Christian Credibility...

I am now wrapping up a leadership class called "Credibility" and it is based upon the book by Kouzes and Posner of the same name. The crux of this book can be summed in 3 key points: (1) constituents want leaders that are trustworthy, (2) credibility can only be earned through hard work, and (3) trustworthiness and credibility are created as words match deeds. This has been a thought-provoking read for me, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the much studying over the 33 pages of notes in preparation for the concluding test (please go back and reread the last sentence attempting to detect the abundant sarcasm).

After putting my son down for bedtime, I read my Bible and Paul, through inspiration of the Holy Spirit, reiterated that very lesson. In verse 5, we see the central thesis of this section in that Christians are to bring "every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." Stop and think about that for a moment -- EVERY mental perception that comes to us during the day must be taken by force, chained, and led away to obey Christ. The strength of that language reveals just how difficult the struggle we face in our daily lives.

This is harsh; however, verse 4 shows us that our weapons to do this are "mighty in God." The Greek word mighty is "dynatos," which, of course, is where we get our modern term dynamite. The deeper implication is a presence of strength in the soul to endure long, difficult battles. Remember, a Christian's strength rests not in himself but in the One to which they turn for saving grace -- Jesus Christ. So, only by Christ can we command that EVERY thought coming into our minds be those that are well pleasing to Him.

This underlying truth is vital to understand the remainder of the chapter, whereby Paul explains the basis of his authority. He implicates others that are gossiping by challenging his authority, but he does so by not denying their truthfulness. He readily admits that his physical presence is not commanding and that his speaking ability lacks polish (verse 10). Paul, then brilliantly, turns their argument against them (and this is my paraphrase): "Yep, I am not much of a speaker, but here my clearly in that what I have said in letters while away from you will be restated again when in person with you." In other words, he was credible because his words and his deeds matched.

Far too often, Christians cannot make that same assertion. Yes, we are human; but we have Divine power that can be accessed. We are guilty of saying one thing in church and living a completely different life on Monday through Saturday. Why are we guilty of this? Because we are choosing NOT to bring EVERY thought into the captivity of Christ. Here that clearly -- WE are making this choice.

Maturity is admitting and accepting personal responsibility for the part I play in an issue. By "growing up" spiritually and living like God intended, we grow our Christian credibility on a daily basis. If we are not teaching others through our words and our lives, then we lack Christian credibility....