Rick Trice: Read My Blog

CHAPLAIN’S CONFESSIONS – 3-23-10 (reprinted from April-2010 newsletter of Sangre de Cristo Riders Chapter of CMA.)

Recently, a large corporation hired several cannibals to increase their diversity.

"You are all part of our team now," said the Human Resources rep during the welcoming briefing. "You get all the usual benefits and you can go to the cafeteria for something to eat, but please don't eat any employees."  The cannibals promised they would not.

Four weeks later their boss remarked, "You're all working very hard and I'm satisfied with your work. We have noticed a marked increase in the whole company's performance. However, one of our secretaries has disappeared. Do any of you know what happened to her?"  The cannibals all shook their heads, "No."

After the boss had left, the leader of the cannibals said to the others, "Which one of you idiots ate the secretary?" A hand rose hesitantly. "You fool!" the leader continued. "For four weeks we've been eating managers and no one noticed anything. But NOOOooo, you had to go and eat someone who actually does something."  

If you’ve ever had a lousy boss, the above story may hit home.  We’ve probably all  occasionally worked for someone who might’ve said, either verbally or by their actions, “Do what I say, not as I do.”   In other words, someone who does not lead by example. 

 In my “day job,” I am often faced with a situation where I need to put pressure on people to get certain tasks accomplished in a timely and efficient manner.  This is part of being a “manager,” and I try to be careful not to ask someone to do something that I would not do myself.   But as a Christian, I have to be extra cautious to make sure my actions speak as loud, or louder, than my words, not only at work but at all times.  My confession today to you is that I do not always succeed at this.  It’s a “work in progress” between Jesus and me.

 Frances of Assisi is quoted as having said, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.”   I think we too often have this turned around.  We can talk the talk, but can we walk it? 

 “Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23