When John Smith and many others first came over to what we now call “America”, a pastor was among them who held the same vision as everyone else…a vision to share the gospel with an entirely new people group.  What they found that first year was far from what they dreamt of…they saw starvation…sickness…and a great deal of death.

In the midst of this horrible first year in a new land, John Smith journaled daily about his experience and the majority of his entries spoke of a man, his pastor, who he had the highest esteem for. 

In his writing, four characteristics of this pastor became easy to identify…

Advancement without Entitlement
He gave up entitlements for the sake of advancing the Gospel.

Make shift without Down Shift
He stayed away from the temptation of casting the vision aside simple because he didn’t have the necessary “options” to accomplish that vision.
His mission and vision were far more important than the tools He used to fulfill them.

Privation without Repine
He endured hardship without complaining.
He endured “difficult”.

Last Line of Defense
He dug a spiritual and emotional well deep enough so others could draw off of him.

So, the question for you (if you are in leadership):
What do you want the people you lead to journal about you?