue to believe in Him. My point is: God has always proved faithful in the past, and so I know He will be faithful in this present one as well.

Notice what Jesus said here, “I have compassion for these people.” Why Jesus does miracles? Not because of money, or to show off power (maybe He is), or to gain more followers. He did it because of His compassion for the crowd. The word “compassion” indicates a feeling strong enough to prompt not only deep emotion (“Oh, I feel sorry for them”) but positive action (“What can I do to help them?”). Jesus’ miracles were a demonstration of who He was – the Son of God – but fundamentally, they were an expression of His love-action. The crowd was following Jesus for three days, hungry and weak, and never once complaint about it, so Jesus feeds them and satisfies their need before He “sent them away” (8:9) home. Jesus’ reactions make me think: there are still millions of people in our world who are hungry; what should our response as Christians be? What can I do to provide people’s needs around me?

Trust God for His providence today;

and be compassionate for others of their need too.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.