The Real Macoy

As the Father goes so goes the Son…

After the service on Sunday morning, I enjoy walking to the front and sitting on the edge of the stage for a few minutes to watch the members standing in small groups, sharing with each other. It comforts me as I listen to the faint hum of voices. Everyone seems to be talking at the same time, so I never hear the actual conversations, but I see the expressions on their faces and the animated body language as stories are told about their children, or family, or some adventure from the prior week, or maybe serious discussions about how great the message was that day. Just saying…

It reminds me of when I was a child, I would awaken early on a Saturday morning and hear the faint hum of my parents’ voices, quiet and low, in another part of the house, as they conversed about “grown-up things”, “important life things”. I could not understand what they were saying, oh, a word here and there, or a little laughter, or the rattle of a dish was all I could make out, however, their voices, warm and friendly tickled my ears always gave me peace and comfort within.

Recently, as I practiced my usual Sunday ritual, nearby was was a father and his young son and I was gifted the privilege to overhear their conversation. What was shared between them gave me pause. The young child wanted to know why the snack was not served that day and was looking all around for the “snack”. This young child was on a mission and was not going to be denied. His father knelt near him and explained, “Son, we don’t get a snack every Sunday,” he explained. “Our church does this once a month, usually on the first Sunday.” It was then I realized the child was talking about the elements of communion, he was expecting communion, after all the church was gathered, where was communion or “snack”?

It was a tender, sweet, heartwarming moment as I listened to his father explain what the elements represented and see the understanding in the child’s face as he listened and learned. This image of this father and son moment was burned in my mind and as I pondered this moment, I was reminded of John 5:19 – “So Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself, unless He sees the Father doing it. For whatever the Father does, the Son does also.” For whatever the Father does, the Son does also in like manner… Amen.

As spiritual leaders in our homes, community, and organizations we must understand we lead by the example we set with our walk and talk, our actions and inactions, and our faith, hope, joy, and unconditional love for others. We are the difference makers; we are the value adders.

As Jesus fed five thousand with one small basket of food, the disciples learned another lesson in serving others. Jesus allowed the disciples to participate in this miracle; they served the food as it multiplied. Through this experience, Jesus was beginning to reproduce His ministry in His followers. He taught that a pupil becomes like the teacher. When we as spiritual leaders add value by serving others it keeps adding to those under us or with us.

From the Father, to the Son, to the leader is how this works. It starts with the spiritual leadership in the home and it never ends, it just keeps adding value and making a difference. As stated prior, I was privy to a conversation of a father and son connecting because of the spiritual leadership so obvious it brought tears to my eyes.

Leaders initiate the contact, just as the father did in this story. Leaders establish common ground. The father knew what his son wanted so he knealt with his son and patiently explained the process. Leaders listen and allow others to speak. When the son asked questions, the father listened without interruption. Leaders arouse interest. The father built a verbal bridge making the son thirsty for more information. Leaders take others only so far as they are ready to go. The father explained the communion process, however it just enough information to satisfy the need at the time but left the son wanting more. Leaders accept others where they are. Again, the father shared the communion story in much simpler terms than if he was talking to an adult. Leaders stick with key issues. The father was focused on his son with no distractions. Leaders communicate issues directly and simply.

I encourage each of us, as spiritual leader in our homes, communities, and organization to communicate our life message in clear and simple terms. Effective spiritual leaders know how to compress their complex activities as they walk the talk, displaying character and integrity in all they do. This is the secret to good communication. Make it short. Make it simple. Make it significant. Make it sizzle as you make a difference and add value to others. John 5:19.

Have a wonderful day,

JD