Absolutes or Relatives in Culture and Leadership

It is the age-old discussion of absolutes (founded dogma and hard-rock principles), or, relativism (changing ideas and ethereal principles). I say absolutes all day.

For example, try removing the traffic signals and the speed limits for one day in America. That would be memorable and costly. Our generation values Doctors way more than we value police officers. Why? Because we would rather have it our way until we need to be treated.

If a nation loses absolutes, it loses distinction. Equality & relativism make amoebas out of culture. How? An amoeba is something w/o permanent or supporting structures. It is a one cell, colorless organism that changes shape all the time. Is that the kind of culture we want? A nation that is sometimes this way and sometimes that way is never on target.

Distinction doesn't come from obscurity or vagueness. It is absolute. It is unique and identifiable.

It has been an often misunderstood text, but, Proverbs 29.18 says that "Where there is no vision, the people perish." Other versions use language like "revelation" or "the people cast off restraint". What this text is saying literally is "Where there is no graph or map, the people run around aimless without objectives."

This is where leadership and mission come into play. Every organization needs a mission to be successful. A statement of purpose that guides the company to a 'win'. Something measureable. Give me your mission in one sentence. Here are the rules:

  • choose 1 word that describes it best
  • use adjectives
  • create a picture or story
  • start with one word, then go to 5 words, and then land on 12
  • say it, say it again, and say it one more time

Comments

  1. My missions statement would be something along the lines of "Being a light of truth calling for transformation the lives of young people." I have a heart for seeing truth revealed in dark places. This truth provokes a challenge and a call to transform through the power of the Holy Spirit to anyone who sees it. You cannot be the same once Jesus' truth and destiny for your life has been revealed. My hope is to reach out to young people who have been living in darkness, not understanding God's plan for their lives and the hope and transformation that is found in the knowledge of the Gospel and the call for people to become sons and daughters of the kingdom of God. I want my mission to reach out and pierce through the darkness with the truth that comes from the word of God coupled with the power of the Holy Spirit. I want to see young people grow closer and closer to Jesus, and in so doing, become fully devoted followers, discipling and fulfilling the call on their lives as Christians and specifically pertaining to what God calls them to.

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