MAN IS THE ANCHOR OF STABILITY FOR HIS CREW

• The anchor of the family stabilizes his environment during moments of chaos and turmoil. 
• He maintains grace and wisdom when making decisions on behalf of the crew. 
• He is not easily agitated or confrontational during volatile and potentially kinetic circumstances.
• The anchor is well grounded and has established solid footing that is unwavering from a set of pre-determined values, principles, and standards. 
• The anchor is unshakable despite external forces or an unstable climate.

If you’re like me, you can be easily frustrated, agitated, discouraged, pessimistic, and angry amid an anxious and chaotic world.  I find myself focused on negative news and disruptive divisiveness that plague our once-great nation.  If we are called, as men, to be the anchor of stability for our ship and crew that is our home and family, we must be different and abnormal in the face of turmoil and adversity.  The Apostle Paul was shipwrecked, beaten, and imprisoned but remained faithful to pray and praise without ceasing.  I would imagine he felt the same stressful and unsettled emotions we feel during times of fear and frustration.  However, he kept the main thing the main thing, focusing on worshipping the Lord in the middle of the storm. Our family vessel will face turbulence and rough seas at various times.  It’s inevitable.  Jesus promised that “in this world, we would have tribulation, but to take heart, that He has overcome the world.” (John 16:33).  Realistic expectations that moments won’t always be roses and rainbows and there will be strife anytime the human element is at play.  None of us are perfect but we serve a perfect God who sent His Holy Spirit as our Helper.  When we see a bigger picture and are directed by an eternal perspective, we can determine a more sensible solution to a seemingly impossible scenario.

When faced with setbacks, what is your typical, knee-jerk reaction?  For years (and maybe still today if I allow it), I was more reactionary than responsive.  There’s a big difference between reacting and responding.  One gives thought to the situation before speaking or acting.  The other is driven by volatile emotion and an immediate “fight or flight” trigger.  While there are instances of risk or danger that require immediate offensive action and reaction, most of our obstacles and challenges aren’t life or death.  We usually have time to make a calculated and well-thought-out decision.  Men must be the thermostat that maintains a steady emotional, psychological, and spiritual temperature within the home and the dynamics of the family unit.  Although we are not immune to experiencing negative emotions, or bullet proof of circumstances getting the best of us, we are still called to set the tone in the situation.  As our family’s anchor of stability, our role calls for neutralizing the heat around us.  Our crew depends on us to right the ship when the waves of life are crashing all around us.  

”But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.“ 
James 3:17

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;”
James 1:19

HERE’S HOW WE WIN THIS WEEK:

• 3 keys in turbulent environments: Identify, Assess, Respond.
  
  
• Ask your crew to give honest feedback as to how you handle chaos or stressful situations.
  
  
• Pray for wisdom and control during volatile circumstances. 

This is the second of a four part series from John Shibley.  (You can read part 1 here) John Shibley is the founder and head of Last in Line Leadership.  Check out his podcast here or wherever you listen to your favourites.  Follow Last in Line Leadership on Instagram.