Respecting Authority

Many of you know that I had a bad boss a while back which led me to write my book, Bleedership, Biblical First-Aid for Leaders. Even though my boss was not very good, if he asked me to do something I did not agree with, I did it (as long as it was not unethical and did not violate Biblical principles). This was hard, but I did it because he was my boss and in authority over me.

This morning, I heard Peyton Manning, the quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts talking with a reporter about the retirement of Tony Dungy, his former coach and the new coach, Jim Caldwell. He said something that I thought was awesome.

About Coach Caldwell, Manning said, "I'm prepared for all the changes. I will be at meetings early and sitting in the front row and will be on my best behavior. I will do this to do right by him and do my best to win another championship."

Here is the guy who has won a Super Bowl, he is starting in this year's Pro Bowl and has been MVP of the league. Yet, he gets it. He is showing respect to his head coach and will do what is asked of him because he knows that is in the best interest of his team. Isn't this refreshing?

By the way, if you are working for a tough boss, I would encourage you to follow Peyton Manning's example and listen to what they say, even if you don't agree with it.

Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men...

1 Peter 2:13a

Get Off His Back!

In an article on ESPN's site, one writer says that Rex Grossman, the much maligned quarterback for the Chicago Bears should have been named as Co-MVP of last night's Super Bowl because of his lackluster performance.

This type of writing drives me crazy!

Here is a quarterback who won 15 games as a starter. He plays arguably the toughest position on the field. This is his first full year as a starting quarterback in the NFL.

I am not a Chicago Bears fan. In fact, I was very please the Colts won. However, when a sportswriter who may have never played a down of football writes this sort of thing it makes me angry.

The same was true with Peyton Manning prior to his team's win last night. He was billed as "the next great quarterback to never win the big one."

What a bunch of hogwash!

These two quarterbacks are at the top of their profession. The fact is there are 30 other starting quarterbacks in the NFL who wish they had played in the game.

Peyton Manning was talked about as the guy who could not win the big one because he is a great player. Rex Grossman is being criticized today because he is at the top of his game also.

Even though this type of talk does not sit well with me, the fact is that when anyone reaches the top of their game, criticism will follow. Even in our jobs and in our spiritual lives.

Are you being criticized in any way? If not, are you doing the best you can?