Book Review: "The Right to Lead: Learning Leadership Through Character and Courage" by John C. Maxwell

What gives people the right to lead? What traits do great leaders possess? John Maxwell captures these thoughts in his book, “The Right to Lead: Learning Leadership Through Character and Courage.” This book reinforces the idea that leaders must earn the right to lead, and Maxwell outlines several individuals – both famous and less known – to highlight various leadership examples.

I was introduced to John Maxwell’s materials while in college, and I have found him to be extremely helpful over the years. This book was no exception. I like the format: a quick story to illustrate the principle and quotes or quips to emphasize the point. The focus of the book is not religious in nature, although Maxwell interweaves his faith throughout the book.

I think this book is best read through twice. The first time, read the book through to get a feel for the narrative. The second time, read it one section per day, per week, maybe per month, and focus on this one topic.

I would highly recommend this book for a new leader, an inspiring leader, or a recent graduate. Earn the right to lead before assuming the post of leadership. Thank you, Dr. Maxwell.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: "The Hole in Our Gospel" by Richard Stearns

Richard Stearns challenges his readers with, "What does God expect of us?" The president of World Vision, Stearns shares a candid, personal, challenging view of the world and what we can do to impact those in it.

Stearns shares statistics regarding those caught in poverty, sickness, and other devastating circumstances, by masterfully adding a personality behind the numbers. He weaves stories of individuals to illustrate the statistics.

I was challenged by this book. As a Christian, I was challenged in my views towards those caught in poverty and despair. I was convicted of a coldness I've harbored towards the poor. I was challenged to explore ways to help the poor, oppressed and needy.

I wish Mr. Stearns would have focused more on the whole Gospel message. That said, he communicated that those who confess a faith in Christ must care for the poor, widowed, orphaned and oppressed; it is by works that we demonstrate our faith.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book. It challenged me to look at how I walk out my faith, and I'm sure it will challenge you, too.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

True Greatness

It seems that, everywhere I turn, I hear people say they "want to be great," or they "want to be big." This is just as prevalent within the church as it is outside of the church. Within the church there is a striving to have a big following, to reach the big crowds, to feed the masses.

I'd like to blame American Idol. In fact I'd love to call it the American Idol Effect. Why do people go on shows like this? To be famous. To be known. To be great.

The more I contemplate my life, I'm finding that I truly want the simple things. First, I want that simple faith that leads me to do what I know I should do. Second, I want to be a good husband. Third, I want to be a good father. And I want to serve others faithfully.

To be honest, I've been caught up in the American Idol Effect, trying to pursue a big ministry, to be the biggest at whatever I try. But I'm beginning to think that I'm called to be faithful. Provide for and love my family. Serve my church faithfully. Devote time to cultivating into others. If that leads to speaking tours, book deals, television appearances, great, but that's not the end game.

I would like to live more simply. Pursue those things which made my forefathers great. Doing the hard things in life: work hard, love selflessly, hug frequently, serve tirelessly. These things may not be glamourous, but they are what remain.

This song, by Sanctus Real, could summarize the prayer on my heart. I may, or may not agree with all of it, and it doesn't all apply, but it still hits close to home and makes parts of the hidden parts in me cry "AMEN!"



What about you? What are your thoughts? Please share your comments with me. And may we lead that simple faith of simple obedience.

Work as Worship

So often we Christians try to segregate our spiritual life from our home life, extra-curricular life and work life. I assert that separating faith from the rest of life is not possible, and work is a form of worship in itself.

Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men" (NKJV). This verse is in the context of how a Christian home should operate. The specific context is in the context of a bondservant, and I believe it applies to those serving in the marketplace. Work is associated with worship in this passage.

As believers we must be cautious of segregating our faith from our other endeavors. Everything we do is an act of worship. Who we worship will be revealed by our behaviors.

Another aspect of this principle is that our faith should drive the quality of whatever we set our hands to do. If we are working "as to the Lord," the quality of that product should be of excellence as He is worthy of excellence. This applies to sermon-writing, surgery, landscaping, accounting, refuse collection - you get the idea. Christians should be the best employees and contractors, as our labor is to the Lord.

These principles are also applicable to leisure and extra-curricular pursuits. If we apply Jesus' standards to sporting activities, volunteer pursuits, and even board games, we don't discount a strong competition, but we also adhere to the governing standards and rules. By our conduct on the field, across the game board, or serving someone else, we either exalt Christ or demean His name.

Of course, we labor as to the Lord and not men. At times these standards may conflict, and when they do, we must appeal to the standards of Scripture and assume the consequences in the present. This may, or may not happen, as it should not hinder the quality of the work, but standards must be upheld.

Do not discount "non-spiritual " pursuits. These are a form of worship.

My Thoughts on Faith and Life

I plan to start posting here more often. I'm not going to guarantee it will be very often, but I'll certainly try to post more than the every-nine-month plan I'm currently on.

When posting on faith, let me preface this by saying I'm not a pastor, other than to my family, and then I guess that makes me a work-in-progress, learning pastor. I have no theology degree, other than having been a Christian for 25 years, of which 10 of those years were during my formative years. These are just my thoughts and current ideas, and they may, or may not, agree with some theological thoughts (actually, could probably find a school of thought in theology to agree and disagree with every assertion I will make).

That is my preface to the direction I am taking this blog. Please comment, or at least let me know you stopped by.