God is more interested in who I am becoming as a leader than what I do

At a great staff meeting yesterday, one of our staff shared this quote with our team as the statement that captivated her at a recent conference. It captivated me as well and brought to mind an article that I had just read in NavPress's online Discipleship Journal. It helps shape us to become the people God wants us to be as we lead.

Whether you and I are paid or unpaid staff, this article by Scott Morton confronts us and challenges us to raise the integrity of our leadership. Here are his eight questions:
1) Does my behavior match my teaching?
2) Do I lay heavy loads on my followers?
3) Am I trying to impress people?
4) Do I delight when my pupils surpass me?
5) Am I molding people in my image or Christ's?
6) Am I majoring on the majors?
7) Am I keeping up appearances to cover indulgence?
8) Do I consider myself superior to others?

Here is the complete article.

Osama bin Laden's death and conflicting emotions

Since the news broke last night about Osama bin Laden's death, I've experienced conflicting emotions. Thrilled an evil man's terror has ended but celebrating his death feels more like him than like Jesus.  

MLK, Jr. said, "I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy." 

Or Ezekiel 18:23 which says, "Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?"  

Then a friend linked to this blog post that I found especially insightful. See Eric Epperson's post on his blog.