No one wants to be called arrogant. There are some cuss words that don’t strike the hurtful cord in me like the word arrogant. To be honest though, I have been arrogant at times. Behind this word is the real root attitude. That attitude is PRIDE. This truly is ground zero for leaders (for me). I find that with success pride is a bigger battle. The more people I have telling me how good I am the more time I need to spend listening to God. It is a dangerous thing to begin to believe that I am better than I am. John the Baptist understood this: “He must become greater; I must become less” John 3:30 NIV The great people of God all had this uncanny ability to see themselves for who they are not who others think they are. Paul starts almost every letter with the title “Bondservant”, or “Slave”. Why? Because it is easy to think more of ourselves than we should. There is a second danger for me and that is liking the good stuff people say so much I try to make sure that is all they see. It is a temptation to start guarding the way I appear to others. It is a temptation to start focusing on looking good rather working to be good.
Why am I tell you this? Is it so you can be aware of the pitfalls of pride and arrogance? No, it is because I need to tell you this so I don’t become prideful. I need to remember who I am and I need your help. By you listening to my story as the letters appear on this page you are helping me to remember I am simply a sinner, who had no hope and still doesn’t outside the crazy love of a God who would take my rightful place and die for me.
See the truth is I really am not a great leader or even a good one. I’m a country kid who grew up swimming in the muddy ditch in front of the house. I am a guy who didn’t finish college with any kind of Christian degree, never did seminary, and really isn’t qualified to do what I do. That’s the truth. No matter what success might be visible at this point in my life, I am only here because God decided to do something pretty cool out of not much to start with.
I was reminded this morning who I really am. The kids bags wouldn’t fit in the back of the car because of some crackers in boxes that I was supposed to bring to the food pantry. So while the rain fell and the placement and replacement of bags didn’t work I got mad. I then commenced to throwing the crackers, boxes and all in the yard along with a coat and what ever other junk was there. I left it there in the yard and drove off taking the kids to school. Great leader huh? I am so many times puzzled by how other leaders seem to really have it together all the time. I don’t know if they are faking or if they really are that happy, positive, never get mad, never throw crackers kind of people. Maybe there are those who have it together. I don’t know, but I do know I don’t. Not yet at least. This evening I will apologize to my kids for throwing the crackers, and realize once again who I really am.
9 comments:
Thank you for being so real, it gives us all hope because we do the same things you do:) and what is amazing to me is God looks down and still uses us to advance His kingdom! Brings home the point it is all Christ in us that is good, and He is the one who shines through us anytime someone sees something good because we see us the way we are but God sees us the way He made us....isn't that wonderful! our flesh is our flesh is our flesh and it always stinks! I hate to see it so often in me but God isn't finished with me yet and when I can see me as He does maybe I will act like I really am in Him, until then I throw crackers too! Your a wonderful man Scott and God is and has used you in so many lifes....keep being real and He will always use you because He and you know it is His life that shines in you!!!
A natural leader is someone who people "want" to follow, regardless of background or certificates. We, the people, know them and faithfully follow what good we see in their heart. I feel you are an excellent shepard working for the Lord.
Followers know that with every attempt comes the consequence of possible failure but yet still we follow. I fear not your pride but only chances not taken due to fear of pride or failure. There is a fine line drawn between arrogant pride and confidence, a good leader must walk this line to be effective.
We accept Jesus as our only picture of perfection, their is no need for you to worry about comparisons or expectations. You have expressed in many sermons the common denominator we share as sinful human beings, you have openly dissected your humility amongst the congregation. We know your heart.
Scott, Thank you for being REAL! Thank you for letting us know that it's ok not to "have it all together." YOU and YOUR FAMILY are a TOOL! Mercys Cross has changed so many lives and continues to change lives. We are ALL works in progress. God is shaping our lives and sculpting us. He gives us moments like this so that we know we need Him in our lives. You show us on Sundays and through messages like these that God CAN do sooooo much when he "has little to start with." We see God working in your life. We see God sending you tests. We see Satan testing you. We see you overcome those by digging in the Lord's word, just as you've done with your "arrogant leader" post. It's THAT strength we search and reap the rewards when we find it, strength in the LORD'S word!
I would much rather have a pastor who is REAL than one who puts on this facade that he has it all together.
I loved swimming in that ditch and we are lucky your mother did not kill us on that cold March day she pulled us out of it. We all struggle with life and being open enough to admit it here on this blog and to your kids is the mark of true leader. Everyone throws a few crackers in their life , we are all human, pray about it with your kids and put it behind you. We have a very forgiving God, so keep your head up , you’ve come a long way since Birmingham Lane degree or not.
One more confirmation for me that I am where I belong!!! YOU are living proof of the genuineness I see of the members of MCC. I applaude your humbleness, and feel honored to call you my Pastor.
Scott, I doubt that any "leader" has it all together all the time.They may try to live as if they do, but we all have had and will have our moments. I
don't think that Jesus's 12 disciples had degrees either, but they were successful in getting the message of the gospel out 2,000years ago, and now its our turn .God uses you because you are real, and you are willing to admit when you mess up. I have messed up and hurt my children and those that I love so many times,but I gotta feeling that throwing crackers didn't make them love you less. I think that you being real gives all of the rest of us hope.We will never be perfect this side of heaven, and you'll probably "throw more crackers" in your lifetime. The difference in you and others that may "throw crackers" is that you felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit, while an arrogant person would probably not try to right the wrong.You'll make it right with God and your kids and it'll all be forgiven and forgotten.You are such a neat Pastor, I love your heart and respect you as our Pastor.
Scott, I doubt that any "leader" has it all together all the time.They may try to live as if they do, but we all have had and will have our moments. I
don't think that Jesus's 12 disciples had degrees either, but they were successful in getting the message of the gospel out 2,000years ago, and now its our turn .God uses you because you are real, and you are willing to admit when you mess up. I have messed up and hurt my children and those that I love so many times,but I gotta feeling that throwing crackers didn't make them love you less. I think that you being real gives all of the rest of us hope.We will never be perfect this side of heaven, and you'll probably "throw more crackers" in your lifetime. The difference in you and others that may "throw crackers" is that you felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit, while an arrogant person would probably not try to right the wrong.You'll make it right with God and your kids and it'll all be forgiven and forgotten.You are such a neat Pastor, I love your heart and respect you as our Pastor.
Oh Scott, you "cracker throwing Pastor", that's why we love you because you are REAL!!!! I have had those days and believe me it makes me feel better to know my Pastor is REAL, and not "perfect" or "doesn't have it all together". God doesn't make mistakes and He has you right where He wants you and where WE need you to be!!!! You and your family are awesome!!!!
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