Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Building People of Substance for Works of Power
Have a banana, Friend.
I eat bananas. I know that doesn’t mean much to you, but it is a truly amazing fact. You see, I don’t like bananas. I never have. The shape is disturbing. The texture is disgusting. The flavor is icky-sweet. And if you throw away the peel, the trash starts to stink within a few minutes. In the face of all those negatives, you may be asking yourself, “Why does this guy eat bananas?” The answer is simple: they are good for me. I found out a few years ago that I benefit from the stuff in bananas, so I find ways to eat them. Why am I talking about bananas? Because I am increasingly amazed out how hard it is to find folks who are willing to do things they don’t particularly enjoy in order to obtain a greater good. I have come to believe that the capacity to do so is a mark of maturity. When I was a child I ate as a child, but as a man I must learn to eat bananas.
Every employer or leader is looking for banana-eaters. To get anything done we need mature helpers who are willing to choose what is good over what is personally satisfying. Mature people motivate themselves to do their job and to spontaneously assume extra responsibility if helpful to the mission. Responsible people play by the rules and do the right thing instead of the convenient thing. They don’t see themselves as uniquely exempt. For the adult worker, the success of the team is more important than personal credit. The success of another is not a threat to his personal worth. Banana-eaters refrain from personal attacks and backbiting. If they see a flaw that impacts the mission they deal with it calmly, professionally, and directly. Maturity listens to differing opinions and gives its own without recrimination. It does the unseen essentials that keep every mission on track to completion without whimpering if it doesn’t get a hug. It starts early, stays late, and shows up prepared. Want to get hired and keep a job? Try eating bananas.
Somebody Said: Maturity: Be able to stick with a job until it is finished. Be able to bear an injustice without having to get even. Be able to carry money without spending it. Do your duty without being supervised. Ann Landers
Scripture Reading: I will search for faithful people to be my companions. Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me. (Psalms 101:6 NLT)
Maturity is a mighty precious commodity in our day. The law of supply and demand tells me that if I discipline myself to do what I ought to do and prepare myself for what I know I need to do, I will always have a market for my services. I think I’ll have a banana.
vls
pastorvirgil.com 