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The Voice of Leadership James 3:1 – 18; Psalm 19 This week I re-read one of my favorite leadership books: Winnie-the-Pooh on Problem Solving (R.E. Allen & S.D. Allen. New York: Dutton. 1995) The story line begins with a ‘stranger’ approaching the little family of animals and teaching them a method of problem solving — using illustrations from their own histories and encounters. Winnie the Pooh wondered why problem solving would be important to animals living in the forest. The Stranger, however, indicated that everyone today encounters change and change causes problems; so everyone needs to be able to solve problems. The animals agreed with the Stranger that they would try to learn about problem solving. He introduced them to a five-step method – following the acronym SOLVE
Pooh was one of the first to identify a problem: getting honey. The Stranger asked Tigger if getting honey was a problem for him. I need to pause here and ask forbearance from anyone who has not read the stories of Winnie-the-Pooh, because you may not be able to call to mind some of the most important adventures of these critters. When Tigger was introduced into the Forest, he claimed that Tiggers loved everything — only to find out when Pooh shared some of his precious honey and Tigger took a large mouthful – and began making exploring noises with his tongue and considering noises and what-have-we-got-here noises…then said decidedly: “Tiggers DON’T like honey.” (which was more than fine with Winnie-the-Pooh) So, one of their first learnings from the Stranger prodding them was that what is a problem for one may not be a problem for another. And what is a serious problem for one may not be serious at all for another. The animals worked quite a bit with their new teacher in trying to understand the first step of this process: Selecting the Problem. Eeyore — who most always is the gloomiest of the critters — suspected that he would usually pick the wrong problem and wondered why that would be so bad. Pooh, in his wisdom, claimed that “if you don’t pick the right problem, it’s the wrong problem which means that you still have to solve the right problem after you’ve solved the wrong problem, if you do. Right?” (p. 47) The animals were quick to understand the second concept of observing and organizing the problem, but had some issues with learning by questioning — which was the third step. However, the more they asked ‘why’ of the stranger – they finally realized they were, in fact, doing the questioning that was required to understand the problem. By the time they started trying to visualize possible solutions, the animals could remember all sorts of adventures in which they had tried many ways to get out of problems …only to have to dismiss several before they came upon one that worked. Again, one of the classic stories was when Owl’s house came crashing in on a blustery day. Piglet and Pooh were trapped with Owl in the house and they had to put their minds to the major Problem of Escape. Using Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends is merely one ‘fun’ way to get at the importance of solving problems, as well as seeing how perspective influences our abilities in naming and solving issues. Life is a series of problems to be solved. Change, which is a constant in and of itself, necessitates that we either approach the problems as opportunities or resist them, deny them, and allow them to be solved by others or natural circumstances. When we choose not to be a part of the solving, we become victim to the problems and their resolutions. Leaders – good leaders – do not run from problems. They are diligent at identifying, organizing, questioning, visualizing possible solutions and employing one solution. Because they are willing to use these methods, we look to them for leadership. Because they employ these attributes, they are able to foster a following from others. What separates good leadership from bad leadership, according to our scripture this morning, is how we speak …how we talk … how we verbalize the identifying, organizing, questioning of problems. The author of this little letter of James is very clear that a small human organ – the tongue – can be used to build up and glorify or tear down and destroy. Those who accept the call into leadership will be judged by how they speak – and whether they have used their speaking to take others to greater heights (which will reflect well on the leader)…or curse themselves because of envy, selfishness and boastfulness in their speech. Today we set aside the elected leaders of Union Avenue Christian Church and some of the selected leaders of the congregation. Those named are only a portion of the leaders among us. Actually, every one of us has some leadership role in life — whether it is in teaching, hospitality, speaking encouraging words, tending the sick, healing the downhearted, inspiring music within others’ souls, challenging wisdom in others’ minds, arousing compassion in other’s hearts — we have all been called to the role of leader. The question is: how seriously do we take that responsibility? And the issue is: are we mindful of how how we say it…. can either build or destroy … include or exclude … love or hate … create or kill … invite or alienate … bless or curse. God has endowed us with the possibility of positive encounters with others in a community. God has given us tools for dealing with change and problem solving. God has given us voice to encourage, edify, motivate, inspire, hearten, invigorate, boost, support, promote, and foster. The practice I would challenge us all to accept this year in our leadership responsibilities is to use our speaking in positive and supportive ways. This does not mean we will always agree – and how boring would that be anyway. It does mean, however, that we — as a community of faith — would be seeking collective and inspired ways to solve problems and challenges that we face. May we bite our tongues when we sense that we will only be able to offer negative diatribes. May we silence ourselves when all we have to offer is unconstructive complaining. May we bridle our speech when our selfish concerns are all we possess. Most importantly, may we be led by the visions God places in our hearts to build the witness of this congregation …to become what is needed as a light within this community …to attune ourselves to the treasures within our Biblical heritage ….to commit ourselves to justice responsibilities within our society … and to nurture the gifts of artistry within and among all God’s children that are touched by this congregation. These are our claims – may we live up to them, with the grace and help of God. SW |
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