It is what is below the surface that sinks the ship. (Think of the Titanic.)
An iceberg can represent our leadership. The 10% above the water is our skill. The 90% below the water is our character. It is what is below the water that sinks the ship.
Have you seen Christians who “fall” into sin and wonder why? They used to be a great example. They seemed like such a great mentor, father, friend! Their “fall” was probably because of the part of their lives below the waterline. It is what people don’t see that matters: self-discipline, our core values, sense of identity based on what God says, and emotional security.
Weak character will eventually damage our ability to lead. God prioritizes taking care of the inside of our hearts, because that determines our outside behavior. (Jesus, please help me work on spiritual disciplines that no one sees!)
Luke 6:43-45 “For there is no good tree which produces bad fruit; nor, on the other hand, a bad tree which produces good fruit. For each tree is known by its fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they pick grapes from a briar bush. The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for the mouth speaks from that which fills the heart.”
I need to plant good seeds. It is so tempting to take the easy way out. It is easier in the short run.
Note to self: work on that part of me which is below the waterline and not seen by others!
Thora
