I was listening to my colleague recount a vexing problem for his company. A few months ago, they hired a consulting company to address leadership issues. Their conclusion was a perception from many of their employees that he and his partner, who founded the company, gave preferential treatment to their friends, promoting them or rewarding them with high ranking positions in the company. He acknowledged that while this was partially correct, it was a very narrow view of the entire company. Nonetheless, this perception eroded the morale of the company and led to many employees grousing about their positions and negatively affecting their overall performance.
As he evaluated the recommendations, he realized the problem, he was too close to the situation. Although he always sought to be fair and objective with all his employees, his relationships with his friends clouded his judgment. He had worked with many of them in other companies and had vetted them. When he founded his company, he purposefully placed them in these positions of leadership because he trusted them and knew they would be great assets. Unfortunately, outsiders and other employees did not share his enthusiastic support from his friends.
Too close.
How often I have experienced this same issue? I can objectively listen to patients explain their medical problems to me and help them navigate some of their complex socio-economic issues that may hinder their care. Yet, when I confront problems that involve myself within my professional or personal relationships, I often allow my emotions and personal feelings to intrude. I cannot stand back and objectively evaluate the situation.
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Matthew 27:46 (ESV)
This heart-wrenching cry from Jesus Christ was directed to God, His Father. For the first time in His life, Jesus Christ, the perfect Man, experienced the full and unfathomable weight of the sin of all eternity. For the first time in His life, He was separated from God. How could God, His Father, look upon His suffering Son and not rescue Him from a humiliating and excruciating death?
God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are one. There is no closer relationship in all creation. Unlike the relationships that I have, God’s relationships are not vulnerable to the same weaknesses of emotions and feelings that I harbor. He allowed the Crucifixion of His own Son because of His love for all of us. Sin had ruptured the perfect relationship between God and man. The only way this relationship could be restored was a supernatural intervention. Jesus Christ received the punishment for sin that we rightfully deserve because only a perfect sacrifice could be given. Jesus Christ willingly obeyed His Father and died a painful and horrific death. Three days later, God the Father, raised Him from the dead. The Resurrection proved that Jesus Christ conquered death, the tragic result of our sins. All who place their trust in Him by confessing and repenting of their sins and accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will have salvation and eternal life.
We can be close to God because His perfect love brought all of mankind close to Him through the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus Christ. We can never be too close to God because this is His eternal plan for us.
Praise God for His continued presence in our lives!
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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