BOOK REVIEW: H3 Leadership: Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Always Hustle by Brad Lomenick

H3 Leadership: Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Always Hustle by Brad Lomenick 

I have been a motivational follower for some time, and have had the opportunity to sit and hear some of the top speakers of this industry. While there has always been a slightly spiritual element to the speakers, and some have cited Bible references, I have found only two books in my 30+ years that have dealt with the subject using the scripture as the base of the discussion. This is the second. I'm not saying that there aren't more out there, but this is only the second in my encounters that I felt worthy even to pick up and read. 

At first, the book has the typical motivational book read about knowing who you are and where you are going in life and I wondered, "Where are the scriptures?" Then, I went back and re-read the preface and understood that we already know the scripture (or should) - so what we need to do is implement the principles. So, I began reading the book in a new light. I saw the habits that he refers to about developing, the goals seeking were already things Jesus taught in the sermon on the Mount and throughout the gospels. It intrigued me that the author brought these principles to play in the ever changing world of today's workforce. Where jobs aren't certain and life is ahead, these principles are good on any resume'.  I also found it enlightening that the author also appeals to other authors and sources to refer the reader to to further equip themselves in the endeavors that he promotes. I also liked the tips that he gives you in each chapter, that act as a personal application of the principles taught in the chapter. He also includes tips from other authors and those considered experts in the field which I thought was a unique twist.

This book gets a high mark from me. I found myself getting involved in the book and wanting to apply what it taught. However, it is not for everyone. If you are wanting to learn how to improve yourself motivationally, and wanting to be a better leader - then this book is a good one to have in your library. It will be one that you go back and re-read and refer to often. In some circles, it could even be used if accompanied by a workbook as a Bible Class on Leadership.  Even if you are not "Biblical" inclined, don't shy away from this book just because it is.  There are good principles taught here that you will find useful and that will make you a better person.

MAKE - not find!

Making Disciples! It has captivated my interest lately that Jesus tells his chosen apostles to go "make" disciples, not "find" disciples. Now, for the forensic among us, let's get into some basic language to make sure our understanding is correct, after all, most "versions" of the bible do not translate it like this.   Most versions say "teach all nations."  So - which is it?  

The term used in  the original Greek language is "μαθητευσατε (mathateusate)."  This term corresponds to the original Hebrew word "talmid" which means "to become a pupil" or if it is talking about you enacting upon someone it means "to enroll as a pupil or apprentice."  "Teach" is not an incorrect representation of the word, but it does not convey the essence of what Jesus is telling them.  To "teach" is used in Mt.28:20 and is the term " διδασκοντες (didaskontes)."  His instruction is to go to enroll and make pupils - not "find." We hope to find someone with maturity and gifts already - to be honest, so that we don't have to teach or train them. We forget that Jesus told us to go make them. Not find them. Making disciples is long, hard work.

2 Timothy 2:2- "You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others." 

Discipleship is about shared truth, the passing on what God has taught us to another. This is the environment of face to face discipleship, that in turn creates fellowship within the church. 

1 Thessalonians 2:8- "We loved you so much that we shared with you not only the gospel of God but our own lives, too." 

Discipleship is also about doing life together. It's about shared experiences and inviting people into the opportunities and activities that you do and letting them be a part of them and learn with you and from you. 

We often wonder why we no longer have "dinners" and "get togethers" things like we used to, and wonder why people have lost interest. Perhaps it is because we have chosen the "easy way out" of what God told us to do.  We are no longer sharing lives, experiences, frailties, etc, to generate relationships, friendships, bonds and fellowship.  We are sequestering ourselves in isolation, keeping people at arms length and "telling" people what to do instead of showing them what to do.

There is quite a difference in what Jesus said, and what we in our modern times "do."

Jim