If there is a buzz-word that keep swirling in my vocabulary at work it is ruthless-execution. Initially I found myself naturally resisting even using the phrase. For me the connotations of a uncaring, exploitative, manipulative, hard hearted, and machine like manager was just a little too close to echoes of my past for comfort. After all, I mused, isn’t that what is meant? Achieve the goal at all costs? Letting the ends justifying the means? Damn the people so some materialistic goal could be reached. This is ruthless execution, right?
Wrong.
The actions described are ruthless but there is nothing about what then occurs qualifying itself as “execution”. Execution is the realization of a destination, the achievement of a specific set of actions that brings one through a process that allows sustainable results. When combined with ruthless, execution is a combination of actions, processes, and attitude that reflects the serious, life hinging, nature of the task.
Clarity has come as I have found God focused on the same approach, ruthless execution! Initially I wondered how the God I knew, full of compassion, mercy, and unlimited quantities of acceptance could also be at the same time ruthless. The enlightenment came as I read the Divine’s own words.
“I gave her a chance to change her ways, but she has no intention of giving up a career in the god-business. I’m about to lay her low, along with her partners, as they play their sex-and-religion games.” (Revelation 2.20)
I find extended patience and compassion in these words. I see nurture and engaged leadership. I also find decision making indicative of what is at stake. Life, yours and mine, is at risk! Those we love; their lives are at risk! Something must be done. Actions are required, hopefully before the opportunity to touch our lives has passed. Sitting on the corner, purely reacting to what passes is not the answer.
So God executes knowing even better than we what is at risk. Compassion, mercy, love, acceptance, and something called grace combined with action. Can we do anything less?
