"He had to be seen to be successful."

"The resignation will come as a massive blow to him, and it will take him considerable time to think things over. He is a person who is sheltered behind his pride and his ego. He had to be successful - but just as important, he had to be seen to be successful." This report in The London Times on October 15, 2000 caught my eye. Describing the rise and fall of Hutchings, 'one of British industry's rising stars.' Pride comes before a fall - and Hutchings fell a long way!

"Tying your donkey to the Vine" means entering into a partnership with Jesus Himself. "Become my partner," Jesus invites us, "accept my assignment, learn from me how to accomplish meaningful work; for I am gentle and humble, and you will discover that working with me is restful!" Matthew 11:29. Jesus was a true gentleman! Not a man to use too many adjectives to describe His own character, Jesus did describe Himself as 'gentle and humble of heart' - uncommon in business today. In fact, when he rode into Jerusalem on His donkey, the Bible describes Him as "humble and riding on a donkey". If Jesus is in charge of your donkey, then gentleness and humility will be the first thing people notice!

"I reached the conclusion that every overtly powerful, self-assured, smug public image covers shame." According to Sue Erikson Bloland in Atlantic Monthly, November 2000, pride is a form of narcissism and a defense against shame - a realization that the inner person has serious defects. One is just not good enough. Prof. Dr. Manfred Kets de Vries of INSEAD describes the inner need for success and recognition as coming from rejection in younger years, the motivation to prove to parents (alive or dead) that success and excellence will bring love and acceptance.

The Greek word for 'gentle' used in the Bible is the same as is used for the 'meek who are blessed because they will inherit the earth.' It is a common misconception that 'meekness is weakness.' On the contrary, meekness is strength because it draws energy, self-worth, and acceptance from a new source - attachment to Jesus. "Blessed are the meek." Blessed means to have at your disposal all of the resources of God, His acceptance, His approval, His energy and His power. "For they shall inherit the earth" - come to enjoy all that God has in store for us.

Donkey Business is first and foremost resting! Parking your donkey at the Vine and allowing the life of the Vine to flow through the donkey, bearing humility and gentleness. Meekness is when the strong choose to serve, instead of control. It obliges us to stop taking ourselves too seriously, and to stop seeking public recognition. The meek experience genuine surprise when they become the center of attention. Their concern is that others will receive everything that they need in order to develop their full potential.

Heard the reverse? "Blessed are the assertive for they will get to the top of their career?" Be careful that when you climb the ladder of success and reach the top, the ladder is not leaning against the wrong wall!

Peter Briscoe

Peter J. Briscoe, currently serving as European Regional Director for CBMC International and Europartners. He lives in Leiden, The Netherlands.