On the road to becoming a better leader, you are apt to find two groups of people who will try to pull you down... the Sherman Tank and the Historian. Both are resilient and both are detrimental to your growth and development.
First, the Sherman Tank... the verbal bully... charging over you with no regard at all about your feelings or opinions. You know the type... loud, commanding, arrogant... the Tank could’t care less about discussing anything. Their intent is to be dominant and heard... establishing their presence as the foremost authority on whatever subject you bring up.
The Bible has it’s share of Tank people... God describes the Babylonians as such in Habakkuk 1:6-7
“...ruthless and impetuous people,
who sweep across the whole earth
to seize dwellings not their own.
who sweep across the whole earth
to seize dwellings not their own.
They are a feared and dreaded people;
they are a law to themselves
and promote their own honor.”
they are a law to themselves
and promote their own honor.”
I have found that most Sherman Tank people aren’t that way because they like running people over. It’s usually attributed to one of two things:
They have been seriously hurt in their past and figure by dominating conversations and relationships...they can hurt first before allowing others to burn them again. You may have heard the phrase “hurting people hurt people” This is true in many of the people I’ve prayed with.
The other is the insecure. People that don’t know their worth or value... struggle with self-identity... or are challenged by actually believing Ephesians 2:10. Insecure people cover their struggles by spending their entire lives wearing the mask of “I’ve Got It All Together” They’ve worn that façade so long that they’ve forgotten who they really are in Christ.
In either case, it’s important to establish boundaries with the verbal bullies in your life. This is no easy task. Good thing the Bible gives us insight on how to do it:
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1
Staying calm, reflecting Christ, establishing peace... all great (but sometimes challenging) techniques in setting up a boundary with those insecure or in pain. If we aren’t careful, we can allow ourselves to be “run over” by them...or worse yet, become them. Why get bullied? Isn’t it easier to just play their game and win? Never. It does no good to be at the top of the ladder if it’s leaning against the wrong building. Stay strong...follow Christ’s example of dealing with direct opposition... and in the end, you will find yourself protected and wiser.
The other type is “The Historian”... someone who reminds you that they know the “real” you... that what you are trying to do for Christ is a farce...and that you are waaaay too imperfect to make a difference in the world.
People change... “Historians” don’t want to believe it.
Why? Because that would be evidence that change is possible. “Historians” would have to do something with that... like make changes themselves.
Much too hard to do in their minds.
Rather than face that, they will constantly tell you that once an addict, failure, or loser... always one. They will tell you life can’t change... miracles don’t happen... grace doesn’t exist for you... and that you aren’t fooling anyone.
They are dead wrong.
Jesus faced it... look what happened when He returned to His hometown
“He returned to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, ‘Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?’ Then they scoffed, ‘He’s just the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. All his sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things?’ And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.
Then Jesus told them, ‘A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family.’ And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.” Matthew 13: 54-58
I love this passage. Jesus comes home, is openly ridiculed by those who “know” Him... yet still chooses to do (as Matthew writes)... “a few miracles” He put up boundaries to their jabs yet still decided to love them in the process. They gave Him mockery...He gave them miracles. Jesus is amazing.
Establish boundaries with the naysayers in your life. It’s been said that the loudest boos come from the cheapest seats. Those that have little invested in your life will constantly remind you that you can’t possibly be something more... Your God says otherwise...
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17
They may know your past, but they don’t know your destiny. You were meant for greatness. You have a profound purpose... with specific gifts (given to you by God) to accomplish it. Your mistakes do not define who you are...they are simply ways you learn while you are becoming who you are meant to be. Embrace God’s way... keep leading forward... establish boundaries... and reach your God potential.
