3 realities of leadership

Rob Streetman Aug. 25, 2018

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Every Christian leader is faced with three realities on a regular basis. Every time we sit across from someone, there are three realities at play. Navigating the overlay and interplay is a critical leadership skill.

Reality No. 1 is the big “R” Reality: the way things really are.

For everyone who believes in God, Reality is what God has created reality to be. Big “R” Reality does not mold itself to our perception. As good as it may sound, perception is notReality—at least not very often.  

Big “R” Reality consists of at least three levels: Subatomic, physical and spiritual. It includes the past, present and future (meaning, it is still under construction). It is big and complicated. Our minds are not capable of understanding most of it. Only the Creator can fully understand it (because He made it).

Reality No. 2 is our little “r” reality. This is our perception of Reality. Our mind regularly assumes that it has a good grasp of Reality and that its perceptions are accurate and complete. This is both naïve and arrogant, but necessary at some level to protect us from insanity. God is aware and gracious toward our limitations in this regard.

Our little “r” reality can also be quite dangerous. Consider the jet pilot who has lost his orientation. His perception of Reality tells him that he is flying right-side-up. Not realizing (little “r”) that he is flying upside-down, he “climbs” into the ground. This actually happens.

Reality No. 3 is the little “r” reality of the other person in the room. Their mind also assumes that it has a good grasp on Reality, even while working to project a reality that may be false. Humans are so accomplished at this, we do it subconsciously. 

Now get this: Both persons also subconsciously assume that the other person’s perception is very close to their own. If they are, then the potential for missing the big “R” Reality is only doubled.  

If they are different, then the likelihood for divergence from Reality becomes exponentially greater than we can imagine. Misunderstanding, confusion and deception are all possibilities.

So, what’s the lesson here?  

It is really quite simple. 

First, as leaders in the workplace, we must become more suspicious of what we are thinking—about ourselves and others. We must take the lead in this regard.  

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2 NASB). 

Secondly, we must allow the Holy Spirit to renew our minds. There are disciplines for this.  

Conformity and transformation are matters of the mind. To repent is to change one’s mind (from Thayer’s Greek Lexicon). Repentance is a change of mind that leads to the repurposing of our heart and the resultant change in our behavior.  

God has determined that renewing our minds is key to our being made in the image of His Son’s glory.

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NASB). 

Third, and most importantly, we must petition the Lord to establish His kingdom—His big “R” Reality – wherever we meet with others.

“In a time when everything in the world seems to be vanity, God is depending on us to proclaim that He is the great Reality, and that only He can give meaning to all other realities” ~A.W. Tozer

As leaders, we must start investing more and taking risks with people in our spheres of influence. With some, this can be done overtly; others will require a more tactful approach.

Photo source: istock 

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Rob Streetman serves the body of Christ as President of two parachurch ministries: inLight Consulting (a workplace transformation ministry) and 2:2 Collective (a unity and church growth ministry). He is the author of two books: The Map Maker and A Storm is Coming. Rob’s heart desires is to encourage, edify and equip Christian leaders as disciple-makers and transformation agents—that they would become houses that stand in the storms of this life. He previously worked in various IT industry positions. Learn More »

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