I recently relaunched my personal blog. After relaunching, I realized that some of my original blog posts didn’t make it over to my new site. The following is a repost from one of my first entries. I still find it very relevant and hope you do, too.
I listened to a recent message by Andy Stanley, which was part of North Point Community Church’s “Christian” series. In this particular message Andy shares with all Christ followers that we are salt and light to the world. Salt always preserves. Light always shows the way. One image in Matthew 5 that especially stood out to me from this message is in verse 14, “A city on a hill can’t be hidden.” Now, cities don’t accidentally appear in a location. They are chosen locations, designed, and settled with purpose. So, has God really strategically place me like a city on a hill? Cities on hills are hard to ignore because their lights do shine and show the way.
I also read a recent blog post by Brian Volk with Life Lessons Over Lunch. His post was based on Jesus’ statement in Matthew 10:16, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves.” Brian outlines some excellent thoughts and directives for Life Lessons Over Lunch leaders. I am a little intimidated by the shrewd and innocent part, especially if I have been sent out like sheep among wolves. Of the people I know who fit these descriptions, few are both shrewd and innocent. They might be one, but rarely also the other.
So, these two concepts from Matthew 5 and Matthew 14 have resonated with me. I am very comforted and excited to know that God has strategically placed me where I am living and working. But, I am also a little intimidated by the shrewd and innocent part.
As I build relationships with my team, customers, and vendors, I am challenged by these concepts. I am investing in my team and our culture, but I never want to come across as pushy or demanding. I also want the best for my customers and vendors, but I never want to be perceived as obnoxious. So, helping preserve like salt and show the way like a light in a production-focused business world, honestly, takes a little shrewdness and total honesty (or innocence) all of the time.
I don’t have all of the answers. But, what I do know is that when I live and lead on purpose, people notice Jesus’ love. Living and leading shrewd as a snake and innocent as a dove isn’t such a bad idea after all.
So, tell me: When was a time you were shrewd and also innocent?
Trust me, people notice.