Scripture
Matthew 4:18-22, Luke 12:22-32, Mark 9:14-29, John 19-23
Shape: Square
Jesus was able to take a group of 12 men, invest in them, and teach them to do all that he could do in less than three years. How was he able to multiply his life into theirs so quickly? Jesus understood that at different point in their journey, he needed to lead them in different ways. At first, he was DIRECTIVE (D1) with them, calling them to do as he did. Then, he was brilliantly compassionately COACHING (D2) them when they ran into brick walls and wanted to give up. When they started to see more success than failure, both in their Character and in their Competencies, he was more about COLLABORATION (D3). Finally, as he ascended and sent them out into all the world, to make disciples as he had taught them, he DELEGATED (D4) all his responsibility to them. As disciples we can learn to lead as Jesus led, to teach and train our disciples in the way of Christ.
Story
The square has become one of my most indispensable tools. I repeatedly find application for it in work, at home, in parenting, in leading others in any manner of ways. Recently, our daughter started her first semester of college several hours drive away from home. Before she left, we chatted about how her enthusiasm for this new adventure would carry her for a while, but then, like running into a brick wall, at some point she would suddenly wonder whether she had made a big mistake...whether she 'belonged' at that school at all. That moment came for her, about three weeks into the semester. On a visit home, she said she didn't think she could go back. We were able to coach her through the difficult D2 stage, reminding her of the earlier conversations about it, and challenging her to understand that the only way to grow past this season was to go through it, and not around it, or retreating from it. She has grown beautifully through that experience. We are grateful for the Truth in Christ that provides a Way to navigate!