Don't be an Ostrich

Don't be an Ostrich

My parents taught me “old school.” Years ago, I was told if someone is smarter, stronger and has achieved some success in their field the proper thing to do was reach out to them, befriend them, invite them to lunch, pay for their meal and humbly ask: “How did you do it?” From there, pick their brain, be willing to glean some nuggets from them and as you implement those truths in your own life remember to “thank God” and them for helping you grow to the next level.

God gave me a word and we coined a phrase: “The Greats are Gracious.” I have found that folks who have done something with their life are often both accessible and approachable. Winners are wonderful – its the wannabees you have to WATCH OUT for. LOL In politics – politicians talk about “leaving no child behind” but I believe we should leave no adult behind either who is willing to work, play by the rules, roll up their sleeves and pay the price to help grow and go to the next level in life and with the Lord.

Yes, by God’s grace we have come a long way in society. Years past, sadly, scores of folks would stoop low and play “the race card” when threatened, felt inferior or had their back to the wall in the presence of someone with more clout or class. Unfortunately, we let “fear” hinder us from growing as friends despite our different skin color. The irony is we both bled red. Praise God we are not where we used to be regarding race relations but today we are distancing ourselves just the same from insecurity, pride and fear of the unknown in other arenas. Not so much in skin tone but afraid of those more talented and successful than self. This is true in every career (perhaps because we are all too human) but it is unfortunately, still very prevalent in ministry circles. This should not be.

Sadly, countless clergy and youth leaders resemble an ostrich when God destined us to soar like eagles. An Ostrich wants to play it safe, is grounded and feels secure when sticking their head in the ground when more talented folks come to town. Eagles are not large but they are powerful. They are not satisfied being sidelined in the sand. However, they are “grounded” knowing who they are and where they came from and what they are capable of but they don’t stick their head in the sand but soar to the sky with their Savior for success, strength and satisfaction.

At least in the “secular” world folks want to know what the competition is. Too many in ministry, rather take a “nose dive” opposed to get on the High Dive and learn from the “big boys” and swim with the sharks. Friends, who you hang out with is what you become. The cartoon analogy of an ostrich resembles the remark: “Out of sight out of mind.” Too many folks want to win in their small sphere of influence but the entire group suffers (not succeed) when we cease to expose ourselves with winners.

We want to throw an “arrogant card” at someone who has accomplished some “success” in their ministry opposed to humbly willing to reach out, extend an invite and grow as friends and learning from their experience. It was “pride” that got Satan kicked out of Heaven and too many in ministry are just as guilty. This is a bold statement but true – in life, both in secular and spiritual matters folks (even ministers) are great at promoting the Lord but fail at promoting others. Why? They are afraid that someone else may be more gifted, talented and likeable than themselves. Ouch!

It has been said: “If you are the sharpest person in your group – you need to get a new group.” We will only be as good as the people we surround ourselves with. It is true – if you always do what you always did you will always get what you always got. I will post more on this subject soon but to be brief I will give you a tease for the next topic: Insecurity is one of the greatest cancers in Christianity today. We have more of a FEAROLGY than theology problem. My prayer for all folks (especially those whom aspire to live for the Lord, become leaders and make their life at bat count) is that they will risk “picking the brains” of others who have gone before, sit at the table with folks ten times more talented than you and be willing to temporaily feel like losing when you realize the wealth of talent across the table from you but then go apply it in your life.

Here is the liberating part: We don’t have to be better than anyone. However, we should all be better because our paths cross with others. It is not about “competing” with others but help completing each other and learning to compliment others as the Body of Christ. Remember this, an ostrich will never grow in grace nor become better when its head is implanted in indifference or insecurity. Eagles will always tower to new heights because they don’t get down in the sand but get UP in the sky. May we all in leadership aspire to resemble the eagle in our every day lives.