Reference no: EM133872271
Assignment:
"A Predetermined Plan for Worship"
We tend to look around at the physical world - position, opportunities, education, contacts - and believe that we are blessed and that, consequently, we are "good enough" to earn these blessings. When we lose these things, we feel God isn't close any more. We may even think that He doesn't care. Job's friends came to visit him and touted the same philosophy. (For example, see Job 8:4-6.)
But Scripture teaches us that God's material blessings fall on the righteous and unrighteous (Matthew 5:45) and that the true riches of God's kingdom - peace, love, relationship with Him - are immeasurable.
What, then, can a leader do? Be righteous, plan wisely, and trust God regardless of the outcome. As Job said near the end of his recorded conversations with his friends and God, "No plan of God can be thwarted" (Job 42:2).
Easier said than done. Sometimes - no, most of the time - it seems it would be easier to give up, to say, "I don't deserve this." But we must keep going anyway. We must have a predetermined emotional plan for when things don't go according to plan: a plan for immediate worship...just like Job. Scripture describes Job's immediate response when he hears terrible news of tragedies to his children, houses, and livelihood: "Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the group and worshiped, saying, 'Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.'"
In your response, address the following:
How does the commitment to your values guide you in times of stress, uncertainty, or tragedy?
Share with your classmates some ways that you do or could remind yourself of your commitment to what really matters in life (e.g., scripture, goals, mantras, reminders, inspirational sayings, etc.).
Textbook: Komives, S. R., and Wagner, W. (Eds.). (2017). Leadership for a better world: Understanding the social change model of leadership development (2nd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
In your initial response, address the following:
- Which of the eight areas (four for congruence and four for commitment) emerges as a strength for you? How can you capitalize on that to lead and serve others?
- How does learning about congruence and commitment this week enhance the position paper you submitted last week (Rationale for Leadership and Service)? Give at least one specific example.