Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

As I painfully watch the meetings conducted by my city officials on TV I am saddened by the lack of order and respect shown by these elected officials. Robert’s Rules are painfully slaughtered — Brigadier General Henry Robert must be turning over in his grave as those we call our leaders fail to lead and use their power in an abusive and disorderly manner.

Before Robert’s Rules of Order there was the Word – clear and simple. Paul wrote in Philippians: Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. [New Living Bible Translation]. If we all applied this simple rule in our lives — in relationships, in meetings, in church, in school – everywhere – then there would be no need for the complexity of Robert’s Rules of Order.

Like lemmings we follow blindly whatever is fashionable, whatever is popular, whatever seems to be the new prototype for the day. Brigadier General Henry Robert created, in the late 1800s, a mini version of the British parliamentary procedures that had been in existence since the 16th century. The basis of the rules in the 16th, 20th or 21st century have remained the same – there should be order in all we do.
It all comes back to the Word – clear and simple. When we humble ourselves and do not think of ourselves as better than others we will hear all voices in the room without reviling, disrespecting, or creating chaos or disorder.

I applaud General Robert for self publishing a best seller – as a writer I can appreciate that success. Going forward, though, let us look deep within even as we conduct business at whatever level we find ourselves as leaders. Be forever humble and “Let there Be Order”.

The TurtleQueen Speaks…