In 1998 Bob Lutz wrote Guts. An iconic figure in the automotive world, Guts is about breaking rules, setting higher standards, and about actually achieving goals while thinking outside of the box. A scary subject to address successful managers with, and a man that today in his late 70's still commands a top position at General Motors, a position that the new Government Motors insisted he keep when the good old US of A got into the car business. And I like Bob, he says what he thinks, in his words, "when confronted by a spade, I don't say nice shovel." A man who does not readily follow conventional ways. A strict vegetarian, who also smokes cigars, and drinks martinis. Real martinis-read his book. A man excited about new technology in electric cars, and who happens to fly his own Aero L-39 Albatross. A man who was successful at BMW, Ford, Chrysler, and now GM. And in his book, Guts, shares some of his insightful wisdom in handling problems. With titles to chapters like "the customer isn't always right, too much quality can ruin you, and disruptive people are an asset," he tells it like it is, and how it should be. And since he has been successful, he finds he has a rapt audience awaiting him. Being different isn't necessarily wrong, different sometimes is well-different.
Fonzie once told Richie that to have a reputation of being tough, you once had to hit someone. No problem asking the Fonz about toughness. Just don't ask Richie. Talk to Tony Gwynn about hitting, or Michael Jordan about NBA Championships. Talk with Ronald Reagan about successful running of a country, and how turn one around, and I think you get the point. You want the best advice, so you go to the guy who has done it, or won it, or been there. One who didn't make excuses, or blame someone else, one who just got 'er done when it needed to be done. One who accepted responsiblity, and wouldn't settle for second best-despite the outcome. Who operated outside the box, and was successful. Whose name and reputation was on the line.
In ministry, I find it is essential to operate outside of the box, or outside of rules sometimes. When I received a e-mail about a man in the hospital, I inquired could I visit him, and told him I wasn't part of the ministry he belonged to. His answer, "I don't think it will break any of our rules, but I'll check." And I never heard from him. I constantly, and disappointingly so, encounter men who are disappointed because no one they ask to go to church with them accepts. Yet they haven't the heart to sit down with a homeless man over a Happy Meal. The old "get them to church and let the pastor tell them about Jesus, I did my job. " That's not being a witness. And not being sure what your job was, just saw you pass the buck, and miss a blessing. Nice shovel-NOT!
Disruptive people can be an asset. If you have this mental picture of Jesus carrying a sheep under one arm and telling kid stories to a group of children, you just may have an inaccurate view of Him. He did not come into this world so that everyone would play well together. He knows better, and so should you. He knew of a consistent and persistent evil, and came to "separate the sheep from the goats" as he put it. To seek and save those that are lost. And He did it by showing a consistent love to all, sheep or goat, and let them make the decision of which one they would be. Was He disruptive? Of course, He told them the truth despite the outcome and potential danger to Him. No nice shovels in His walk, He was truthful with anyone from the women with seven husbands at the well, to the know it all Pharisees. But He did it in love. And in truth, and He did it consistently. And the fact that He was God incarnate may have helped! But He got 'er done, even unto the cross-and His resurrection afterwards.
So why do people seek Oprah's advice? Why pay $200/hour for some shrink to tell you it's not your fault? Why run an opinion poll to know what to think? When you can seek Jesus, get the truth, save money, and be pointed in the right direction. In love. You see, we need to think like Jesus. We need to think outside of the box, outside of the tomb-to realize He is resurrected, and He lives.
To know that His promises are yes and amen. To know His words are true, and that His love for us is not an emotion-for truly love is a person, and that person is Him. We need to roll away the stone that lies between us and the truth, and follow Him. Just like on that first Resurrection Day, we need to find the grave empty, and Jesus alive in our lives! We need to be disruptive in our walk, not letting lies and opinions shape our walk, but follow the Spirit. We need to trust God so much that we appear careless, but are really carefree, for we trust God in all things.
To know that His promises are yes and amen. To know His words are true, and that His love for us is not an emotion-for truly love is a person, and that person is Him. We need to roll away the stone that lies between us and the truth, and follow Him. Just like on that first Resurrection Day, we need to find the grave empty, and Jesus alive in our lives! We need to be disruptive in our walk, not letting lies and opinions shape our walk, but follow the Spirit. We need to trust God so much that we appear careless, but are really carefree, for we trust God in all things.
Bob Lutz wrote Guts. But Jesus Christ had guts. Till the end, when He spilled them out on the cross for you. Today you will be confronted with those that wish to steer you from the truth. Know which end of the spade to grab, and it's OK not to call it a nice shovel. Call it what it is-sin. And call Jesus who He is-Lord and Savior. The Christ. Messiah.
And you will find that you add friend, confidant, and love to the titles. The customer isn't always right, and it's OK to visit people in the hospital. Even if you don't belong to the same club. You keep your laws, I'll keep my Jesus. A true disruptive rebel to the end. Show some Guts, go love someone in Hs name-today.
love with compassion, and guts,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com