Pedigree Matters

      Your family history can make you or break you.

      The key word is can, because nothing is written in stone.  Whether you come from a broken home or a great home, you will ultimately be held responsible for the choices you make.  Some may not even know their biological parents who left genes with coded tendencies that sway them this way or that.  But every choice creates a ripple.  Yours included.

      There are many contrasts in the Bible between good and bad people.  One such contrast is between the first and second kings of Israel.  It is interesting to note the many differences of Saul and David.  Saul is despised, while David is dignified.  Saul is the selfish king who reigned from his own desires while David was a “man after God’s own heart.”  Among the differences is their pedigree.

      Saul comes from the tribe of Benjamin, while David comes from Judah.  Saul’s tribe is condemned at the end of the book of Judges, while David’s ancestors are commended in the successive book of Ruth.  In Judges 19 through 21, an awkward account is given of Gibeah’s poor choices.  (Gibeah was the capital of the Benjamites.)  When a traveling Levite set up lodging, the locals demanded to have sex with him.  Instead, they raped and killed his wife.  The dishonor of Israel caused a civil war costing the tribe of Benjamin 25,000 men.  Generations later, Saul also bases his authority on whim and feeling.  He loses his reign and his life because he did honor the Lord.

               

      The book of Ruth is a very different narrative.  “In the days when the judges ruled,” David’s ancestors seek to honor the God of Israel; and one of them isn’t even Jewish!  In short, a family left the country because of a famine, and the boys married Moabite women.  The men died quickly, leaving the mother (Naomi) with two daughters-in-law (Orpah and Ruth).  After Naomi’s bidding, Orpah returned home.  Ruth, on the other hand, was interested in carrying on the family line.  For her faithfulness and loyalty, she is commended.  She is recorded as the great-grandmother of the most famous king of Israel: David.

      You may not come from a great family line, but you have the opportunity to impact the generations after you.  Your habits are creating a pedigree for your children, and their children after them.  Will they be stuck trying to break the chains of your poor choices, or will they build on the good foundation you are laying?  

     Pedigree matters.

Leadership Trick: Pull, Don't Push

Are you in a position of influence over others?  

               If so, you’ve probably struggled with people who possess stubbornness, pride, ignorance, and some flat out cold hearts while leading them.   As a minister that helps oversee a flock, I am endlessly trying to find ways to influence people for their betterment.  Although it is easier (and lazy) to point and say, “Go that way!”, I heard a challenging quote about leading by example: “It is better to pull rather than push.”

               The thought provoking statement reminds me that no one likes being pushed and possibly bullied (at least from their perspective); but everyone likes a helping hand.  Most people will readily accept a word of advice or a word of experience from someone who has done it before or are currently modeling inspiring behavior.  

                I have learned two general reasons why people will not be “pushed” toward a goal.  The first reason is that they may not be ready.  The second is that I may be a hypocrite.

                The difficulty of motivating people has been written about one thousand times a thousand.  Let’s face it: some people aren’t ready to change!  Allow me to give you Biblical examples from the New Testament.  Peter did not change overnight; he was as stubborn and bull-headed as some of us are.  What about Judas Iscariot?  Even Jesus couldn’t (or wouldn’t) force change from him, who arguably never moved toward any goal of righteousness.  So, to expect a change of behavior from everyone in your sphere of influence is unrealistic.  Some people just aren’t ready. 

                Something we should always consider before giving advice or direction is looking in the mirror.  Self-evaluation and repentance are the keys to discipleship.  We are called to make disciples of Christ; but we will NEVER MAKE disciples of we are NOT disciples ourselves.  Are you familiar with drowning rescue procedures?  It is better if you stay in the boat and throw a life-line so that you can pull someone back to safety.  But perhaps you decide to jump in the water: experts teach to drag (or pull) someone toward safety rather than push them (and risk both of you drowning).  The inescapable truth is that we cannot lead someone where we haven’t been.

                I can’t force people to change; but especially so if I haven’t experienced change, myself.

                We all would like to be known as influential people.  There’s a simple trick of motivation that many overlook: to lead by example.  Some may never change; sometimes due to the condition of their hearts . . . but never let your lack of personal growth be the reason.  If we are on the Rock promising relief to those in peril, we will find that it is much easier to pull rather than push.