Bible Study Mark 13:13 Coming Persecution

Understanding The Source of Persecutions : 

Understanding The Source of Persecutions Adapted from: Chicken Soup for the Soul – Stories for a Better World – Peace at Work By Laurie Beth Jones Copyrighted material that appears in this article is included under the provisions of the Fair Use Clause of the National Copyright Act, which allows limited reproduction of copyrighted materials for educational and religious use when no financial charge is made for viewing.

Laurie Beth Jones : 

Laurie Beth Jones Being a consultant to businesses of all shapes and sizes, I have been amazed at how much conflict there can be in the workplace. The accumulated stress and tension of being angry at a boss or coworker take their toll daily, as people quit, are fired, are talked about or have heart attacks, especially on Monday mornings, the beginning of the work week. Some workplaces are nothing short of a war zone.

Mountain Resort : 

Mountain Resort One particular event that stands out in my mind took place at a mountain resort on a beautiful snowy day. The executive team of a very large hospital system had gathered in their sweatshirts and blue jeans to address leadership issues and to discuss the year ahead. Before the event started, one of the staff took me aside and said through clenched teeth, “I just want you to know that I will be resigning on Monday.

Agendas : 

Agendas I didn’t want you to think it was a result of this meeting. I am fed up with that man!” She was speaking of the new CEO. “And I am not alone, either. He has been terrorizing us since he came on board nine months ago. I’m not going to work in an atmosphere of distrust and tension.” I realized I had my work cut out for me. This was going to be a long weekend, and I prayed. The principles of teambuilding I teach are rooted in scripture. One of the key principles is transparency. Everything hidden will soon be revealed, and people cannot thrive in an atmosphere of secrecy and covert agendas.

Attila the Hun : 

Attila the Hun I opened the meeting with a “transparency exercise.” Each participant is asked to name the one thing they are most afraid of. Interestingly enough the first to volunteer was the CEO. “The thing that terrifies me most is FAILURE.” Every head snapped to attention. Could this be their fearless leader? “Attila the Hun,” had just admitted vulnerability. He went on, “I know I’ve been really rough on you since I came on board, and I guess that is the reason why. I’m afraid to fail.” His honesty opened up the group, and they each began to share their individual fears. By the time we completed the exercise some people were in tears.

Snowflake : 

Snowflake Bonding can only happen when the rough edges of each snowflake melt together. Before Jesus left the earth, He prayed to His Father, thanking Him for giving Him His disciples. I have always been struck by how, at the end of an incredible life, filled with awe-inspiring events, He saw the imperfect, sweaty and still-not-quite-getting-it crew as a gift.

The Final Exercise : 

The Final Exercise “I would like each one of you to tell the people seated at your table two things: First, how they have been a gift to this hospital, and Second, how and why they have been a gift to you.” Sheila, the executive who was going to quit was seated with the CEO. To everyone’s surprise, he got on his knees and said to her, “Sheila, you are God’s gift to this hospital because you are ready to take on any task.

Surprise : 

Surprise “You do the task with excellence and thoroughness. You have never shirked from responsibility, and you are an example to all of us of someone who truly cares for the patients.” He paused, swallowed hard, then said, “And Sheila, you have been a gift to me because, no matter what was going on, or how upset I got with everyone, you always maintained a sense of calm and joy. As soon as you walked into any setting, I knew that light and fairness had come into the situation. I have always considered you one of my champions, I still do today. Sheila reached for the Kleenex.

Fear : 

Fear Then he did the same with each leader there, and they were speechless in the wake of his words. We then ended the session with a prayer from the chaplain. There were hugs all around. Yes, Sheila stayed with the hospital. Persecution is a result of fear. People who are afraid or lack understanding are people who look for others to blame, or punish because of their fear or lack of understanding. The next time you are persecuted ask yourself what your persecutor fears.