A lesson from Harvard

I once enrolled for an online leadership course organized by the Harvard Business School. The course was unlike the e-learning courses I was familiar with. With conventional online courses, the norm is to get some materials to read, listen to or watch before taking assessment tests or examinations. However, this course began with a program that asked me several questions about how I had led people and managed events in the past. The answers I supplied to this program were used to analyse my leadership and management style and conclude whether I am more of a leader than a manager or vice versa. With the results, it went ahead to instruct me on areas I needed to improve on in order to have the right mix of leadership and management.

I was very delighted with the results I had gotten from the analysis of my responses.  I was fascinated about what “Harvard” was saying about me. I felt confident and reassured that I had what it takes to tackle the leadership challenges currently facing me in the ministry and workplace. But then I paused and thought: If I could believe in the Harvard report so much that I was motivated by it, how should I handle the prophecy of the scripture that is not of any private interpretation? If I could rejoice in what humans tell me based on extensive research, what manner of joy should flood my soul when the One who created me tells me who I am based on his deepest understanding of my real genetic constitution?

What do you see whenever you read your bible? Do you see angels, Israel, Mary, Moses, Paul … or do you see “you”? Do you accept the way God has programmed and rated you or are you befuddled by what is happening around you?

Are you suffering from a sickness? God said “that same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead lives in you, and it can give energy to your body”. Are you confused about your future partner? He said “I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster; plans to give you a future filled with hope”. Are you concerned that your major channel of finance appears to be getting closed? He said – I am the one who opens up a door that no man can shut. Are you still being hunted by your past sins? He said “your sins and wrongdoings will I remember no more”.

If we could just look in the Word again with an eagerness to see and accept what it says about us, then we would be better equipped to face all of life’s challenges.

tope aladenusi