Jesus Gave FreelyOne of the reasons that Jesus was so powerful as a teacher and man of influence was his understanding of human relationships, motivation and psychology. This, along with his amazing ability to use words and phrases that stuck in the mind of his hearers allowed him to become the greatest leader in history.
One of my favorite authors is Robert Cialdini whose , Inside Influence Report, I get online every month. Dr. Cialdini's research and well written insights are in very close accord to the way Jesus led and taught. For example, the most recent article in the newsletter has to to with what Cialdini calls, "The Law of Reciprocity". It was summarized by Jesus in this spiritual principle: "Give and it shall be given unto you, pressed down, shaken together and running over as it is placed in your lap. For by the standard you use to measure is the standard you will receive." Luke 6:38
If we want to lead and influence others we need to find ways to give to them and others who are not even involved with us. Allow others to excel and grow and it will come back to us. But, if we hog the time and light we will always be disappointed. It is our choice.
One of my favorite authors is Robert Cialdini whose , Inside Influence Report, I get online every month. Dr. Cialdini's research and well written insights are in very close accord to the way Jesus led and taught. For example, the most recent article in the newsletter has to to with what Cialdini calls, "The Law of Reciprocity". It was summarized by Jesus in this spiritual principle: "Give and it shall be given unto you, pressed down, shaken together and running over as it is placed in your lap. For by the standard you use to measure is the standard you will receive." Luke 6:38
If we want to lead and influence others we need to find ways to give to them and others who are not even involved with us. Allow others to excel and grow and it will come back to us. But, if we hog the time and light we will always be disappointed. It is our choice.
We have all seen people who jealously guard their turf from others. Many years ago I was at a Pastors' Conference in St. Louis. My boss at the time was great friends with a famous Preacher from the West Coast. A discussion arose about who was preaching in their absence and most of them said without hesitation that they would never allow an Associate to speak in their place lest they develop the appreciation of the congregation and lessen the honor given to them.
I was shocked to hear this because our Senior Pastor, Jerry Kirk, spoke only about 30% of the time and the Co-Pastor Ron Rand another 30%. The other 40% of the time members of the ministerial team spoke so they could generate a following and support as well as experience in the pulpit.
Our Pastor, Dr. Jerry Kirk, was practicing the Law of Reciprocity or The Law of Sowing and Reaping or of Giving and Receiving. He gave his power and authority to others and it came back to him in abundance. And, as Jerry shared the pulpit his reputation grew as did his influence. The size and influence of our congregation also grew.
If you want to grow in influence and reputation give your life and honor away for it will come back to you in a grand multiplication.
Leading the church is one of the most difficult tasks ever taken on by a man or woman. I was fortunate to be on a team of wonderful men and women and men at College Hill Presbyterian and we learned a lot about teamwork, sharing, speaking truth to one another and empowering the members to do the work of the ministry.
I will always be thankful for those lessons. Contact me if you would like to chat about the lessons God taught us. They are not the things you will hear at the big, famous conferences.
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