Torch, Summer 1986

laughing at the ridiculous realities of Murphy 's Law. Keeping ahead of things , maintaining a vision , discussing strategy with the other administrators, sustaining an optimistic spirit, and modeling the other important aspects of the role of leadership are not easy . One does not have to tarry too long before the mirror until he acknowledges to himself that he is frail and very vulnerable. John Fish wrote , "The most essential feature of man is his improvableness. " Then comes discouragement . It is both inevitable and unpredictable. It often catches the executive off guard like a thief in the night. And when it arrives, it often drapes a blanket over the spirit of the leader as he sits alone and ponders why. There is nothing that challenges the administrator more than his own inability to rise above this seemingly ubiquitous malady . It would certainly be helpful if we could pinpoint certain things which release this kind of emotional cloud. Discouragement may come when: 1. Promises to me and my expectations are not realized. Solomon wrote about this in Proverbs 13 :12 where he said, "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick. " 2. Circumstances are such that I can do nothing else. Every leader likes to be in control. He enjoys pleasing people. This is his comfort zone. Neverthe– less, the Christian leader must deal with matters that are often awkward and misunderstood . 3. I fail to measure up to what I expect ofmyself. This is a subtle matter, especially for those who are inclined toward perfectionism. A leader can get down on himself as he wonders why his performance was not up to par. A pastor often has this problem when it comes to his pulpit ministry . He despairs when he thinks he failed to get his message across to the congregation, in spite of the fact that many share sincere words of appreciation. 4. My performance disappoints others . The admin– istrator is fully aware that who he is and what he does reflects upon.those whom he serves. He often fears letting people down. However, the greatest discouragement comes when he has done his best and people are still disappointed. 5 . Those whom I trust let me down . One's psychol– ogical apparatus can easily become unbalanced when a trusted colleague, friend, or family member has failed him. The door of relationships can easily fall off the hinges when much of it is attached by the trust principle. Just think how David must have felt when his son Absalom was disappointed with his leadership in II Samuel 15: 1-5. The ensuing verses describe David's own son as one who "stole the hearts of the men of Israel ." What discourage– ment must have reigned in the heart of David as he dealt with the situation. 6. Additional stress and pressure are added when I already have all I can take. Men and women at the top are used to heavy loads and added responsibili- ·1·...: ties , and yet there is a limit to their capacity. Usually , working at the limits of one's emotional, mental , and physical capacity brings heightened anxiety. It is during these times that things go wrong in the plant, the board meeting, or the church. The fall-out becomes critical to the leader because it creates another set of circumstances. Discouragement can conquer at this point in time. 7 . Others unjustly criticize my family or me . A person at the top ~ccupies a very visible position. He must exercise his leadership with endurance and grace . The great problem is not his visibility, but rather the verbal and non-verbal responses of others. It is the unfair , jaundiced criticism that hurts . The leader can seldom escape the pit of discouragement and despair when circumstances do not allow for an explanation or a defense . 8. I do not get my way. Few are able to admit that this is a major problem with negative psychological spin-off. There are times in leadership when the person in charge is emotionally involved, highly committed , and convinced that certain actions must be taken . The vote is cast and it does not go his way. It is at this time that some of the wires can become unattached from his spark plugs. The motor of his life will run , but it will not hum. Discouragement has unplugged him. What can the Christian leader do when he is confronted with these ugly realities? The following are a few practical ideas which I trust will serve the reader who identifies with discourage– ment. 1. When presented with a series of circumstances beyond your control, when things are not going well, etc., remember to meditate and dwell on those things that you know. No one could have been as far down as Job . Every time I read his story, I am amazed at this man ' s inner strength . It does seem that he knew a secret. Hear his words : I know that my redeemer liveth . .. ." 2. When things seem to be in reverse and the problems surround you like huge mountains , remenber there is a silver lining in every cloud. .. it is called the Sovereignty ofGod. It is advantageous for us to understand and believe Psalm 18:30,32, "As for God, His way is perfect . .. and [He] maketh my way perfect." 3. When going through trials and tribulation remember to place yourself in the best possible position. Read and reread Psalm 62, note your refuge, your salvation, your defense , your opportu– nity to pour out your heart! 4 . Remember the important principle of singing and praising God . Jack Wyrtzen, founder and president of Word of Life, told me that he found this one thing more helpful than any other. He shared these verses of hymns that have helped him the most. 13