This afternoon, I visited one of the great bookstores in the country–Hearts & Minds. I walked out of the store with a box of books. I wont tell you how much I spent. I’ll just quote Erasmus. “When you have money, buy books. If you have any money left, buy food.” Anyway, this evening my stomach is empty, but my mind and imagination are full. I’ve just started the first book from my box: Future Leader by Viv Thomas
I’m just finished page 38 and thought I’d drop a note of reflection here. I think it has much to say to leaders of spiritual movements. Thought I’d whet your appetite with just one quote from page 4 (though I’ve underlined almost all 38 pages so far).
The great Christian leaders are identified by the quality of their conversation with God. When this conversation develops, you learn two things: firstly, you are not much good at what you do; secondly, that’s all right with God. He can cope with the mess of having you around. The effect of this acceptance of your own inadequacy is to release you from the pressure to please the people you lead, because this is usually impossible, and to throw you towards God’s grace, which is essential. Our adequacy comes from the grace brought to us through our walk with God, and not from the gifts or drive with which we may have been born. The paradox is this: Christian leaders may be inadequate, but understanding this places them in a position of adequacy.