The Monday Memo from John Stanko

512: A Promise Kept, A Lesson Learned

Have you ever wondered why you endured such difficult lessons at the hands of poor leaders?  We discussed that last week when I showed how King David learned more about leadership from King Saul than from anyone else - he learned how not to lead.  Yet there is no guarantee that you won't be a tyrant even though you suffered at the hands of one. Let's look to see whether or not David learned his lesson and became a servant-leader after serving a dictator.

A PROMISE KEPT

When David became king, he inquired if there were any descendants of Saul still alive whom he could bless:  “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1). This was a dangerous question, for most kings would seek out the relatives of the former king to kill them to avoid any rivals claiming the throne.  We don't have to read long to discover David's true motives when he found that there was a man named Mephibosheth who was Saul's grandson:

“Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.” Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?”Then the king summoned Ziba, Saul’s steward, and said to him, “I have given your master’s grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. You and your sons and your servants are to farm the land for him and bring in the crops, so that your master’s grandson may be provided for. And Mephibosheth, grandson of your master, will always eat at my table.” (Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.)Then Ziba said to the king, “Your servant will do whatever my lord the king commands his servant to do.” So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s sons. Mephibosheth had a young son named Mika, and all the members of Ziba’s household were servants of Mephibosheth. And Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king’s table; he was lame in both feet (2 Samuel 9:7-13).

David fulfilled his vow to Jonathan by being a blessing to Jonathan's son Mephibosheth, who was lame in both feet.  David had all the power in the world, but he used that power not to build his own kingdom but to help others share in his kingdom. That is the difference between servant-leaders and dictators.  Even if you are a kinder, gentler dictator, you are still a command-and-control leader.  You cannot empower others if you keep your power to yourself or use it to build your own kindgom.

A LESSON LEARNED

David remembered what it was like to be persecuted at the hands of Saul, but he did not repeat the mistakes of the past.  He made a bold break with the common mindset of leadership in his day and forged a new path.  David did this in part because of his vow of frienship to Jonathan who lost his life being loyal to Saul, his father.  He did it also because he had learned a painful lesson at the hands of a poor leader and David determined that he was going to be a good one.

The choice is yours, but the time to decide is now.  If you are a leader, are you being true to the leadership lessons you learned from despots in your past?  If you are not a leader yet, don't wait until you have money and power to decide what kind of leader you will be. David made a promise when he had no power or position, and when he had both, he was true to his vow.  I implore you to follow his lead and decide right her and right now that you will be a servant-leader.  Like David, you need to break with the traditional mindset of modern leadership thinking and go a new way.  Have a great week!

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KENYA UPDATE:  About $3,640 has come in so far for the Crisis in Kenya fund that I began collecting a few weeks ago. I depart this Thursday and I know the rest of the money will come in to meet our $5,000 goal.  What's more, one of our team members does not have all his support raised and needs help. If you can give to any of these needs, now is the time to do so.  You can give through my website or by sending a check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 8882, Pittsburgh, PA  15221-0882. I thank you and more importantly the children and orphans thank you, too (and so does our team member)!  You can also read Alice's latest update from Kenya here and once again you will realize why I love working with my contacts in Kenya.  They are fine people.

LATEST BOOK:  My latest book was released four weeks ago, entitled Faith Files, Increasing Your Faith for Daily Living; Volume Two. This book focuses on every verse that refers to faith in Paul's epistles; Volume One focuses on the same in the gospels. You guessed it, Volume Three will focus on faith verses outside of the Pauline epistles.  You can order this helpful devotional through Paypal for $15, or you can mail a check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 8881, Pittsburgh, PA 15221-0881. Order today and be among the first to receive your autographed copy.  Until this Wednesday, July 27, get both Volume One and Two for only $20!

RADIO SHOW:  Did you know I have a weekly online radio show?  I broadcast live every Tuesday at 5 PM my local time. Or you can listen to any of the past shows by going to the archive and downloading to listen as a podcast (or just listen on your computer).

TWITTER: I am building up my Twitter following. If you subscribe, then you can follow me @johnstanko.

511: A Bad Leader Can Teach You to Be a Good One

Have you ever been in a bad situation, one from which you could not escape or see any reason for being there?  I have and so did King David.  We have been talking about servant-leadership these past few weeks, so let's continue with that theme as we discuss the answer to the question I raised.

A BAD LEADER

We can all agree that King Saul wasn't a good leader.  While he started strong, he ended miserably.  Saul quickly became David's nemesis after David had served under his command.  While David faithfully served Saul, the king was increasingly envious of David and actually tried to kill David on three separate occasions.  When that failed, Saul spent years using the armies that should have been devoted to fighting the Philistines to try and hunt down David.

Although David knew he was to be the next king, he had to endure persecution at the hands of the current king.  Many urged David to take matters into his own hands to remove Saul and some tried to act on David's behalf.  David resisted each temptation to do so, choosing rather to wait for God to put him on the throne rather than put himself there.

Why did God put David in such a position? Why did David suffer so long at the hands of a man whom God had rejected as king?  What was God doing during that time?

It's clear what God was doing.  God was teaching David how to lead from the firsthand example of a bad leader.  David learned more about leadership from Saul than from anyone else.  What did he learn?  He learned how not to lead!

Could this be the answer to your current dilemma, which finds you far away from the fulfillment of a purpose that you understand and think you are ready to embrace?

TALK IS CHEAP.

There are many who say, "If I was in charge, this would happen or that would not happen."  That kind of talk sounds good.  Even the leaders in Jesus' day said the same thing:

"And you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets" (Matthew 23:30). 

The problem is that this talk is cheap. If you don't decide what kind of servant-leader you will be before you have money and power, you are doomed to replicate the same miserable leadership style that you had to endure to become a leader yourself. You don't believe me?  Read what Jesus said in response to those potential leaders:

"Therefore I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers.  Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue them from town to town." (Matthew 23:34).

God will eventually give you a chance to lead, just he did David.  David learned his lessons well and decided what kind of leader he was going to be while Saul was still pursuing him.  What's more important, David actually became that kind of leader.  He learned his lessons well. Jesus' contemporaries duplicated the same mistakes of the past because they didn't learn good leadership skills from their bad leaders. When they refused to learn, they were doomed to repeat history.

Why are you where you are right now?  Why is your situation so tough?  Part of the reason may be so that you will learn how not to lead when you finally get the chance. If people are being stingy with you, learn to be generous now. If no one expresses thanks to you now, remember how it feels and say thank you when you are in charge.

If that's what God is teaching you, then you can embrace your current situation more enthusiastically because it simply part of your servant-learning training. When you learn the lesson, God will move you on. Just don't be guilty of saying today that things will be different when you are in charge. Make it happen tomorrow when you have the chance. If and when you do that, the hard lessons of these days will be well worth the price you are paying to become the servant-leader that God wants you to be.  Have a great week!

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KENYA UPDATE:  $2,630 has come in to date for the Crisis in Kenya fund that I began collecting a few weeks ago. I depart on July 28 with a team of 10 and have determined that $5,000 is what we need to meet the crisis.  Thank you for your help in this matter.  You can give through my website or by sending a check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 8882, Pittsburgh, PA  15221-0882. I thank you and more importantly the children and orphans thank you, too!  You can also read Alice's thank you for the money I wired three week's ago here.

LATEST BOOK:  My latest book was released four weeks ago, entitled Faith Files, Increasing Your Faith for Daily Living; Volume Two. This book focuses on every verse that refers to faith in Paul's epistles; Volume One focuses on the same in the gospels. You guessed it, Volume Three will focus on faith verses outside of the Pauline epistles.  You can order this helpful devotional through Paypal for $15, or you can mail a check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 8881, Pittsburgh, PA 15221-0881. Order today and be among the first to receive your autographed copy.  Until July 27, get both Volume One and Two for only $20!

RADIO SHOW:  Did you know I have a weekly online radio show?  I broadcast live every Tuesday at 5 PM my local time. Or you can listen to any of the past shows by going to the archive and downloading to listen as a podcast (or just listen on your computer).

TWITTER: I am building up my Twitter following. If you subscribe, then you can follow me @johnstanko.

HOME PAGE:  I made a few adjustments and additions to my website home page, archives and what's new link.  Check them out when you have a chance here.  All my social media, websites and radio broadcast are now easily accessible with one click from my home page.

ASSESSMENT:  You can also take the free purpose assessment on my home page and receive a score that let's you know where you stand in your PurposeQuest.  Why not take (or retake) that free assessment today?

510: The Real Leader

Have you ever noticed that the real leader in any group is not necessarily the one who has the title or highest rank?  Often it is the one who exerts the greatest influence, for influence is always a better motivator of others than coercion or bribes, usually called financial rewards, bonuses or gifts.

We have been discussing servant-leadership the last few weeks and we want to continue this week by looking at a story from David's life before he was king.  You will see that, while Saul was the leader in title, David was the leader in reality, but his service and leadership were not appreciated.

"WILL THEY STAND WITH ME?"

While King Saul was using his army to chase innocent David instead of fighting the Philistines, one of Israel's towns was in danger. David went to save this town, named Keilah, even though he put himself in danger of being attacked by Saul while he did so (You can read this story in its entirety in 1 Samuel 23).  David saved the day and the town, but then Saul heard where David was and decided to pursue and defeat David even though David had served him and Israel well.

If that wasn't bad enough, the residents of Keilah whom David has just saved, decided to side with Saul:

Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah, and he said, “God has delivered him into my hands, for David has imprisoned himself by entering a town with gates and bars.” And Saul called up all his forces for battle, to go down to Keilah to besiege David and his men. When David learned that Saul was plotting against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.” David said, “Lord, God of Israel, your servant has heard definitely that Saul plans to come to Keilah and destroy the town on account of me. Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me to him? Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? Lord, God of Israel, tell your servant.” And the Lord said, “He will.” Again David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men to Saul?” And the Lord said, “They will" (1 Samuel 23:7-12).

You may be a servant-leader in your situation but you do not receive the credit or rewards due your efforts.  If that is the case, you understand what David experienced at this moment of betrayal and humiliation.

THE REAL LEADER

Now I ask you, who was the real leader of Israel?  Was it David or Saul?  Of course, it was David, but the army and the people sided with Saul because he had the title and power.  All David had was the desire to serve his people, and of course the attention and favor of God. Servant-leaders do the right things whether or not they are rewarded.  They exercise influence because they are humble and dedicated to serving others.  Authoritarian leaders serve their own interests, which often include those interests of their family and friends. 

What kind of leader do you want to be?  Do you want the title and all the "perks" that go with it, or are you content to serve the interests of others, using your power to empower them?  Are you prepared to continue doing that even if those you serve do not recognize or appreciate your efforts?  The goods in 1 Samuel 23 was that God was watching and that is still the good news - God is mindful of your situation.  I urge you to continue to do good, to serve and lead, even if no one notices.  In so doing, you will follow in the footsteps of many great leaders who have trusted God for their rewards while they did the best they could to serve others in their time of need.  Have a great week!

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KENYA UPDATE:  $1,285 has come in this week for Kenya, and that makes a total of $1,835 for the last three weeks. I depart on July 28 and have determined that $5,000 is what we need.  Thank you for your help in this matter.  You can give through my website or by sending a check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 8882, Pittsburgh, PA  15221-0882. I thank you and more importantly the children and orphans thank you, too!  You can also read Alice's thank you for the money I wired two week's ago here.

LATEST BOOK:  My latest book was released three weeks ago, entitled Faith Files, Increasing Your Faith for Daily Living; Volume Two. This book focuses on every verse that refers to faith in Paul's epistles; Volume One focuses on the same in the gospels. You guessed it, Volume Three will focus on faith verses outside of the Pauline epistles.  You can order this helpful devotional through Paypal for $15, or you can mail a check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 8881, Pittsburgh, PA 15221-0881. Order today and be among the first to receive your autographed copy.  Until July 27, get both Volume One and Two for only $20!

RADIO SHOW:  Did you know I have a weekly online radio show?  I broadcast live every Tuesday at 5 PM my local time. Or you can listen to any of the past shows by going to the archive and downloading to listen as a podcast (or just listen on your computer).

TWITTER: I am building up my Twitter following. If you subscribe, then you can follow me @johnstanko.

HOME PAGE:  I made a few adjustments and additions to my website home page, archives and what's new link.  Check them out when you have a chance here.  All my social media, websites and radio broadcast are now easily accessible with one click from my home page.

ASSESSMENT:  You can also take the free purpose assessment on my home page and receive a score that let's you know where you stand in your PurposeQuest.  Why not take (or retake) that free assessment today?

509: The One and Only One

Have you discovered yet that servant-leadership isn't just inconvenient but a death process that requires you die to self and live for others. I prayed as a young believer that I would someday be like Timothy, who was the Apostle Paul's right hand man. I didn't want to be a right hand man, however, but was really praying that God would join me to a significant man and leader who would promote my ministry and stature. It was a selfish prayer but it sounded so spiritual.

Then one day I read a few verses about Timothy that changed my life.  I have to warn you, however, that your life will be changed too once you see and embrace these verses. So don't read on if you don't want to be challenged or stretched. If you do, then these next few paragraphs will change your leadership style forever.

THE ONE AND ONLY ONE

The passage is found in Philippians 2:19-22:

But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father.

What did I learn from those verse that changed my life?

1. Timothy was of use to others. Paul could send Timothy because he would encourage both the Philippians when he arrived and Paul when he returned. I determined to be more encouraging to my leaders and my peers.
2. Timothy was the one and only. Paul had no one else like Timothy. Paul worked with many great men, yet Timothy was unique. I made up my mind I would not follow the crowd where leadership was involved, but set myself apart, with God's help, to be like Timothy in heart and behavior.
3. Timothy was unique because he was genuinely concerned. Timothy was concerned for the interests of others and the interests of Jesus Christ. At one point in my life, I was only interested in others and to some extent Jesus for what they could do for me, and not wha I could do for them.
4. Timothy had proven his worth. Timothy added value to the team of which he was a member. He didn't just show off or preach flashy sermons, but rather served Paul and the people. I determined that service was what God wanted me to emphasize as I led, and I have endeavored not just to serve the leader or those who would benefit me, but everyone as if I was serving Jesus directly.

TWO QUESTIONS

Paul only had one Timothy, which is remarkable. Paul worked with Silas, Titus, Luke, and Barnabas, but he didn't consider them in the same category as Timothy. That fact led me to ask two questions. If Paul only had one Timothy, how many will I ever see? There are only a few who can overcome self interests to come to a place of being genuinely interested in others. I lowered my expectations of others, trying to better understand human nature so that I could work with people more effectively.

The second and more important question was: Could I be like Timothy? I have put my own interests aside, but it is a hard process. Self-interest clings to me like cat hair to dark fabric, and putting others' interests ahead of my own is a death process. I have to die daily to my own will as I identify and serve the interests of others.

What do you see in those verses about Timothy and how can you apply them to you life? I would suggest you reflect on this passage in the coming week and then share your insights with my readers on the site where this entry is posted. Let's see how many Timothys we can raise up in this generation, who are genuine and who serve the interests of others. If there are no others, then I am still committed to be a Timothy myself. Have a great week!

    Feel free to leave your comments on the site where this entry is posted.

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KENYA UPDATE: $550 came in last week to help with the needs in Kenya that I explained here. That's great, but we (and they) need more. I am returning to Kenya on July 28 and I ask you to pray and then act. You can give through my website or by sending a check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 8882, Pittsburgh, PA  15221-0882.  I thank you and more importantly the children and orphans thank you, too!  You can also read Alice's thank you for the money I wired last week here.

LATEST BOOK:  My latest book was released two weeks ago, entitled Faith Files, Increasing Your Faith for Daily Living; Volume Two. This book focuses on every verse that refers to faith in Paul's epistles; Volume One focuses on the same in the gospels. You guessed it, Volume Three will focus on faith verses outside of the Pauline epistles.  You can order this helpful devotional through Paypal for $15, or you can mail a check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 8881, Pittsburgh, PA 15221-0881. Order today and be among the first to receive your autographed copy.  Until July 27, get both Volume One and Two for only $20!

RADIO SHOW:  Did you know I have a weekly online radio show?  I broadcast live every Tuesday at 5 PM my local time. Or you can listen to any of the past shows by going to the archive and downloading to listen as a podcast (or just listen on your computer).

TWITTER: I am buidling up my Twitter following. If you subscribe, then you can follow me @johnstanko.

HOME PAGE:  I made a few adjustments and additions to my website home page, archives and what's new link.  Check them out when you have a chance here.  All my social media, websites and radio broadcast are now easily accessible with one click from my home page.

ASSESSMENT:  You can also take the free purpose assessment on my home page and receive a score that let's you know where you stand in your PurposeQuest.  Why not take (or retake) that free assessment today?