Leadership, example and dealing with difficulty

Today: Mark 14

"Do as I say and not as I do," is a saying I absolutely hate.

Yup, I actually said HATE (and I rarely say or write that!). I hate that it's such a cop-out. It's like saying, "I don't believe in what I'm saying enough to actually do it or be it." It's admitting you're a hypocrite. It's a saying for people who want to lead, but don't have the integrity, discipline or willingness to do what it takes.

Thankfully, Jesus definitely wasn't a leader like that, particularly when dealing with difficulty.

Let me give an example...

At the Last Supper, Jesus told the disciples, "You're all going to feel that your world is falling apart and that it's my fault." How many times have people--before and after the disciples--felt exactly that way when faced with difficult circumstances?

Several paragraphs later, Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane suffering. He knows the plan--He's about to die for the sins of humanity. But He also knows the Father--He knows the grace, love and all-powerful nature of God. And He has those characteristics Himself.

But the scene in the garden revealed how He dealt with difficulty--leading by example. He didn't turn up the drama and say that His world was falling apart. He didn't point fingers and say that it was all His Father's fault. He stayed faithful. He stayed focused. And He prayed, "Papa, Father, you can—can't you?—get me out of this. Take this cup away from me. But please, not what I want—what do you want?"

Tomorrow: Mark 15-16