Donkey Riding Anyone?

I was at the Lead Like Jesus event at our Ottawa site this past Friday. It was a good and challenging day. However, the name sounds kind of pretentious to me. Is it possible for any of us to lead like Jesus? And is it possible to have a registered trade mark on that name? Anyway, I digress, as usual. The problem is that as I look at the life of Christ I see that He changed water into wine, multiplied food, walked on water, healed, rose from the dead, did everything perfect and right! I’ve yet to accomplish any of those things – although I have ridden a donkey. Additionally, while I appreciated the sediments of the WWJD movement and bracelets of a few years ago, I have always struggled with it, for many of the same reasons. I have encountered many situations and don’t have a clue of what Jesus would do. Would Jesus buy a Honda or a Toyota? What church would He go to? What ministries would He endorse? What products would He buy or not buy? Would He shop at Walmart? Or Value Village? Or not at all? Would He go to movies? watch T.V.? and on and on my useless questions ramble. I have also been too chicken to wear the bracelet for the same reason I’ve never stuck a fish symbol on the back of my car. I figure I’m not helping the Christian cause much by people seeing it pass them on the 401 – and saying, “I think I saw a flying fish - why is it being chased by that car with red and blue flashing lights”?

I don’t know. Maybe that’s the problem - I’m setting my goals a little high. I think I’d maybe find it easier to attend a conference that was called, Lead Like Peter”- WWPD. Some of the topics might include: How to ask the dumb question; How to exaggerate to get ahead; How to start big and chicken out; How to bend the truth to get out of trouble; or How to run away and hide in the midst of trouble. Or maybe: Lead like the disciples - WWDD: Topics: Me first/then you; Let Peter try it, if he doesn’t drown then you try; How to fall asleep at the important times; or How to constantly miss the point. The Lead Like Judas - WWJD (oops) – might be a little harder sell. Topics: How to rob from company; How to play both ends; Looking good on the outside while looking out for your own interests or How to let failure completely destroy you. (Don't even think of stealing these events, I've already registered tradmarked them, and printing the tee shirts)

I really don’t need to attend those seminars – I’ve got that material down pretty good. Comes pretty naturally -- sadly. I could be the feature speaker at most of them. I’m thinking maybe its not so much about What Would Jesus Do (registered trademark – Okay, enough with the pet peeves) bracelets, but more of Who would Jesus Be WWJB. More to the point, who would He have me be, in any given situation? I can answer that question a little easier – although, an easier answer, maybe not an easier do. Would He have me gentle in this circumstance? Would He want me to forgive you? Or probably more a reality you forgive me (especially for the this post, bad grammar grammer grandma and spelling)? Would He want me to honest - usually, mostly or always? Generous (with your stuff or mine)? Merciful? Loving? honouring, stewardship (rats - I like stuff, lots of stuff), simply, righteously --- Okay I gotta stop at this rate, to really live like Jesus, I going to like, have to change everything -Maybe I'd like Lead like, um let me think, Britany Spears, but, whoops did it again, George W? maybe knot, Homer Simpson- doable but, DOH! Sorry, its one of those Lead like Kramer - "Hey Jerry what ya doing, got any milk?" daze. Okay, Cudney focus-- focus. Okay, back to Lead like Jesus -

Some questions that I was challenged with by the Lead Like Jesus event:

Do I lead in a way that seeks to serve rather than be served? (the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve)

Do I lead in such a way that I make a difference in people’s lives? (love your neighbour as yourself)

Am I practicing Solitude, drawing a way to reflect on my character, my attitudes, my areas of pride? (Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness)

Am I seeking to build the community, or am I looking out for my own interests? (You must die to self, and be raised in Christ)

Am I willing to wash your feet Jn 13: right after washing the disciples feet, Jesus says “love as I have loved you, and by this the world will know that you are my disciples.”

One of the presenters used the 1 Cor 13 passage in a different way that I found deeply challenging. I’m thinking about making a little Post It (another register trade mark!) that only I see regularly so that I’m constantly challenged by it:

1Co 13:4 Neil is patient, Neil is kind and is not jealous; Neil does not brag and is not arrogant,
1Co 13:5 He does not act unbecomingly; He does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,
1Co 13:6 He does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;
1Co 13:7 He bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1Co 13:8 Love never fails; (but Neil generally does -- not in the Orignal Geek (or greek either)

Man, I’ve got a long way to go. I don’t like reading it this way – too much personal responsibility and change that needs to happen. I know some would start it, Neil is a pain in the neck – however, it’s not about me, it’s all about you! The point is, put your name in this verse, look in the mirror and read it out loud – without choking. Better yet, read it to your spouse, kids, friends, co-workers. If they don’t fall on the floor laughing hysterically, or just stare at you with a bewildered look on their face, and say, “You?” you might be on to something.

Anyway... I was just thinking, (I'm going to stop now, thinking that is, it hurts too much)

Neil