A Look at Leadership

Leadership Theory
R. Kent Wise, MDiv. MBA

Leadership Theory
The study of leadership has existed throughout history . Each student of leadership has attempted to explain leadership that Buckingham (2005) defines as, “rallying people to a better future. Great leaders get us to feel that the future is possible and better than where we are now.” In fact according to Gardner (1990), ” leadership is such a gripping subject that once it is given center stage it draws attention away from everything else.” Leadership models illustrate the concept in a variety of ways. Bennis (1959) states, “The study of leadership raises the fundamental issues that every group, organization, nation, and group of nations has to resolve or at least struggle with: Why do people subordinate themselves? What are the sources of power? How and why do leaders arise? Why do leaders lead? What is the function of the leader?”

Each model focuses on a different approach. However, according to Gardner (1990) , ” conventional views of leadership are shallow and set us up for endless disappointment.” The purpose of this article is to compare four different leadership approaches. The article will identify challenges today’s leaders encounter and how each model addresses the issues presented.

Trait Leadership Model
The Trait Leadership Model emphasizes personal traits of the leaders. The Trait Model is predicated on the assumption that leaders have similar personality and problem- solving attributes. The “great man” theory of the 19^th and early 20^th centuries, “asserted that leadership qualities were inherited, especially by people from the upper class.” (Kirkpatrick & Lock, 1991) The 19^th and early 20^th centuries was dominated by the patriarchal society. The Gentry were the ruling class prompting leaders to be described as “great men”. Historical records document the leadership abuses.

The Trait Leadership Model continues to morph as different studies are undertaken. Clawson (2006) illustrates the metamorphosis by outlining Maccoby and others. Leaders are described as Administrator, Strongmen, Gamesmen, and Developers by Maccoby. The leader’s traits correlate with duties or actions instead of personality. In contrast, John Gardner presents leader attributes from his analysis. According to Gardner (1990), “the attributes of leaders include physical vitality, intelligence, responsible, competence, relationship building, and confidence along with others.” The presupposition is a good leader manifests the aforementioned attributes in the leader/follower relationships.

The Trait Leadership Model incorrectly assumes that good leaders will always be good leaders. The premise that good leaders always exhibit the traits or qualities of a good leader has been proven inconsistent over the years. The Trait Leadership Model does not consider the impact of events in the individual’s lives and the changes that come along with experience. For example, the managers of Enron were able to persuade individuals to invest in their company. However, the attitudes towards their investors and employees changed. Greed replaced honesty. Elitism replaced humility.

Behavioral Model
The Behavioral Model of Leadership (BML) study refocused the research from the characteristics of leaders to what leaders did. According to Clawson (2006), “researchers switched their emphasis to observations of what effective and ineffective leaders actually do.” “The observations recognized two dimensions of leader behavior involving task and relationships.” (Hersey & Blanchard, 1979)

Task-oriented leaders are production driven incorporating a direct, authoritative leadership style. Task-oriented leaders focus on the outcome. The relational leader focuses on the individual placing priority on the relationship. The relational leader finds satisfaction in developing leadership and encouraging others to lead. Relational leaders are participants in the task with their followers. The leadership path used greatly depends on the individual leader.

The Path-Goal theory of leadership is aligned with the Behavioral Model of Leadership. Robert House (1996) states, “The reformulated path-goal theory specifies leader behaviors that enhance subordinate empowerment and satisfaction and work unit and subordinate effectiveness. It addresses the effects of leaders on the motivation and abilities of immediate subordinates and the effects of leaders on work unit performance.” The task is the central focus in this leadership theory and limits the research to the transaction between the leader and subordinate.

The Behavioral Leadership Model limits the parametrical boundaries consistent with the transactional theory. The model analysis includes the motivational effectiveness of the leader. This suggests that the subordinate has the expectation of reward for completing the task. The intrinsic value of the reward determines the level of motivation exerted by the employee. In other words, the employee will do the task if they receive something of value completing the transaction.

Power Model
“The role of power and its relation to values has become a topic of growing interest in business ethics as well as in the literature of management and the sociology or organizations.” (Hiley, 1987) The emergence of power in leadership relationships is contingent upon corporate culture, decision-making structures, and individuals. To fully understand the role of Power in leadership the student first must identify the type of power exerted and second the purpose for exerting the power. Five types of power form the Power theory foundation. In the study of leadership power is used to influence subordinates through; (1) Coercive Power, (2) Legitimate Power (3) Expert Power, (4) Reward Power, and (5) Referent Power.

Coercive Power                                                                                                           According to Kotter (1977), “It is also common for managers not to coercively exercise power based on perceived dependence by itself, but to combine it with other methods to reduce the risk of retaliation.” Coercive power alone would alienate the subordinate and create unnecessary tension. Coercive power is the leader’s ability to influence the subordinate through intimidation and control. (Hughes, Ginnett, and Curphy)

Legitimate Power
Legitimate power reflects the leader’s role. Role is defined as position, title, job description or any other descriptor which would denote a person’s power based on authority, perceived or real. Hughes, Ginnett, and Curphy (1993) states, “legitimate authority (power) and leadership are not the same thing.” This suggests that legitimate power is based on the relationship of respect between leader and subordinate.

Expert Power
Kotter (1977) states, “Managers usually establish this type of power through visible achievement. The larger the achievement and the more visible it is, the more power the manager tends to develop.” Hughes, Ginnett, and Curphy (1993) relate expert power to knowledge. Therefore, it is possible for followers to become the leaders on projects/tasks where they possess more knowledge. This dynamic suggests that followers can be leaders given certain situations.

Reward Power
Reward power is power given to a leader based on the leader’s ability to positively reward an individual for the work performed. According to Hughes, Ginnett, and Curphy (1993), “this can be accomplished through raises, promotions, time off, or granting of tenure.” Reward power is associated with the transactional leadership model where a “transaction” between the leader and subordinate occurs.

Referent Power
Referent power refers to the influence a leader has over subordinates from connecting with them on some conscious or non-conscious level. “Generally, the more a person finds a manager both consciously and (more important) unconsciously an ideal person, the more he or she will defer to that manager.” (Kotter, 1977) Referent power is based on the level of relationship developed between leader and subordinate.

The Power model of leadership illustrates the dynamic of influence an individual exercises over another. Kotter (1977) states, “Americans, as a rule, are not very comfortable with power or with its dynamics.” Therefore, the influence of power has not been researched to the extent of the other models.

Transformational Model
Transformational leadership, through the development of a consensus, moves the ownership paradigm from self-centricity to others centricity. The transformational leadership theory integrates leadership theory to define a “new genre” or new style of leadership. According to Antonakis and House (2002, p. 5), “the Full-range Leadership Theory is an integrative theory of leadership because it is built on, or can be explained by, theories, which, in their time took a bold approach and questioned traditional notions of leadership. Transformational leadership not only focuses on the leader’s traits and behaviors but also includes moral leadership and visioneering. 

According to Burns (1978) “transforming leaders create follower awareness of moral and ethical implications and convince them to transcend their self-interest for that of the greater good.” Self-awareness moves the individual into the realm of “becoming” from “doing”. Moving beyond self becomes our way of operating. This concept is on the opposite end from transactional leadership on the leadership continuum.

Conclusion                                                                                                                        The focus in traditional leadership studies converges on the leader and not leadership.  The interaction of the leader with subordinates, their environment, and their experience is placed secondary to groupings of behavior, traits, power dynamics etc.  Max De Pree states that “the leader has three tasks to perform: 1) Define reality 2) Become a servant and a debtor to others and 3) Say thank you.” A “good leader” is an individual who has allowed themselves to be transformed through the relationships created.  Good leaders are those individuals who allow themselves to grow personally and professionally through interactions with others, their environment, education, and culture/tradition. 

All of the traditional Leadership theories fall short of totally encompassing the leadership paradigm.  Leaders find themselves operating within the context of authority, environment/culture, their ability to reason, and personal experience.  The primacy of leadership falls on the context of authority.  To whom or what do we give authority?  The other points on the leadership quadrilateral are subject to the authority.  At any given time, an individual’s leadership may move from one of the three allowing their leadership style to be adjusted to make a difference in company, in others, and in leaders themselves. 

 Leadership style cannot be defined by sets of descriptors (traits, behaviors, control dynamics).  Leadership is much larger than a list of adjectives. “Leaders are dependent upon followers for the exercise of leadership and the accomplishment of mission.” (De Pree, p. 11)

References
Avolio, B.J. and Yammarino F. J. (2002).  John Antonkis and Robert J. House. In Avolio and Yammarino (Eds.) Transformational and charismatic leadership: The road ahead. (pp.3-28). Bingley BD16, UK: Emerald Group

Bennis, W. G. (1959). Leadership theory and administrative behavior: The problem of
authority. Administrative Science Quarterly, 4(3), 259-301. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Buckingham, M. (2005). Managers and Leaders. Leadership Excellence, 22(12), 5. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Burns, J. M., (1978).  The crisis of leadership.  In J. T. Wren (Eds.) The leaders
companion:  Insights on leadership through the ages. (pp. 8-10) New York, NY: The Free Press.

Clawson, J. G. (2006). Level three leadership: Getting below the surface. Appendix. (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

De Pree, M. (1987). Leadership is an art. East Lansing: Michigan State University Press.

Gardner, J. W., (1990).  The cry for leadership.  In J. T. Wren (Eds.) The leaders companion:  Insights on leadership through the ages. (pp. 3-7) New York, NY: The Free Press.

Hersey, P. and Blanchard, K. H. (1979).  Behavioral Theories of leadership.  In J. T. Wren (Eds.) The leader’s companion:  Insights on leadership through the ages. (pp. 144-148) New York, NY: The Free Press.

Hiley, D. R. (1987). Power and values in corporate life. Journal of Business Ethics, 6(5), 343-353. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

House, R. J. (1996). Path-goal theory of leadership: Lessons, legacy, and a reformulated theory. Leadership Quarterly, 7(3), 323-353. 

Hughes, R. L., Ginnett, R. C., and Curphy, G. J. (1993). Power, influence and influence tactics. In J.T. Wren (Eds) The leaders companion: Insights on leadership through the ages. (pp.339-351) New York, NY: The Free Press

Kirkpatrick, S. A. and Locke, E. A. (1991).  Leadership: Do traits matter?.  In J. T. Wren (Eds.) The leader’s companion:  Insights on leadership through the ages. (pp. 133-143) New York, NY: The Free Press.

Kotter, J. P. (1977). Power, dependence, and effective management. Harvard Business Review, 55(4), 125-136. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Waiting for…

Waiting for Christmas is hard for youngsters.  The days between Thanksgiving and Christmas are some of the longest days of the year.  I recall many years thinking that Christmas would never arrive.  Now, 4o years later, as I watch my four children and listen to their conversations I recognize that waiting is a gift from our Creator. 

The anticipation of the children is contagious.  The children focus on the gifts they will receive from family and friends.  However, my focus has changed from the gifts to the gift. The gift of Jesus Christ.  Christmas is a time of waiting…waiting for the days to pass, waiting for school to be out for vacation, waiting for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

Finally, I recognize waiting is a theme of many encounters with God in the Holy Scriptures.  Abraham waited…for a son; Moses waited…for the Promised Land; John the Baptist waited…for Christ; and God’s grace, which is freely offered to all, waits for our response.

Merry Christmas and may your waiting turn to joy in this season of love and hope.

Football Food and Fun

Well it’s capital one bowl week here it’s funny how many people really look forward to this week in the year it’s the last week of course but it’s also the beginning of something new. With that said I want to take time to just talk a little bit about New Year’s resolutions. In the past I have noticed that that my New Year’s resolutions often times fall short simply because I am not focused enough to complete what I’ve set out to do. I believe that this is a problem that many of us have, we simply forget what is it we wanted to do. Why? Maybe it’s because of the busyness of the season. We get so caught up in the things that are going on in our lives whether it be professional, involving our family, or simply something that that we have thought that we would like to do. Whatever the reason, many of us will find ourselves starting quickly but falling short in the end.

I know for me the main reason why I tend to fall short is I don’t invite God into my plans. It’s almost as if I simply forget that there’s someone greater than than I that could help me with my plans. Does this sound like you? This year as we sit down further for the week between Christmas and New Year’s, as we watch football and enjoy fellowship with our friends and family let us also take time to remember our Creator who loves each of us and desires to help us in all things. Paul told Timothy that there’s one thing that God cannot do. The one thing that God cannot do is deny God’s self. It’s simply not in God’s nature. Therefore, let us include God in our New Year’s resolutions knowing that the power that we see to complete our life changes are found in the one who can do all things.

My prayer for all who visit this blog is simply a prosperous and healthy 2011. May God richly bless all of you and hold you close to his heart as you begin the new year. Now to all my tech fans, go Hokies!

Jesus is Lord

The Gospel of John gives me a great outline to interpret the statement “Jesus Christ is Lord”. The eight “I am” statements defines the who, what, and why of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Each statement in itself builds upon the others to give us a great inside view of Jesus

Jesus said, “I am the Bread of life”. With this statement Jesus is declaring that He is the source, the sustainer, and satisfier of life. When we see Jesus Christ as our Lord we have all we need in this life.

Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world”. Recognizing Jesus as our Light gives us a great view of who we are and to whom we belong. Hope comes about where at first only despair was found. Finally, when we see Jesus as the Light, we recognize a new direction in our lives.

Jesus said, “I am the Door”. This scripture is very significant in my understanding of “Jesus Christ is Lord”. A door is used for exiting and entering. Therefore, Jesus represents the way of entry into the promise of eternal life.

Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd”. This statement is crucial to understanding Jesus’ caring character. It is this caring character that makes Jesus Lord.

Jesus said, “I am the Resurrection and the Life”. This statement is powerful for the believer. This statement conquers death for the believer. This statement extends the promise of eternal life to all who would recognize and profess Jesus Christ is Lord.

Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” This statement is most important for my understanding and interpretation of “Jesus Christ is Lord” Jesus proclaims that he controls the way to God. Jesus proclaims the truth about the way to heaven. Like the previous statement, this statement conquers death for the believer and extends the promise of eternal life.

Jesus said, “I am the True Vine”. The illustration that this statement gives is a powerful witness to all persons. In this statement, Jesus reveals our relational position. Without Jesus, nothing is possible, but with Jesus, all things are possible.

Jesus said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega”. In this statement we realize that Jesus is the incarnation of God. Jesus Christ is Lord. Jesus is the Creator and the Finisher. Jesus is the one which is, which was, and the one to come.

Servant Leadership

A servant leader has five characteristics of which highlights their authority. Each of these traits are not mutually exclusive but rather mutually inclusive. In other words you can’t have just one and claim to be a servant leader. In my opinion, you must have them all.

First a servant leader leads by example. When Jesus washed the apostles’ feet, Jesus gave to us a great illustration of one who leads by service to others. As pastors, we must be willing to get our hands dirty.

Leading by example tends to bring one to a greater sense of humility. We begin to see ourselves through a different lens that provides a glimpse into the ministry of Jesus. As pastors, this means that seeing ourselves as servants sometimes means that we must do things that take us out of our comfort zone.

When we move outside of our comfort zones we are answering the challenge to go deeper in our relationship with God. Also, we are challenging those in our congregations through our personal witness to move closer to God’s will for their lives. In other words, our authority as a servant leader is about allowing God to work through us to bring others into a deeper relationship with God.

In order to work with others, we must have a greater sense of compassion for individuals. I did not fully understand this until I began working with residents of Virginia’s Correctional facilities. Without a genuine love for these individuals, my witness to them was just another gimmick. I had to first meet the person where they were and not be judgmental. Only through embracing God’s love for them through me could they be moved into a more abundant relationship.

Finally, for compassion to be realized one must be willing to be authentic. Authenticity is very scary for some. This characteristic is the hardest for most because it means making ourselves vulnerable. Making ourselves vulnerable can open ourselves up to be hurt.

A Christmas To Remember…

Last month my granny went home to be with the Lord and this has caused some reflection on my part.  Her husband, my granddaddy passed in 1984.  Granny and Granddaddy were always encouraging and loving.  As I began to remember some of the times in their lives I have started to recall the special moments of our times together. 

One such time is at Christmas 1972.  My grandparents lived in Petersburg, VA at this time.  It was my mom and dad’s tradition to take me to the grandparents  home for Christmas.  I was 7 at this time.  My brother and sister had not been born.  So I was at this time the “King” of the Christmas season.  Of course I can’t remember all that I was doing or saying, I do remember my granddaddy getting upset with me. 

He took me to downtown Petersburg.  We got out of the car and walked the streets.  Here I have a hard time recalling the things which were said but what my granddaddy did, I will never forget.  We came upon this lady and little girl who was probably close to my age.  She and granddaddy chatted for sometime.  They ended up going home with us that afternoon.  When we got home, she and her daughter were welcomed into their home, given the opportunity to clean up and enjoy Christmas Eve dinner with us.  My grandparents had went out and purchased clothes for this mother and daughter.  Later that afternoon, my granddaddy and I took the lady to the Holiday Inn. (The Holiday Inn is now vacant and stands as a reminder of days past).  I never saw the lady and her daughter again. 

Granddaddy would challenge me to remember that the heart of Christmas is Love.  Loving our neighbors as Christ loves the church.  Loving others even though they are not “like me”.  Christmas was different for me that year.  I remember only one of the many presents from that year, but I will never forget the smile and laughter that were shared with complete strangers around the table that day. 

This Christmas may be a time where you and I come into the company of someone in need of experiencing Gods grace and love.  My prayer is that we will surrender ourselves to be vessels for God’s love.  AMEN!

The Heart of Christmas is Love

Christmas is one of the most wonderful times of the year for many.  However, for others it can be a time of doubt, loneliness, and spiritual wilderness.  These emotions are only strengthened when we have experienced a death in the family, the loss of a job, or other trial. 

I was visiting parishioners this past week and noticed several different levels of anxiety.  For those who facing the first Christmas without a loved one, loneliness and a basic struggle with the days leading to the holiday bring about anxiety, sorrow, anger, and other emotions.  I am writing about this today because it was not too long ago in my life that Christmas was not a joyous occasion.  Christmas would often become a living hell when my siblings and parents would get together.  It was especially tough on my wife.  She never felt welcome.  This in return would create anger in my heart. 

It has been several years since I have struggled with these emotions.  Christmas time was a personal prison for me where my past and present would collide.  Eleven years ago, I was reading scripture when I came across the following found in Matthew 11:2-11

Matthew 11:2-11 (New American Standard Bible)

²Now when John, while imprisoned, heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples

³and said to Him, "Are You the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?"

⁴Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and report to John what you hear and see:

⁵the BLIND RECEIVE SIGHT and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the POOR HAVE THE GOSPEL PREACHED TO THEM.

⁶"And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me."

Jesus’ Tribute to John

⁷As these men were going away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

⁸"But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ palaces!

⁹"But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one who is more than a prophet.

¹⁰"This is the one about whom it is written,
         ‘BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU,
         WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY BEFORE YOU.’

¹¹"Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist! Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Through this scripture I came to realize that the anger, doubts, and the struggle I was having dealt with how I internalized things.  Instead of controlling my emotions, I was letting others control them.  In the scripture, we see John the Baptist toward the end of his life.  He is in prison and it is only a matter of time when he will be executed.  John is wondering if Jesus is the one.  Jesus was not what John expected.  But what did John expect?  What do we expect from God?  Where do you find yourself this Christmas?  Do you have doubts? Are you lonely? 

At Christmas it is easy for us to find ourselves scurrying about and forgetting about Jesus.  We want to get the best gift or give the best gift.  However we have already been given the greatest gift in Jesus.  Jesus, the babe, wrapped in rags and lying in a manger brings hope, peace, and love.  The following hymn captures the HEART OF CHRISTMAS:

Love came down at Christmas
Love, a lovely love divine
Love was born at Christmas
Star and Angels gave the sign
Love came down at Christmas
Love, a lovely love divine
Love was born at Christmas
Star and Angels gave the sign
(Star and Angels gave the sign)
Love shall be our token
Love be yours and love be mine
Love to God and both of us
Love for plea and gift and sign
Love shall be our token
Love be yours and love be mine
Love to God and both of us
Love for plea and gift and sign
Love came down at Christmas
Love, a lovely love divine
Love was born at Christmas
Star and Angels gave the sign
(Star and Angels gave the sign)

FOR THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS IS ….

LOVE

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Ramblings about the Children, Dogs, and Summer…

Well today was the last day of school for my children.  I am excited about the upcoming summer but I am also a little anxious.  My anxiety comes from knowing that summers mark a chapter in the lives of my children.  May daughter will be getting her driver’s license later this month and my oldest son is starting weight training for high school football.  It seems like just yesterday, I was holding them and feeding them their bottles. The two younger boys finished PreK and Kindergarten.  Emily is about to finish her year of teaching and she will be home.  Summer sure will be busy around the house with everybody home.  I wonder what the dogs will do.  DD and Charlie have gotten accustomed to everybody being gone except me.  They know they have the run of the house when it is only me at home.  But now…

Well our summer will be a busy one.  Annah and Grayson want to go back to Gettysburg, camping out and visiting the battlefield.  We went seven years ago.  Now it is time to go again, I hope that I will be able to keep up with them.  Emily is anxiously looking forward to our week of vacation.  Kage and Kyle are just happy to be around everybody.  Me…well I’m awaiting the official start of Football Officials’ class.  I enjoy officiating football and I am looking forward to a busy summer and fall.  Charlie and DD, I bet they stay out of the way.  Charlie will go riding with me and DD will sleep.  Oh yes, summer the beginning of the next chapters in the lives of my children.  For Annah, she will have only two summers left before heading off to school… I’m not ready for that!

What Do Your Priorities Say About You?

Proverbs 2:1-6 (NKJV)
¹ My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you,
² So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding;
³ Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding,
⁴ If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures;
⁵ Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God.
⁶ For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;

In what seems to be an ever changing culture, we daily must make choices which affect not only ourselves but also those around us.    The writer of Proverbs gives us a schematic for making choices and setting priorities.  Remember, while the culture around us may change, our God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.   The following illustration has given me comfort when I incline  my ear to wisdom, seeking understanding:

In the second century a Christian was brought before a king, who wanted him to recant and give up Christ and Christianity; but the man spurned the proposition. The king said—"If you don’t do it, I will banish you."

The man smiled and answered, "You can’t banish me from Christ; for He says He will never leave me nor forsake me."

The king got angry, and said, "Well, I will confiscate your property, and take it all from you."

And the man replied, "My treasures are laid up on high; you cannot get them."

The king became still more angry, and said, "I will kill you."

"Why," the man answered, "I have been dead forty years; I have been dead with Christ, dead to the world, and my life is hid with Christ in God, and you cannot touch it."

"What are you going to do with such a fanatic?" said the king.

                                                                                        —Anecdotes, Incidents and Illustrations.

Throughout my journey I have faced many opportunities.  Some good, some bad, and some that I thought were good but turned out bad.  It did not take long for me to see that when I tried to handle decisions based on my understanding, things would go awry.  However, when I took the time to seek God’s direction, situations were easier to handle even when faced with a bad outcome.  For example, early in my management career, I made decisions based on my upward progression in the company.  It did not take long to see that self-centered management affected every relationship from co-workers, family, and those I managed.  In fact, when my priority was on myself, relationships were not important.  It was all about me.  My priority at this time in my life was money, advancement, possessions. 

I once heard a story of an English clergyman who was called to the deathbed of a wealthy parishioner. Kneeling beside the dying man, the pastor asked him to take his hand as he prayed for his upholding in that solemn hour; but he declined to give it. After the end had come, and they lifted the covers, the man’s rigid hands were found holding the safe-key in their death-grip. Heart and hand, to the last, clinging to his possessions; but he could not take them with him.

Where we place our priorities is where one’s heart can be found.  The scripture in Proverbs tells us to seek wisdom and understanding by spending time with God.  I was asked by someone the other day about how I could prove that God hears my petitions and answers.  The answer I gave him was God’s Word.  In scripture, we find the “roadmap” for our lives.  If we will begin our task seeking God first, the answers will follow. 

I close with this personal illustration.  When my daughter was 3 years old she was diagnosed with a rare medical disorder.  Being the consummate learner, I began researching the diagnosis on the internet.  I fought with God during this time.  However, in my fighting I found the assurance and answers I needed to calm my spirit.  Now don’t get me wrong here, I’m not saying that we should fight with God when tough decisions need to be made.  What I am saying is that even when we are fighting with God, His love endures and we begin to understand the situation.  In my case, I think God was simply happy that I had finally started talking with Him. 

The Didache

I have been reading the Didache: The Teaching of the 12.  For those who do not know about the Didache, I will give you a brief summary before writing my thoughts.  The Didache is believed to be one of the earliest writings of the early Christian church. Upon reading you will find several similarities to the synoptic gospels.  While the actual date is was written is not known, it is believed to be 35 to 70 AD.  This would predate Paul and the Gospels.  Investigating the text has been fun, invigorating, and inspiring.

The importance of this text as a historical document is due to the fact that this is the earliest known text of the Christian church.  In this text we are given a model for living and practicing Christianity.  The entire premise of the text centers around two ways, the way of life and the way of death.  The English Translation of the Didache can be found here.

The Didache would have been written to a small community of believers during the Diaspora.  Therefore, we can conclude that this document would have been counter-culture and followed by the most ardent Christians.  It is a document that governs community life and practice.  The ways to life and death closely resemble the teachings of Jesus giving us an inside look at the life of the disciples and early followers.  I do not believe it to be a coincidence that one can see the influence of the Didache on the Synoptic Gospels.

So, why is this document so precious to Christians today?  I believe that this document gives us a true look at the teachings of Jesus prior to His teachings being perverted by man and the early centuries church.  In this document we see a raw form of acceptance that convicts the church today as judgmental and arrogant.  This acceptance is not a condoning acceptance but rather an acceptance of individuals as God’s creation where everyone is worthy of redemption.  However, to receive the redemption (salvation) an individual must repent and acknowledge Jesus as Savior.  In this fact alone we see the Truth behind John 14:6.  Acknowledging any other way to God the Father is incorrect teaching.  For Jesus is the way the truth and the life….

Second, this document is important to the explanation as to why individual religious practices can not coexist.  Without the acknowledgment of Christ we see that the way to death is chosen.  The way to life acknowledges Christ and moves the individual into a personal relationship with God and His Creation.  While we are called to love every body we can not condone other heretic practices of faith.  Our culture wants us to be tolerant of other faiths while denying the opportunity to practice Christianity.  Tolerance is not acceptance and Christians must look to the early church for guidance in our faith practice.  The Didache allows us to see the life and practice of the early Christians. 

I am convinced that God is working in our world today to bring about revival.  God wants people to be healed, to be made whole.  However, this wholeness can only occur when we choose the path of life.  The path of life is narrow and hard, but the reward is eternal life.  The path to death is wide and easy and its reward is death.  I encourage to read the document.  It will take you maybe twenty minutes.  Then examine your life, listen for what God is saying to you.  Step out in faith!