Here is a paragraph from Gordon's new book, Building Below the Water Line.
I'm convinced from my reading of the mystics that our perception of reality revolves around a spiritual center. That center quickly becomes almost inoperative if it's not maintained through constant spiritual discipline. Almost all Christian leaders believe that doctrinally, but few believe it experientially enough to carve out one or two hours a day to maintain their spiritual center.
What results is an accumulation of knowledege wihtout wisdom. You get leaders who operate on charisma instead of spiritual power.
Aptly spoken words.
I don't know if Gordon was the first one who clued me in to the language of "below the water line" but he was among the first who did this. And this metaphor is the way he addresses the theme of attending to all that is interior in the life of a leader.
The mystics are those who do not merely know ideas about God.
They are the ones who have encountered and experienced the living God... and not just once, but in ongoing, sustained ways.
I have found that not only is it important to practice the spiritual disciplines, but . . .
It is important to practice the right spiritual disciplines, and . . .
It is important to practice them in the right way.
But all that is for other posts.
For now, reflect a bit on how strong is your spiritual center... how much time are you devoting daily to search after the heart of God... are you operating on talent, gift, skill and charisma - or with unction, the spiritual power of the heart that has encountered Christ?
Missional leaders and missional mystics --- we need this kind of leadership today!
Brian K. Rice
Leadership ConneXtions International
www.lci.typepad.com
