Cornerstone

John 16:7-12 (8)

⁷But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. ⁸When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt^[a] in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: ⁹in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; ¹⁰in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; ¹¹and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

¹²“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.”

After moving to Los Angeles my 92-year-old father wanted to learn how to get to the store, the bank, and other points of his interest.  I printed a map and marked where the locations he desired including the home address.  We took several trips to these places and I had him tell me which way to turn as he consulted the map.

Several weeks later I had to return to Kansas City on business.  During my absence he decided to go to the grocery store.  He made the trip safely and bought his groceries.  While in the store, however, he unknowingly became disoriented.  When he left the store he turned South instead of North.  He traveled through the city for quite a distance before he accepted the fact that he was in unfamiliar territory.  Stopping, he asked a FedEx employee directions.  The man showed him on the map how to return home.

Although we study God’s road map for our lives there may be times when circumstances in life cause us to lose our sense of direction.  When our spirit begins to warn us that we are getting farther away from home it is important that we consult our map and ask the Holy Spirit to once again help us to get on the right path.

Later we purchased a compass to put in our truck.  It constantly informs us what direction we are going.  In like manner, the ever present Spirit is an assurance that the believer need never stray from God’s presence.

Dr. Gayle Woods

A Book Review
By Dr. Gayle Woods

How can a person walk into a room of strangers and with the strength of his presence cause heads to turn in his direction? In a circle of conversation, why does the group seem compelled to address their remarks in the direction of one individual rather than to everybody in the group? Why do some people seem to move within the sphere of an aura of greatness?

These gifted people are often identified as “people persons”. In his book, “Be a People Person”, John C. Maxwell, the “People Person”, suggests that this is not an innate ability but rather a quality than most leaders can cultivate. Fred Smith, founder of FedEx says, “This book is an opportunity to see in distilled form what John Maxwell has been learning and using successfully throughout a productive life.

Maxwell opens this discussion by looking at qualities in a person that are an attraction to others. He then tells how to feel comfortable with people and how to become a person that people will want to follow. As the author discusses the matter, he shows that the secret is found when we invest in the lives of other people. This may involve loving difficult people, and handling criticism from time to time. In each case, Maxwell gives suggestions so that the reader can be assured of success.

The book is structured well and the material is explained in such a way that the reader can easily understand. Many steps are given with the assurance that if they are followed the reader can achieve his goal of becoming a people person. Examples, sometimes humorous, make the book interesting. Each chapter ends with a section called “Put It To Work”. In this section, he outlines people principles discussed in the chapter and gives an assignment so the reader can put the principles into practice.

The person who desires to develop his ability to influence others in leadership will benefit from reading this book. It offers many suggestions and tips for improving relationship skills. The short discussion on accountability (p 88-89) multiplied the value of the book for me. The reader is encouraged to write out “five questions I hope no one ever asks me”. Then the reader is directed to “List four questions that will address your weaknesses” and then to seek someone who will help him be accountable in those areas of vulnerability. Finally, the reader is supposed to ask, “Have I lied about any of the previous four questions or have I intentionally left out anything?” This is but an example of the pungent advice that guides the reader in his quest to become a “people person”.

John C. Maxwell, Be a People Person – Effective Leadership Through Effective Relationships, (2004). Nexgen, (Cook Communication Ministries), Colorado Springs, CO. ISBN: 0-78144-906-5