Don't Be A Thief

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber." John 10:1 NKJV

How do you know you're being robbed? You'll hear strange voices or see that your window is being forced open. Even the door is an access point for a thief. The only difference is in how the door is opened. Was it forced open, or did you give access to it?

I read the focus scripture and the question that came to mind was, "I wonder how many times I tried to lead people by going through the window or the roof?" You should also ask yourself and answer it.

Following a door access protocol means you have the key, you know how to use the key, you are patient enough to use the key and those at the other end of the door expect to see you. Do you know what that means? A few words jump out at me from that scripture, such as:

1. Patience. Performers want results now, not later. I still don't know what it means to be patient with results, but what this teaches me is that those at the other end of the door will not welcome someone who barges in and starts screaming or demanding. Isn't that what we do most of the time?

2. Trust. If I am going to be welcomed, then I must be trusted. Or else, I'll get kicked out. Those we are to lead sometimes kick us out because we haven't earned their trust yet. Your perfectionism doesn't allow you to create a culture of warmth, so everyone ends up staying guarded.

3. Knowledge. Having the right to open a door means you know what to expect to see on the other side. Those inside also know whom to expect once the door is open. Due to a lack of patience and total focus on just the work at hand, I never used to know beyond the contact details of the sheep. So, when someone says, "this is how I act when I feel sick", it would sound like Latin because I never really paid attention.

4. Affection. To feel something beyond an entitlement to be served is to be human. You're not going to open the door with the intention to break someone's head or make someone feel inferior. Only robbers do that.

5. Loyalty. You can force loyalty with a lethal weapon or earn it. Sure shepherds hold rods for correction and guidance, but it's not the default tool. The voice is all they need to hear to fall in line.

To be a thief is to take what isn't yours and tell yourself that you deserve it. You barge in through the window and expect everyone to fall in line immediately. We're playing a long game and we will have to be better to lead better.

Today's Task: Be more patient today.