Protecting the Windows

The Desert Monks withdrew from the comforts of life to truly connect with a life of humility.   Thomas Merton tells the story of a monk who was highly thought of by his peers and praised for his humility.   As Abbot Anthony tested him he found he broke when insulted.   Anthony  told him "You are like a house with a big strong gate that is freely entered by robbers through the windows".

All aspects of our person need to be aligned.  When we fail to align just one area, we create windows of opportunity for our behaviors to derail our leadership. When it comes to humility and serving, it is easy to put up the good front and defer to the team when the accolades arrive.  But when the challenges and barbs start to fly,  what is your response? Do you defend, shrink, sulk,  or do you move on extending grace.  We want to be the one that is right,  prove our position, or put someone in their place - but leaders at all levels have too much too lose by going into defense mode. 

A few years ago, a staff member was in a position where he had to turn away some peers that had attended high school with him.  He had gone on to college and was successful - they had not.  Their response was a public verbal assault involving name calling, racial slurs, and insults.  It was hard, but he ignored them and denied the urge to defend himself.  He had everything lose by engaging them, and they had nothing to lose.  

Philippians 2:5 says "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset [attitude] as Christ Jesus." Reading further we see what that looks like and what it means - in a nutshell,  it is humility and servanthood (Philippians 2:5-11). 

Jesus's example is the model for leadership - he finished his mission to save the world with humility and as a servant. Windows were not a liability.   

What are you doing to ensure windows are not a liability to your leadership?