Tag Archives: fulfill a higher calling

Leadership or Lack There of

Leadership can be a practical skill, a research area or a way of life for those who are driven to go against the flow. Natural born leaders are authoritative, direct and guide others around obstacles in life and orchestrate individuals to form groups to fulfill a higher calling. According to researchers, all great leaders share 3 common traits. Dynamic leaders are action oriented, eager to accept responsibility and see things through to completion. When you hear, listen to and watch how government officials behave during the Coronavirus pandemic, it’s easy to distinguish the followers from the leaders.

Let no one despise or think less of you because of your youth, but be an example (pattern) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity, 1 Timothy 4:12.

Earlier today, governor John Carney decided to close Delaware’s public schools for the remainder of the year. As of now, there are more than 920,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States, approaching 52,000 deaths nationwide. The state of Delaware has a population of nearly one million people as of 2019. Delaware has 3,442 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus and just reached 100 deaths today. When you add math to these numbers, it comes out to one case for every 290 residents. Anyone can play Monday morning quarterback on governor Carney’s decision. Yet, Carney choose the easy way out. following states to the north, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, instead of being creative and innovative.

And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint, Galatians 6:9.

Whenever leaders fail to lead, innocent bystanders who are forced to endure the consequences. This leaves the senior class of 2020 without a prom, spring sports season and without celebrating a last day of school. For my son Daniel, his chance of earning a golf scholarship at an N.A.I.A. college is gone. After shooting 74 from the blue tees at Back Creek recently, Daniel’s shot at improving on last season’s 5th place conference tournament finish also disappears. Meanwhile, Lydia was the favorite to win the Blue Hen Conference Pole Vault title and likely shoe in to make All County as well. Although I can’t change what has already been done, I pray for new leaders to rise up out of the millennials so that leadership is a verb, not just a word.

by Jay Mankus

Which Way Should I Go Now?

Bugs Bunny is a cartoon character I grew up watching as a kid.  However, Bugs first appeared in 1940 in the film A Wild Hare.  Despite coming out on top in most episodes, Bugs was directionally challenged.  Perhaps, this characteristic spawned the famous saying, “which way should I go Doc, which way should I go?”

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit, Galatians 5:25.

The average individual has to ask a similar question annually.  What do I what to do for the rest of my life?  Where do I need to live to make this a reality?  Beyond the daily choices people make, two opposing forces exist in the world: the sinful nature and spirit.  One feeds on self indulgence while the other exists to fulfill a higher calling.  Since both are invisible, its hard for the average citizen to know which one to follow.

The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus, Acts 13:4.

Perhaps, the person with the best credentials in this area was the apostle Paul.  In Galatians 5:16-26, Paul paints a vivid picture to help distinguish fleshly desires from the spirit.  These acts can serve as a monitor, revealing where you are heading based upon current actions.  Like a disciplined athlete, Paul began to fine tune the presence of Spirit, learning to keep in step with God.  However, 1 Timothy 1:15 reveals Paul’s failures when he chose the flesh over the Spirit, making progress through trials and errors.

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path, Psalm 119:105.

Modern society has something Paul never had a copy of, the complete Bible.  According to the Psalmist, the Bible can serve as a spiritual flash light, pointing individuals in the right direction.  While you may encounter moments when you struggle to discern a clear cut decision on what to do, God has given everyone a conscience to help along the way.  My best advice to those uncertain about the next path to choose comes from Solomon.  “Many are the plan’s in a man’s heart, but the Lord’s purpose prevails.”  May the wisdom of the Bible serve as a key ingredient to help you get where you want to go.

by Jay Mankus