As I enter this particular time in my life, I am acutely aware of the many changes going o
n around me. Within our broken world, sin is working overtime to tear down most of the values we/(I) have taken for granted through the years. My perspective now is our generation must work even harder in passing the baton to the next generation.
I think of my life somewhat like a long distance relay. We as the adults, fathers, men, community leaders, church leaders, business leaders must focus on shepherding this next generation. That means we must lead, love, mentor, educate, disciple, rebuke, encourage and walk with those that are coming behind us. They are generally not going to approach us…we must reach out to them. Engage them as a friend that will listen and not preach all the time.
If you consider the pressures within the marketplace today from competition, financial debt, weariness, uncommitted workforce, lack of customer loyalty, coupled with our own pride, selfishness and greed it’s no wonder that the REAL VALUES we’d like to see present such as integrity, honesty, humbleness, real servant hood, compassion for employees and customers are beginning to fade. HOWEVER, our shepherding in the workplace should be to enable and encourage the right behavior. Let’s commit to being better leaders in the workplace and pass the leadership baton to the next generation. Get as excited about VALUES as you do about profit.
If you consider the values within a city or small town, what makes people really care? Since moving to Chattanooga from Jacksonville, I can tell you the people here feel like this is their city. They engage in their work, their civic pride is high, they volunteer with time and financial resources to make this a better place to live for EVERYONE…not just a few. Having been born and raised in Jacksonville, I think in the 70′s and 80′s it was like that. Somewhere during the 90′s we experienced a tsunami of people moving to the city that came to work but not necessarily thinking they were staying long term. These people have a “renters’ mentality and don’t feel any obligation to engage or contribute time and talents. Having OWNERSHIP in the place you live is powerful and should not be squandered…don’t let it get away. Very difficult to get back. Teach civic ownership to those you come in contact with…teach them to CARE.
If you consider the values within a church (community of believers) let’s just start with commitment. The body of believer’s is a collective pool of talent and resources that God uses to advance the Kingdom. Just like the human body there are many parts and they all have important functions. (Not quite sure about the gall bladder and appendix though). When Christians feel no real obligation to participate or to share their resources / money / time and talent, then they have the wrong perspective. It’s not all about you! It is about the body of Christ and advancing the Kingdom of God here on earth and using the gifts he has equipped you with to glorify Him. This may require discipleship for younger Christians to gain understanding of why. Don’t be legalistic in your approach to convince others as it will not last. Bondage never holds up. Love on the other hand endures forever. God loved us first and He chose us to be part of his plan. It’s an incredible thought that he would enable us through the power of the Holy Spirit to engage in eternities work.
When you think of values within a neighborhood, hopefully you think of real community. Like the 50′s – 70′s where neighbors were real neighbors. I have some very fond memories of neighbors where I grew up. It was not uncommon to visit in their homes during the week for no special reason. We were not on a treadmill, chasing our tails or running to the next event. We didn’t have cable or cell phones. We had neighbors to have community with and they needed us and we needed them. Sadly to say…I have not been a very good neighbor over the past 30 years, but now it is squarely on my mind. I intentionally need to know my neighborhood and build trust and relationships with people…even the ones that don’t think like me.
Beginning today, don’t miss an opportunity to be a COACH…someone, somewhere needs to be shepherded. Focus on where God has placed you right now and be INTENTIONAL in the lives of those around you. To intentionally pass the baton to the next generation is a HUGE task. Some of us may be lucky enough to see the baton passed yet again to your grandchildren. Stay engaged, finish strong…may God be glorified in all we say and do.