Leader, Draw Near OCFUSA

Do we find it hard to show mercy? Our Scripture reading comes from Matthew 18:33, quoting from the NIV: “Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?”
Yes—but what about the consequences? As Christ followers one of the questions we must consider is “Do we find it hard to show mercy?” In striving to live out one’s faith in one’s profession, Christian leaders must rightly handle this issue.
In Matthew 18:21-35 the apostle Peter asked Jesus for clarification as to how often he must forgive a fellow believer who sins against him. In leadership this is not a rhetorical question. Apparently, Peter’s personal or leadership experience had presented him with the brother who made a habit of offending others, taking advantage them, or evading responsibility.
Understandably, hypocrisy is a label believers deserve if we display the response of the merciless servant referred to in Matthew 18:33, but what about consequences for certain actions and our requirement to hold others accountable? With authority comes responsibility to maintain standards and acceptable levels of performance.
The leader basically bears the responsibility to correct, discipline and keep communication channels open. He or she is also accountable to foster goodwill and to forgive. Though not exclusively a leadership problem, Christ demonstrates the correct response to be the practice of mercy, compassion, or forgiveness. Christ does not limit the number of times one is to forgive because His action on the cross would provide the most lavish, inclusive display the world would ever witness.
So great and undeserved would be the forgiveness He grants that through Peter we are warned of the severe consequences of refusing to forgive. If you find it hard to forgive, remember that we were all once in need of undeserved grace and were shown mercy (1 Peter 2:25).
// Points to Ponder Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor.
First, In the home or at work, would our response to offenders be different if we asked ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” (see Matthew 18:33). Second, The king in the account had an expectation of the servant he forgave. In our deliberations will we consider the positive change forgiveness can bring about in an offender’s life? (see 2 Corinthians 2:7). Third, Regardless of another’s response to our leniency, what effect will our willingness to be merciful have on our own character and quality of life? (see Matthew 18:35).  
// About the Narrator
Brig. Gen. David B. Warner, USAF (Ret.), and his wife, Lori, are the Executive Director couple of Officers’ Christian Fellowship. They assumed the position in August 2010, after retiring a month earlier from the United States Air Force out of Headquarters Air Force Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. He is currently serving on the board of the Christian Service Charities, and as an advisory council mentor for Faith Comes By Hearing.
 
// Purchase a Copy
Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.

What masters us?
Our Scripture reading comes from Romans 6:18, quoting from the NASB: “And having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.”
By what do we choose to be mastered? Men and women who have committed to serve in the military might easily, if jokingly, identify the military as their master. Do Christian military personnel see this in a different light?
The entire discourse of Romans 6 is a liberating reminder that righteous living is part and parcel of salvation. Christian leaders cannot pursue both sin and righteous living. We must choose our master. Honestly, who would willingly be enslaved to anything? Yet, slaves we are to the voice we heed and the conduct we perform. A well-known scholar quipped, “People must be charmed into righteousness.”
Was Job charmed into righteousness? Satan mistakenly believed that God had allured Job into faithful obedience and blameless integrity. Even Job’s wife believed that God’s failure to protect his family and possessions were grounds for Job to “curse God and die” (Job 2:9). Job’s intimate friendship with God had made a new man of Job. He cared for widows, the blind and lame, the needy, the stranger, even the dying. Righteousness and justice were his clothing. Even in testing and loss, Job worshipped God (Job 1:20-21) and spoke the truth about God (Job 42:8).
Righteous living is the compelling response to fellowship with God. This brings me to my second thought. How do we as “righteous” leaders live out righteousness in the workplace? Thinking rightly about God puts leaders in a better position to do right. Job had shut the door on thinking or doing evil and had become a slave to righteousness (Job 2:3). He was free to live a noteworthy life free of compromise, even in devastating circumstances. His testimony to us is one of perseverance in the things of God in every situation.
As we practice righteousness, righteousness will become our nature, just as Christ is righteous (1 John 3:7). Leaders, may others follow your lead as you are mastered by right living.
// Points to Ponder
Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor.
First, Are we tempted to compromise our Christian ethic and do what’s expedient (even if it’s wrong) to benefit from a deal that is too good to pass up? (see Nehemiah 5:15). Second, Are we careful to maintain godly righteousness in the face of shifting priorities and requirements? (see 1 Samuel 13:11-12). Third, Are we measuring ourselves according to the standards of Christian righteousness and Romans 6:18?  
// About the Narrator
Brig. Gen. David B. Warner, USAF (Ret.), and his wife, Lori, are the Executive Director couple of Officers’ Christian Fellowship. They assumed the position in August 2010, after retiring a month earlier from the United States Air Force out of Headquarters Air Force Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. He is currently serving on the board of the Christian Service Charities, and as an advisory council mentor for Faith Comes By Hearing.
 
// Purchase a Copy
Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.

How far am I willing to go with God?
Our Scripture reading comes from 2 Kings 2:9, quoting from the New King James Version: “And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?’ Elisha said, ‘Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.’ ”
Great leaders are not satisfied with the status quo or content with mediocre gains. As a leader in the home and workplace, how comfortable are you in asking God for big things?
Elisha’s request prompts me to ask myself: How far am I willing to go with God? Elijah’s successor was willing to go all the way and beyond. As it relates to Christian leadership, much can be gleaned from Elisha’s request for “a double portion.”
First, Elisha’s bold request reminds me that God always has a plan for the continuance of His divine mission. Elisha asked for what the successor or inheritor was due. In asking and receiving, Elisha’s legitimate claim was established. With his master’s cloak, he immediately performed miracles in keeping with the authority of one who would speak for God.
The need for convincing, authentic leadership is as important today as it was in Elisha’s day (2 Chronicles 16:9a). Through leaders like Elisha, Asa, and Jeremiah, leaders are challenged to call on God who will reveal His plan (Jeremiah 33:3) and His way.
Second, God’s work does not cease with key personnel turnover. Moses led Israel out of captivity, but it was Joshua who led them into the Promised Land. Likewise, David had a desire for a temple dedicated to God, but it was Solomon who built it. Also, various kings before Asa did not remove idols from the land, but Asa, king of Judah “took courage and removed the abominable idols” (2 Chronicles 15:8).
We cannot put God in a box regarding the who, when, or where of His unchanging plan. As you consider Elisha’s request, does it rise up in you, as it does in me, to avoid using expressions such as “indispensable and irreplaceable” when it comes to turnover in personnel or volunteers? Completion of God’s mission is not up for grabs nor is it personality dependent. God’s mission is enduring.
We, as leaders, might consider asking Him to provide replacements that possess a “double portion” to help carry out the mission He has given us to do.
// Points to Ponder
Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor.
First, What ministry, project, or relationship will you trust God to take to the next level? (Psalm 90:17; Proverbs 19:21). Second, What steps are you taking to equip another for the important work you are currently doing? (2 Timothy 2:2-4, 15-16). Third, If someone asked for a double portion of your spirit, what would they be asking for? (Ephesians 4:20-24; 5:1).  
// About the Narrator
Brig. Gen. David B. Warner, USAF (Ret.), and his wife, Lori, are the Executive Director couple of Officers’ Christian Fellowship. They assumed the position in August 2010, after retiring a month earlier from the United States Air Force out of Headquarters Air Force Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. He is currently serving on the board of the Christian Service Charities, and as an advisory council mentor for Faith Comes By Hearing.
 
// Purchase a Copy
Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.

How has God demonstrated faithfulness to you?
Our Scripture reading comes from Joshua 23:14, quoting from the New King James Version: “And you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spoke concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one word of them has failed.”
Read the verse again, but this time more slowly. What stood out to you? For me it is the phrase: “Not one word of them has failed.”
Joshua’s declaration is riveting. God’s promises were to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob initially and later to Moses and Joshua (Joshua 24:1-5) and had covered countless miles of journeying and hundreds of years. Amazingly, not one promise of protection and deliverance had failed. Since God has demonstrated such faithfulness, Joshua is challenging the Israelites to consider not endangering their own well being by failing to love and obey the Lord their God.
From a leadership perspective, I must ask: What enables Christian leaders to maintain the charge when all around us say, “Give up?” Oaths, contracts, and legal agreements bind some to the task, but that which binds the Christian and Christian leader is God’s demonstrated faithfulness.
Have you, like Joshua’s audience, chronicled the trustworthiness of God in your journey? Joshua spoke confidently of what they had seen and knew about God’s fidelity. A reading of Joshua 23 and 24 reveals a strikingly impressive history of God’s providence over his people. As you look back, are you struck by the consistency of God’s work on your behalf?
// Points to Ponder
Over the next week, here are 4 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor. If you are given to 20/20 hindsight, as I am, examine your leadership through these lenses:
First, Do you have the assurance that you are part of God’s master plan? (Jeremiah 29:11-13). Second, On a daily basis, can you rest confidently knowing that He will come through (again) in unexpected ways? (Matthew 6:33-34; Philippians 4:19). Third, Will you abandon the “failure prevent” mode of performance and perform “heartily as for the Lord rather than for men?” (Colossians 3:23). Fourth, Is your daily allegiance to and trust in God commensurate with His faithfulness to you? (1 John 4:19; Romans 5:8).  
// It’s time for the first monthly evaluation.
Download the reflection sheet here. Use the reflection sheet to help gauge your habit of integrating faith and profession, and to help get you into the habit of keeping a written record of those times when the Holy Spirit speaks to you.
 
// About the Narrator
Brig. Gen. David B. Warner, USAF (Ret.), and his wife, Lori, are the Executive Director couple of Officers’ Christian Fellowship. They assumed the position in August 2010, after retiring a month earlier from the United States Air Force out of Headquarters Air Force Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. He is currently serving on the board of the Christian Service Charities, and as an advisory council mentor for Faith Comes By Hearing.
 
// Purchase a Copy
Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.

Is it possible to discern right judgment without knowing the Truth?
Our Scripture reading comes from Psalm 86:11, quoting from The Living Insights Study Bible:
“Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.”
As a leader, are you ever hesitant or uncertain about how to respond to situations? Are you inclined to give a knee-jerk reaction or are your responses more often guided by the Lord’s true wisdom? Do you experience compassion level fluctuations, that is, sometimes your actions reflect spiritual wisdom and at other times seem void of anything resembling those guided by the Holy Spirit?
At the heart of these queries is the consideration of the root of one’s conscious choices or actions. Our options are to allow the “spiritual self” or to allow the “old nature” to dictate decisions.
David’s prayer is a rejection of the old self. Left to his own devices or contemplations, David, like many of us, could find himself poised to make poor decisions with disastrous consequences (see 2 Samuel 11). No, David’s desire is to be taught God’s truth so that more and more he would walk in God’s ways. He resisted having a divided heart. David’s default in times of struggle was to walk in God’s truth.
Is it possible to discern right judgment without knowing the Truth? James 1:8 reads, “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” Surely, as Christian leaders, our desire is to show compassion with an undivided heart—one that rightly discerns truth with reverence for the Lord.
 
// Points to Ponder
Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor. As you read the Bible and especially contemplate Psalm 86:11, consider these simple action points:
Act according to revealed truth, recognizing that spiritual leadership is dynamic. Be sensitive to what the Lord is teaching. Practice putting God’s plan into action, daily.  
// About the Narrator
Joe Chiaravallotti is a retired Naval Officer who has been a member of OCF since 1994. He and his wife, Kristi, currently serve as OCF local leaders and Area Coordinators within the National Capital Region. Joe is also a member of the White Sulphur Springs Advisory Committee, where he serves as Chaplain.
 
// Purchase a Copy
Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.
 

Our Scripture reading comes from Exodus 18:14, quoting from the New King James Version:
“So when Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he did for the people, he said, ‘What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit, and all the people stand before you from morning until evening?’”
Jethro’s question commands a response. Think on it. Moses, whose face glowed because of his close presence to God, is being told, “The thing that you are doing is not good” (see Exodus 18:17). That is the last thing a leader wants to hear, especially one who had just led over a million people from slavery to freedom! Read the entire account.
Moses was painstakingly judging disputes “between a man and his neighbor” (see Exodus 18:16) and individually explaining the ordinances of God. Talking about being in the weeds! Moses, Israel’s new national leader, was in the weeds trying to fix disputes over who knows what when his father-in-law asks this striking query.
What brings leaders to the point of task overload—the belief that only we know what’s best, perhaps distrust of others, or possibly personal ownership? Moses’ knowledge or wisdom was to be for the good of the entire people—not just for individual cases. The dispensing of judgments should not have come at the expense of his health or of exhaustion.
Reading Exodus 18:14-26 helps put a few thoughts in order. The passage provokes a pause, an examination, and a reordering of priorities.
How are you doing in your pursuit to invite others with similar heart and vision into your area of responsibility? It has been stated: “We must exercise wisdom and discernment and desire God’s model” to meet the task at hand. Sometimes ours is to help others understand their spiritual gift and put it to use. Begin to take notice of those with similar conviction and compassion who are able to live out God’s model for a shared burden of leadership.
There is another leadership quality we can take away from our review of Jethro’s counsel. Jethro explained his rationale to Moses. Leaders mentor when they take time to explain their decisions. I so admire Moses’ humility and respect for his father-in-law, and I love the spirit of Jethro’s counsel: “I will give you counsel and God will be with you.”
 
// Points to Ponder
Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor.
First, Leadership recognizes needs and addresses them through the skills and talents of like minded people. Second, Search for and desire God’s response to fulfilling needs. Ask God to bring people in your life, such as a Jethro, who have your best interest in mind. Third, Humbly receive God’s guidance.  
// About the Narrator
Joe Chiaravallotti is a retired Naval Officer who has been a member of OCF since 1994. He and his wife, Kristi, currently serve as OCF local leaders and Area Coordinators within the National Capital Region. Joe is also a member of the White Sulphur Springs Advisory Committee, where he serves as Chaplain.
 
// Purchase a Copy
Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.