Imagine life without the ubiquitous @.
It is not hard to do, if you can think back to the late 80s and early 90s. Twitter was non-existent, and email was scarce.
Oh sure, the accountants of the world were used to that symbol. It had much value to them: “at the rate of” $10.00 for….
To the rest of the world? Just a funny looking lowercase “a”. No significance. No name. No credibility. Wasted space on the keyboard since the late nineteenth century.
But now… the @ haunts our lives everyday. Even beyond email and Twitter, the @ has become accepted shorthand (e.g., Meet me @ the coffee shop.) Let’s try a day without the “shift + 2” keys when using our computers. The world will come to a halt.
As we labor to raise up leaders, I can’t help but wonder if we often treat some people like they are the pre-1990s @, not realizing their future Kingdom potential.
That guy will never be able to lead others well.
There is no way she has what it takes.
What a waste of my time with this person.
I have had the great honor of training many church leaders over the years. I must confess at times I have looked at some people and thought, “No way,” only later to see them prove to be very effective on the mission field or in established churches. Forgive me, Lord.
Yes, we must use much wisdom, discernment, responsibility, community, and the testing of others as leaders. The Scriptures are clear that we should not be hasty when it comes to putting certain leaders in place. But, we cannot determine leaders by looking on the outward manifestations. When we are quick to judge by the externals, we fail to be guided by the Spirit of Christ. Aren’t you glad Samuel killed his flesh in this area and was led by the Spirit to find the leader from whom the Messiah would come (1 Sam 16:7)? Let’s trust our Father in the process of leadership development and follow His Spirit. He will make matters clear regarding the roles of such saints in His Kingdom.
If we are quick to see odd and insignificant keys, then we will miss wonderful opportunities to equip and send a multitude of @.
(image source: Microsoft)
Thank you, JD, for reminding us that God sees way past our own limited perspective. It reminds me of the fact that Jesus called a tax collector, Matthew, one of the most despised people in his community. I wonder what Peter and the other disciples thought of Jesus’ choosing Matthew. Only Jesus could foresee that Matthew would use his great skills as a writer to craft the first of the four gospels. Also, I am currently reading your book, Strangers Next Door — I’m about halfway through. Really loving it. Thank you for your excellent insights and resources!