“His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up there according to the custom of the feast; and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days required, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but His parents were unaware of it. Instead, they thought that He was somewhere in the caravan, and they went a day’s journey; and then they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. And when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for Him. Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. When Joseph and Mary saw Him, they were bewildered; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You!” And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” (Luke 2:41-49 New American Standard Bible)
Happy Monday too you! Here is your “Monday Short” meditation! Short? We’ll that remains to be seen! Let’s start by stating what I have found to be true: Many leadership theories based on professional premises are pre-dated by what we find in the Scriptures. In the account above, we learn from both Mary and Jesus that you can circumvent crises and evade elevated discussions, while simultaneously solving a problem by simply asking for questions. In other words, before charging in with words that create a crisis and ill-feelings, seek input in solving the problem or coming to an understanding. Go back and look at the text above and you will see what I am talking about. Be careful not to impose your own tone into the dialogue between Mary and Jesus.
Another practical principal that pre-date professional premises and psychological theory advocate is seen in the fact that there were no crossed lines of communication in the dialogue between Mary and Jesus. This is why you don’t see any additional verses describing a prolonged argument or developing debate and no agitated words spoken between mother and child. Simply stating facts, minus injecting personal emotion, works in interpersonal communications. It works in relationships, the real world, and religious organizations. Again, go back and look at the text. Adopt these principles, free to all in the word of God. There are some practical principles pre-dating professional premises found in the word of God.
If the above was too short for you and you have time since it is a holiday, let me tell you two other practical principles found in the Bible that pre-date professional premises; premises that have brought in much revenue to consulting and training firms. Take this from yours truly, a theologian and a retired professor of Applied Leadership. If you want to learn about (1) partnering for success and (2) delegation, look at the passage below. Yes, look at what the word says, what it means, and what it means to you in regard to these last two principles. Afterward, put this in your toolbox! Hold on to this meditation! It may come in handy. Be blessed!
“When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, “What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?” Moses answered him, Because the people come to me to seek God’s will. Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God’s decrees and instructions.” Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. Teach them his decrees and instructions and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.” Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said.”(Exodus 18:14-24 NIV)
Mark L. King