“Good to Great”

     Many years ago, Jim Collins, researcher, consultant, speaker, and faculty member of Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, wrote a popular book called “Good to Great.”  He leveraged a 20-person research team, conducted dozens of interviews, and produced thousands of pages of documents to answer two questions: Can a good company become a great one? And, if it can, how?  Even though it is a book for those in the business world, a pastoral colleague suggested I read it.  So, I did.  It was well done, insightful and interesting for someone, like me, without a business mind.  In addition to the business acumen, Collins offered good leadership tips and skills.

So, when the disciples ask Jesus how to go from good (or not so good–being sinners and all) to great, it is interesting how he answers.  I invite you to read the whole 20 verses before Sunday.  You will find a bit of everything.  When it comes to high positions, Jesus speaks of greatness as something that comes from the lowest of the low (children in that time).  When it comes to pairing back and limits, Jesus talks about getting rid of and cutting out all kinds of things (including body parts). His “practical” advice has some strange logic to it.  One should leave 99 sheep vulnerable in order to go after one lost sheep.

I hope it has you thinking and a bit curious, as we prepare to come together around the Word on Sunday!