Stupid is as stupid does…
ByThe reason I started blogging was to teach leadership and try to add value to you, my readers. But in today’s post I need to tell you something of a more personal nature.
I’ve done a lot of stupid things in my life. Early in my marriage I would win arguments with my wife, Margaret, and hurt her feelings really badly. I have made business moves that lost tens of thousands of dollars at a time. And I’ve made leadership decisions that led to failures for my organizations. But up until now, none of the dumb things I’ve done has gotten me arrested.
Here’s how this came about. Last Sunday, I was in Birmingham, Alabama, speaking for the Church of the Highlands. It’s a wonderful church with a marvelous leader named Chris Hodges. He is a good friend, the congregation is fantastic, and I had a terrific time.
Most of the time when I have speaking engagements, I fly commercially, especially when the commitments are far from home. But when the engagement is not very far away and it means that I will be able to sleep at home in my own bed, I’ll sometimes fly on a private airplane. That was the case on Sunday.
As I got on the plane, someone from Chris’ congregation gave me a gift: a handgun. “This is for Margaret,” he said, “so she can feel safe when you’re traveling.”
Now, I’m not really a gun person. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with people who own guns. I have been hunting a few times with friends, so I’ve shot a gun before, but I’ve never bought one. It’s just not my cup of tea. But I knew this was being given as a gift from the heart, so I accepted it, put it in my carry-on, and got on the private plane and flew home.
And then I forgot about it.
For the next several days, I was focused on preparations for an upcoming speaking engagement in Dallas. There was a moment when I thought to myself, “Oh, I’d better remember to get that gun out of my bag,” but because I was in the middle of writing, I didn’t want to stop. By the time yesterday rolled around, it had completely left my mind.
If you’re my age, you may remember a cartoon character called “Mr. Magoo.” He was a man who seemed to wander from danger to danger without ever getting hurt.
My friends used to call me Mr. Magoo. For those of you a little younger, they have also called me Forrest Gump.
Well, off I went to the airport in full Mr. Magoo mode. In security, I put my carry-on bag on the conveyer belt and didn’t think anything of it. Truly, it’s one of the stupidest things I’ve ever done.
You can probably guess the rest. I was arrested, handcuffed, and taken to jail, where I was fingerprinted and photographed. Needless to say, it opened my eyes to a world I’d seen only in the movies. I was glad when I posted bail and was able to leave.
I said this post would be of a personal nature, but there is still a leadership lesson to be learned from it. First, take responsibility for your own actions. What I did was wrong, and it was my fault. I certainly didn’t intend to break the law, but I will face up to the consequences.
The second lesson, to use the words of my friend Kevin Myers, is this: “Stupid hurts.” If you’re not paying attention and you do something stupid, it’s going to hurt you.
In the end, I just hope my mistake isn’t going to hurt anybody but me.
Comments are closed on this post.
Dear my Pastor and Hero,
I love all you books and even if this was a difficult moment for you…. You always mentioned to keep a positive attitude and mind!!! I believe this is one of the moments of learning and I will be the first one to buy your new book about this experience.
Lesson of the week:
1.- Always check your luggage before you go to the airport
2.- Remember to smile for the picture!!
3.- (the most important) God always giving us the opportunity to share the gospel and I believe that God use you to speak to someone inside the jail….. Anyway.
We love you and we are waiting for you witting open arms in your church “Christ Fellowship” Royal Palm
John – God is speaking to you, listen with your heart.
You have been such a blessing to us.
Love ya baby!
Oh John! This only makes you even more human! All of us who know you (even if its just through seeing you on the stage at church) know you would never do this intentionally. Thank you for sharing what happened and no matter what happens, to God be the glory! you are in our prayers!
DEAR MR. MAXWELL, YOU ARE NOT STUPID, JUST A HUMAN BEING THAT THE LORD JESUS MADE YOU TO BE. HE KNEW BEFORE US ALL THAT THIS DAY WOULD COME FOR YOU, AND HE ALSO KNEW THAT HE PUTS THEESE “EPISODES” IN OUR LIVES TO TEACH US. THANK GOD HE GIVES THE PERFECT LESSONS TO THE PERFECT STUDENT,(YOU) SO THAT YOU CAN CONTINUE TO TEACH ALL OF US!! I HAVE SO ADMIRED YOU FROM THE MOMENT I HEARD YOU SPEAK AT CHRIST FELLOWSHIP. IT WAS ALSO A PLEASURE TO WORK FOR YOU AND YOUR LOVELY WIFE MARGARET. WE WILL PRAY FOR YOU THRU THIS LITTLE “SPEED BUMP” IN LIFE, SURELY THRU THE GRACE OF GOD IT WILL ALL WORK OUT. GOD BLESS, AND BEST REGARDS, DARLENE
Thanks for sharing this story.
Let’s us know we are all human and prone to mistakes. I’ve always said I’d rather strive for excellence, not perfection.
You don’t have to be perfect, just excellent, even if only getting profile pix taken.
You are an awesome human being and we love you. Foregive yourself and move on. God has a story for you to write about — about this. Know you are loved.
When we make mistakes that are felonies that involve an arrest, we almost always hurt others even if it’s unintentionally, Mr. Maxwell. Funny how we as Christians aren’t so forgiving when it’s someone we don’t know, someone who’s not popular or worse yet, who does something that is socially unacceptable. Be glad that illegally smuggling an unregistered gun onto a commercial airplane isn’t so socially unacceptable especially for a high profile type of a person like you. May others who makes “dumb mistakes” be treated with such forgiveness and respect as you seem to be. However, the Law doesn’t accept the excuse, “I didn’t know, I forgot or I’m Mr. Magoo.” I wonder how you’re going to work in a church that does background checks as a convicted felon? I’m sure you’ll be treated differently than most.
Being in possession of an unregistered firearm is illegal, Mr. Maxwell. A felony is some states. And then you committed a federal offense by taking it on a commercial airplane. You didn’t know that? That’s not Mr. Magoo, I think that is something else that you probably need to examine. I found your trite Mr. Magoo response offensive. What if the sincere church member gave you a bag of marijuana, “from the heart” and you took it? I don’t think you’d be saying Mr. Magoo then and I don’t think you’d be hearing too much of “forgive yourself and move on.”
Dear Sir,
I am sorry that it happened to you.
“Mistakes make us a human”
“falling forward”, my leader.
A pastor in Thailand
Suphat
Wow, that will be a funny story to share with your grandkids….one of these days. sorry it hurts so much now. I hope you didn’t miss your speaking engagement.
As we prepare for Easter, this reminds me of how obvious it was that Christ was giving Himself away for us. He handed himself over, almost like it was too obvious. He should have just given them the weapons too. Thanks for sharing this John, that took humility!
Regarding your story, especially knowing you, it’s hilarious!
Regarding the feedback to the story, especially knowing you, I’m shocked at the hoity-toity, hypocritical pontificating.
My suggestion? Go to the firing range!
[...] leadership guru, for some not me, was arrested for carrying a hand-gun (a gift) through airport sucurity to catch his private plane. The gun arrest dosn’t bother me as much as the regular use of a private plane. Not sure [...]
It was good to receive the story of this personal mishap and the resulting reflection that helps us all concentrate. But I wonder if the reflection is just a bit short? Consider for a moment, with all of the honest intentions, that you looked foreign, even though you are an American. Consider if your skin is a bit swarthy. Do you think that you could have even been able to post bail, or would you have been locked away, by the Patriot Act, without the right to bail, notice, or counsel? Think about what has happened to our country over the past 8 years, and what was on tap to happen if a miracle had not occurred in the last election. Think about it!!!!
Makes me feel better about myself on a Monday morning.
You are in my prayers. People who think guns are evil will condemn you for possessing one anywhere. Their comments can be dismissed.
May God turn this around to your benefit and the benefit of all those he has in mind for you to serve.
Hey John,
I am praying for you and your family during this time. We all make mistakes, but unfortunately this one ended with a mugshot.
You have been such an inspiration to me over the years. You’ve really been a mentor from afar.
Seriously, I think there are better ways to spice up your testimony. I can’t wait to see what book comes out of this: Maxwell’s Prison Epistles? Leading from the Center of the Gang?
You’re awesome. Don’t let this stop you.
Gosh…..why would someone hand you a gun at a church anyway? What were they thinking?? Having said that, you were wise to blog your experience before the tabloids got a hold of it. Anyone one of us could have boarded a plane with a screwdriver, a pocket knife, a knitting needle and yes, even a forgotten gun.
John,
If this was a gift for your wife, why were you not eager to give it to her when you got home? After all, it was not your gift right?
I would be curious to see how you immediately reacted to the idea of someone giving your wife a gun as a gift. Especially, since you are “not really a gun person.” Speaking from personal experience, the idea of a gun in my home for the first time takes a few moments to sink in. All the thoughts of security vs. liability immediately come to mind. This is a decision that most would like to come to on their own time and terms. Accepting this gift had to be a bit uncomfortable.
Dear Pastor John Maxwell -
You are so loved and are being prayed for. God will NOT waste your sorrow. When I heard I grieved for your experience. I, and so many who love you, hate to see you hurt in any way. People are always going to be judgemental becasue hurting people feel good about stuff like this. You were right up front and it was so obviously an oversight. You have a team around you that is unbreakable. Please allow God’s spirit to let you let this go to the point the accuser can not penetrate your heart. Your even stronger now – Thank you Jesus! You are loved and blessed. I consider it to be an honor to be under your teachings from time to time. You now have more of an experience of knowing Him in his death and resurection and that is you goal. I Love you, Kim
Thank you for your transparency!
Man, I could totally see myself doing that.
Personally I’d rather be busted for having a gun than something really small and (in my opinion) kind of dumb like a bottle of water or a teeny-tiny bottle of hand lotion or (gasp) nail scissors. It may just be me, but I think all this airport security, though well-justified, is a little out of hand.
Thanks for sharing an embarrasing moment. We all have them; I pray that mine are not as spectacular! Thanks for your transparency…it speaks to the real life.
Your friend Stan Toler will be in our area at the end of this month. Tell him to not come packing…he’ll be safe here.
Blessings,
Al
http://afterthesermon.blogspot.com/
Bro. John
I am sure the ministry world is plastered with mistakes, there are the things we know and do that is wrong when we do them, then there are the things we do but by mistake. How many conversations have turned out wrong when only we were trying to help. The Lord understands us and our Humanity. Let us all say this – “Let us pray more than we judge” Bro. John I will be in prayer for you, but you by your actions here are doing the actions you tell your hearers to do, and that is do the right thing. You have, and I know that the Lord will honor you for that, and I always remember the Book of Romans that says what our enemey means for harm the Lord will turn for Good. Some thing good will come from this maybe it is your witness for Jesus in the realm of honest inspection and confession.If we live Trouble comes to us all.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said,
“One of the illusions of life is that the present hour is not the critical decisive hour. Write it on your heart, that every day is the best day of the year”
You are a great Man of God with allot of Great day’s ahead. But watch each day with careful eye’s.
God Bless.
we are not perfect God is still working on us all . We all make mistakes. Just know you will be using this in the future just to help someone else. Isn’t that why we all go through trials to help us grow and to help others. Mr. John Maxwell God is using you greatly and will continue to do so be blessed.
Margie
Dr. Maxwell,
I too have been through the experience of attempting to enter a secured airport area with a bag containing a forgotten handgun. Scary, embarassing and humbling for sure. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you work through this event. One day you will be able to look back on it as hiccup along the road of all the good that you do in mentoring others. Stay strong.
Best Regards,
Bob
John–I personally think that you and your “story” are full of bull.
Now you know what it feels like to be a black man
Thank you John. I am now the second most stupid person in the world. I gladly relinquish my title to you. Try not to shoot yourself in the foot with your new gun.
John…I have worked in Nuclear Power for over thirty years. You cannot even drive to work with a gun…and definitely go thru security. Thanks for taking the responsibility!! It is a good lesson for us all…always think! Like in Camelot…when the words were spoken with such great force…THINK…THINK!! We all need to do that every day. I am glad it was not worse!!! Thanks for your faithfullness and heart for Christ and OTHERS!! Peole don’t care how much we know until they know how much we care!!! You care for people!
You do great things for so many people. Everybody makes mistakes. The trick is how will you use this to help others. I am absolutely certain you will. God Bless!!!
Mr. Maxwell,
It is amazing to me how some Christians do not know how to forgive, yet the Bible clearly states we will not be forgiven unless we forgive. As leaders we are held more accountable for our actions especially for those leaders in the spotlight like yourself. However, it was a mistake and what is the greatest part about it for me is that I learned a lot from your mistake. I have a tendency to put things off, like taking stuff out of my car and putting it in the house. While that seems pretty minor, it is the same thing you did except you had a gun, which does kinda make it worse. However, the principle is the same. Take the time to get done what needs to get done now so it doesn’t cause problems in the future. It will take less time to deal with it now than deal with the consequences of dealing with it later.
I consider myself a student of yours and of leadership. So thanks for the lesson! Keep your head up and move on! You are my hero!
Transparency shows the strength of whom a person is in Christ Jesus. Some of the strongest men I have in this ministry are transparen. This is something that you did not do intentionally. I just pray that nothing comes of all of this as far as the police dept goes.
Bless you
You should have your Bible not a gun. That’s very stupid thing. Friends don’t give guns…
I think we all should get guns. Why cant Maxwell? Gee….he forgot to take it out of his baggage…so shoot the man why don’t we? LOLOLOL!!! Get real.
If I were him, Id have no problem carrying one regardless of what theses mindless little critics say about the incident.
Dr John is great man. Thank God for him!!
There are those who feel fortunate to follow great people. (that’s me)
There are those who are, to some degree, squeeky clean on the outside but have not gotten caught for the wickedness of their hearts. (fill in the blank___)
There are those whose eyes are fixed on Christ to inwardly renew them so that they might point others toward becoming the best version of themselves. (great leaders)
I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t fall in one of these 3 categories…
John,
Congratulations. You’re human. You made a mistake and you admitted it. You know the drill: apologize, learn, seek forgiveness and make amends…then get right back to your ministry. I’ve read, enjoyed and learned from your material for years. Please don’t let your imperfections stop God’s work for another second.
This is so funny!! It just goes to show we are all human. Sorry you were arrested, but I sure needed the laugh!!
You may be a respected Christian writer but you are an idiot if you “forget that you are carrying a gun” into a restricted areas such as an airport.
This sort of inexcusable incident just increases the rant and taints those who legally carry and are responsbile.
No one, no one “forgets” that they are carrying a gun, gift or not.
This is a terrible thing and has caused immeasurable damage to the real issues of personal, and Christian, I might add, thoughts of self preservation and protection.
You are one of my favorite authors. Mistakes do happen. Could your next book possibly be titled “Have Gun, Will Travel”.
Wow- I’m glad that God doesn’t have the same attitude the last guy had or we would all be in a world of trouble. God allowed this for a reason. I trust him with the results. I’ve always been appreciative when it comes to your transparency as a Christian and a leader. This does not make me doubt your faith, integrity or personal values in the least. It just proves we are all human. God Bless!
“God allowed this for a reason”…”Heidi”…that says it all!
I’m not here to be ugly, it’s admirable that he took responsibility for his, what can I say, stupidity.
But you folks are so soupy, I’m gonna have to leave and go puke…
Christian and Elder!
Those of us here at Skyline who served under your wonderful ministry are sitting back, scratching our heads and wondering why this didn’t happen years ago! ! ! Only kidding folks – so if you think I’m going to “talk dirt” about Pastor Maxwell you couldn’t be more wrong! Just think – if everyone who had ever made an “airport mistake” were lined up end to end, the line might be ALMOST as long as the line going through “Security” right now! A big HELLO to your sweet wife, kids and all their kids! You are sorely missed out here on the West Coast!
One final comment (because I am, I am confident, being taken as a hater – far from the truth), but had he been an ordinary person and the gun had gone off, and shot someone – most of you would have pounced on this with a vengance and wanted every gun in the world melted down.
You don’t have a clue of the seriousness of this infraction and the impact that it has. Yes, it was a mistake but not in the same frame as forgetting to put your lotion in a Ziplock.
If you that busy, you’re too busy. And it is that kind of lack of seriousness that gets folks killed, with guns, on the highway, on the jobsite…and “Heidi”, I don’t think any of such is in “God’s plan…
I travel often and carry a gun most of the time. The only reason I haven’t had this happen is simply the grace of God. It is very easy to forget, I can attest to it.
Plus the greater your lid, the more you have on your plate the easier it is to forget, I live there often. Assuming you get the gun back, either frame and hang it in a special place or have a close friend teach you and your wife how to use it.
Your all good, don’t worry about it.
I’m back.
Nonsense to the last post – John Armstrong.
I’ve traveled regularly throughout the country and carried a gun, guns, for over 20 years and you NEVER FORGET SOMETHING LIKE THIS.
It is a grave responsibility and you NEVER FORGET THAT, else you should not have the right to carry one.
Too much, lives, are at stake. Again, if you’re that busy, you’re too busy to even own a gun.
Stephanie the Blog Admin here.
I’m stepping in to remind everyone that you are always welcome to contribute to discussion, as long as it’s done in a civil and respectful manner.
John of the most recent exchange, you sound like a person who is familiar with guns and takes the responsibility of carrying one seriously.
This reaction seems normal from any reader with gun experience. You who are trained in that area have been made fully aware of the danger that comes with owning a gun. We who haven’t had that training can only understand it in theory.
I’m grateful for your perspective, as is John. I think it’s safe to say most of the other commenters get your point: guns are a huge responsibility, and you never make light of that.
John was and is fully aware of the seriousness of what he unintentionally did. He truly does consider it the stupidest thing he’s ever done.
So he is not making light of the mistake. I don’t think the average commenter is making light of the mistake.
Having said that, I ask that you see things from a different perspective. If the mistake is in your past, you should reproach yourself. Of course you wish you could turn back time and use the common sense that seems so clear in hindsight. And yes, you should take precautions to make sure that something like this NEVER happens again.
But I’m sure even you wouldn’t expect someone to stay in that place forever.
At some point, we all have the choice to either continue to feel anger at ourselves, or to laugh at ourselves. I understand how this could seem like laughing at the situation, but I know it’s not for John.
We hope that this DOES serve as a cautionary tale and others learn from John’s mistake.
Please feel free to continue this conversation. As long as all who participate remain respectful of each other and of this forum, I will let it continue.
Thanks, Stephanie
Want to contact me directly?
email admin@johnmaxwellonleadership.com
Dr John, it was a totally innocent situation and I truly understand how it happens. My son’s gave me a Swiss Army knife that I carry with me every day. It’s the most useful father’s day present I have ever received. Many times in my travels I have stood in an airport security line and at the last moment realized I still had it in my pocket, causing me the aggravation of having to return to the ticket counter and check it on as ‘checked luggage.’
One time I was flying out of the Caribbean Islands. I was selected for a secondary security check. . . whereupon I realized that I had, once again, forgotten to put my trusty Swiss Army knife in my checked luggage. The security guard went through my carry on bag and also discovered a container of yogurt. He looked at my knife and waived me through, allowing me to take my knife on board but insisted that the yogurt had to be confiscated for security reasons.
You’re a good man Dr. John Maxwell, thanks for being who you are. . . in all circumstances.
Cheers,
Wes Beavis
I don’t buy the Mr.Magoo story, kind of disingenuous coming from someone like Mr. Maxwell, he should know better. And no one is above a kind word of reproach.
Obviously he has influenced many people for the good and I trust the Lord will continue to use him as an effective servant, however…
The mistake was accepting the gun, pure and simple, not the forgetting! Why does a minister of the gospel need a gun? He has the sword of the word at his full disposal.
Do the gun advocates among you suggest he keep it on the pulpit given recent events in one of our churches?
While you have made an understandable (to some, at least) mistake of leaving a handgun in a carry on bag, you have compounded that mistake by publicly explaining how it got in that bag. Under federal law, the only legal way for a private citizen (who does not have a federal firearm dealer license) to obtain a handgun is to obtain it in their home state. Federal law allows going to another state and purchasing a rifle or shotgun from a licensed dealer in that state (if no state laws are violated by the purchase), but transfering ownership of a handgun (even as a gift) from a resident of one state to a resident of another state requires processing the transfer through a federally licensed dealer.
http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/faq2.htm#b
By publicly explaining your actions, you and the person who gave you the handgun could be explaining the gift to a federal judge.
No John, leaving it in you luggage was the second most stupid thing you did. The stupidest thing you did was say the gun was a gift.
Expect a visit from the ATF jackboots and the fellow who gave you the pistol to be arrested for illegal transfer of a firearm. On the other hand, if he loaned it to you, then you might get by, but because you have already said it is a gift, they are going to try to put you both in prison on felony conviction. But do not cop a plea or they will own you.
John please be careful & most of all honest to yourself. Several years ago in a small church in jupiter florida, Pastor Ian Mac Farland, was also caught with ba gun that really led to other more inappropriate behavoir which cripled the church, his life and so many of us who loved him.
My family will pray that it was just a Mr. Mag00 mistake and not a more serious issue you are dealing with.
God Bless
John, I’ve been reading your stuff since you started writing and I appreciate the evidence that you live out what you write by your transparency and willingness to take responsibility.
Kudos, good sir.
And though I know you will take full responsibility for your actions, still get a very, very good lawyer.
And my own story: once when helping my elderly parents get to their plane, they missed my father’s pen knife, but my key fob (a small metal pen-shaped fob with no sharp edges or points) was confiscated.
Directed to “john”. Everybody is entitled to believe how they will. I believe God uses our unintentional mistakes, our stupidity and sometimes our outright flagrant sin to accomplish his plan- therefore making all of it part of his plan- seeing he is all knowing and knew us and our every move before we were even born. I’m sorry you were so offended by my response to your post-however, his mistake is in the past and you can’t beat a dead horse. I’m sure Dr. Maxwell has been harder on himself than you or any media person would ever need to be. So I would like to invite you to share in forgiving Dr. Maxwell, just as your father in heaven has forgiven you for your mulitude of sins (as well as mine). Have a blessed day.
John, will all of the traveling you do, do you realize how much you are now going to be flagged, followed, searched, etc…you realize you are going to get roasted a long time about this one! sorry bout the near heart attack-good thing you didn’t use a fake ID!
A good follow-up on this at http://equippingministryblog.com/2009/03/18/learning-from-others.aspx
Thank you for being so transparent in this situation and finding a way to still teach a lesson from it. I have been following your teachings for many years, and one of the things that I like best about your style is your story telling. I remember Mr. Magoo, and I appreciated the clip today. God bless you for all that you do to serve Him.
Though faced with this trial you still found a way to teach a lesson and share what can be learned. You’re a man of the almighty God and no weapon formed against you shall prosper. Thank you for being such an inspiration. Hurry back to CF.
In response to Bill’s comment about loaning a gun. Yes, it is legal for a private individual to go to another state and borrow or rent a gun from someone in that state, but it’s my understanding that the gun cannot be removed from that state by the person borrowing it.
John,
Thanks for sharing your story…one thing I know about God is that he puts us in places where he needs us the most. It’s very possible that you may have been a positive influence on someone you came in contact with during your ordeal. Whether it be a law enforcement officer or a fellow prisioner. Just think many of the people in that jail would never have an opportunity to meet someone with your upstanding character or wisdom. I really believe God was somehow using you it that situation to be a positive effect on someone who otherwise never would have had the privilege of meeting you.
Remember if God brings you to it, He will bring you through it!
Dear John,
My heart was beating fast when I read the initial sentences of this news article… thinking that another great Christian leader was arrested!
Thank God that it was not so! Honest mistake. I do not know all the gun laws in the US ( I am from the Philippines) but even Church leaders do not know everything and make mistakes!
Please be careful. I could not have imagined my “mentor” to be walking with handcuffs!
God bless you. Take care.
Rex
Now I know why I never bought any of your books!!!!!!!
Dear john..Love the mug shot with your deep Florida Tan!
Thanks for putting this up on your blog. Being a leader means having to be transparent with people, you’ve taught me that, and through this event, God is still using you to teach. The sad thing is that so many “Christians” will use this against you, and for that, I am very sorry, but I, for one, will not.
I pray that everything works our for you, and one day, you can laugh about it. May the bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you!
With Mary Magdalene, Jesus did not accuse or excuse; in other words he did not look for a way in or a way out.
He did not embrace the elite or go down in sin.
How he did this I don’t know, because it runs counter to everything I have learned while on earth.
It seems that most of those who accuse do not excuse and those who excuse never accuse.
Those who do find themselves in the middle find the meaning of Christ being alive in them Body, Soul and Spirit, and in that, it offers no relief but by GOD’S number of day’s.
No matter your thoughts and even though you struggle that the flesh wants out and GOD want’s in; stay in the middle John; it’s sure to end with GOD.
Of course I never take my own advice and would fight them with everything I got; I would not let them take me down without a fight and I have GOD as my example for this; I’m in Deuteronomy right now!
Where are you at?
Ty for sharing that your HUMAN like all of us
BTW
7 year ago I had one of your books in my hand
it was a 3 in one John Maxwell Book
and then we had to leave the store and I never ever got it
Most of my friends say MAXWELL is the MAN!
if I was going to BUY one JOHN MAXWELL Book?
what one should I start with?
Im 48 Married ,a dad and a grandp
and have been rescued by Christ for 12 years
I love your books as I love your honesty!
A mistake is a mistake… and you have already paid for it; however, my concern is not about the forgotten gun in you bag, my concern is about the kind of gift that you received with appreciation from a Christian friend.
Let’s think about Jesus for a while, the perfect and only Master. Did He ever receive a weapon as a gift from one of His followers? Did Jesus accepted a weapon for Mary… thinking that He was going to be away for few days?
I know Jesus is with you all of the time, but would you have accepted the gun from your friend if you saw Him in person?
My dear brother, I am not judgmental. I love you and I love your ministry, but a gun was invented to shot…
An advice? A lesson? Well, please have a break to read Psalms 91 and 34:7, specifically when you are focused writing a book, and you will not be involved in a similar accident!
God bless you!!!!!
READ MORE (the Bible) and WRITE LESS!
Brother Maxwell,
There are ‘other ways’ to go to minister in jail…lol…jk. I’m sorry you went through that, but I’m sure once it’s all clear; you’ll look back and laugh about it
)
Blessings,
PS
“…the ‘weapons’ of our warfare…are mighty through God…” 2 Cor. 10:4
Dear John,
This incident reminds me of some or your driving adventures when you where pastor at Skyline Wesleyan Church.
You will get past this, but I suspect you will get some creative milage out of this senior moment. Blessing to you and your family. We are praying for you. God bless you!!!
Stephen and Teddy Williams
[...] Bestselling Christian leadership author John Maxwell was arrested after an airport security agent found a gun in his luggage at Palm Beach International Airport in South Florida. For the full story, click here. [...]
John I like the statement everything rises and falls on leadership but I have a question that has troubled me since first hearing that statement. If it is true then the greatest leader would be Jesus Christ and even while on earth with very few followers. Very few followed Christ at that time and most would say he is a bad leader. Would it not be better stated that everything rises and falls on followership? Just a few thoughts on the quote. Have a blessed day.
The responses on this blog are really incredible to me and seem to be very disingenuous and juvenille.
I am a Christian, but withdrew my membership from a church who fired our beloved pastor of 30 years for being caught with a joint at his home. His career was ruined and he was ostracized and totally humiliated in our community. He was treated as an unforgivable beast. Face it, Christians (as a whole) do seem to shoot their wounded. Yet Jesus does the exact opposite.
We have a long, long way to go in the forgiveness dept. We don’t get to pick and choose who we forgive and who we don’t forgive. I applaud the forgiveness so unabatedley and lavishly shown to John Maxwell as evidenced in this blog. But we aren’t consistent. We are selective on who we forgive. That’s the problem.
Where is the forgiveness for ” regular” people who have sinned or just simply made some poor choices? Where is the forgiveness for Ted Haggard? Don’t you think that he believes that his mistake was the stupidest thing he’s ever done? Where is the forgiveness for Jim Bakker? Don’t you think he is sorry and deeply pained by his poor choices? Why is Ted Haggard not allowed to lead a church anymore? He was human and a sinner before he made the mistake and is still human now. Don’t you think he has something to offer us after going through something like that? Do you think he isn’t a Christian anymore? Imagine what a testimony he could tell us all about his walk with Lord after experiencing something like that!! Imagine!!
We are all sinners who have fallen short! Why is John Maxwell still allowed to go on with a “o well i made a mistake, i’m just a Mr. Magoo” and Ted Haggard’s life is ruined? O so it matters what the sin is, eh? I’m glad Jesus doesn’t think that way!!! Does it really matter the sin? Is our forgiveness contingent on the social prejudices of the day? So, as long as John Maxwell didn’t commit the unforgivable sexual sin all is well??
I am truly convinced that God has forgiven John Maxwell with all of the grace and mercy and not one iota less than he has with Ted Haggard.
John deserves forgiveness and he deserves to continue on his ministry being all the stronger for it. I applaud him for admitting his mistake and using it to better himself and his followers.
Let us take a moment to think of the non-John Maxwells of the world who make mistakes and sin and get caught!! Are we so ready to forgive, so ready to live and let live, so ready to show love, support and compassion? Are we? I think not.
Let us show Christ’s love and compassion to ALL people, all sinners, people who are popular and unpopular, socially acceptable and the socially unacceptable, to the high profile illegal gun carriers all the way to the sex offenders. (I mean really folks, we don’t even allow sex offenders in our churches. We don’t care if they are sorry or have changed. We just don’t want them. By the way, the modern day sex offender is to the leper in Biblical Times, but that’s another story!!) The point is ALL people are deserving of Christ’s love and if we are called to be like Christ, what is the issue exactly?? The problem is US, not THEM.
We must forgive all people without exceptions. I believe that is what Jesus would do.
By the way , that pastor that I spoke of earlier now manages a McDonald’s and lives everyday with his “Mr. Magoo” Moment. His job as a manger came hard as he was barely able to do even that due to the fact that he forever has a criminal record. He was my ” John C. Maxwell.”
This is another perfect example of Christians being willing to forgive a sin—as long as the sin isn’t too bad. Just like all sinners are welcome at church—as long as the sin isn’t too bad. Lucky for you, John. Your sin (the one that was exposed) wasn’t, in this case, too bad and your followers are able, in all their Christian love, to forgive you. Now is you were found in an airport restroom. . .
I have known and respected John C. Maxwell for a long time. He is the person most responsible for my wonderful husband’s (of 35 years) salvation. Several of Kim’s responses (the writer before me) are understandable and valid, but I would point out major differences that need to be considered. Ted Haggard’s issue was deliberate, ongoing sin, done by knowing choice. John’s was a stupid mistake, without intent to deceive. I have been very appreciative of Ted Haggard’s contributions in our world, my heart broke at his fall, and I pray for his complete restoration. He has long been forgiven by me. Ted and John both are due our forgiveness. But restoration to leadership is a different matter. A stupid, careless mistake clearly has different ramifications with God and with people than does a chosen pathway of sin. It is irresponsible and lacks wise love to the leader himself/herself and to the people who follow to equate all actions in their impact, and want the consequences to be the same. Mr. Haggard needs and deserves for the Body of Christ to love him, forgive him, walk with him–and withhold leadership from him until such a time as capable people are able to say that the issues that caused his very public sin and fall are resolved in a way that minimizes the chance of further heartbreak for him, his family, and anyone who follows him. That’s not a lack of forgiveness–that is Christ-like love at it’s best.
As for John? Maybe we should pay his tuition for a memory improvement course.
His heart and his lifestyle are right on; his memory was bad.
Even so, he made no excuses, acknowledged it, and stepped up to pay the price for his failure. That is always what is at the the heart of true, godly repentance, whether it is for deliberate, chosen sin, or a unintentional mistake.
Dear Mr.Maxwell, things happen to us. A few years ago someone who was a friend kept begging me for money for gambeling and I repeadily said no. This person suffers from emotional outburts and started to shake me in anger. In response I pushed myself away and as I did that I accidentaly pulled her necklace off and it broke. My friend was so mad at my “no” answer for money that an hour later she called the police and accused me of attacking her (she is neighbor who is 65) . Because there was a mark on the back of her neck from the necklace being pulled, I was charged and arrested in my business place. Thankfully no customers were there. Fedral law requires that if a mark is present, the accused must be brought in and held for 48 hours. I had to go to court where the judge dismissed the whole case and the charges were dismissed. My friend had since apologized and asked for forgiveness and has sought counseling. So…these things happen. It’s still bothers me that it happend. Untill then, I hadnt even been stopped for a speeding ticket. It was all embarassing and all that, but it’s over now. It does stay with you always, but in time you learn how to handle it emotionally. I still look up to you and consider you a friend and mentor. This all will pass and in time no one will remember. God Bless you and I look forward to your new book!
Kim, #173
I am sorry that your faith was shaken by your pastors diminished judgement, and even more shaken by your contemporaries apparent mishandling of the whole issue. I understand that so many Christians and self proclaimed Christ Followers are more engaged in “spec in the eye vs. log in the eye judgement” and this has brought more shame and reproach to the name and cause of Christ, than so many of the autographical offenses that they are addressing; but the reality is, that people that are in leadership positions are held to a different standard of accountability than those that are less visible, and less influential to Christiandom at large. Unfortunately you seem to embrace one of the most damnable myths in many sects of contemporary Christianity; the notiion that sin is sin, and all sin is the same, and should be dealt with as such! Nothing could be further from the truth, and nothing gives us psuedo -licsence to justify our particular behaviors of choice, than that school of thought! It is true, that the condition that afflicts us all ,(sin) separates us from God, but not from forgiveness through repentence and faith in Christ and the redemptive work that was procured by the Godhead,through Christ and his incomprehensible love and sacrifice for all of us. but… there are now, and always have been a divinely imputed stratification of consequences for various sinful choices, behaviors and yes even selected lifestyles. These consequences have been woven into the fabric of the universe by the creator Himself, and are like the Creator himself immutable!! He does not apologize for this reality, even when it doesn’t fit into our personal desires that it were otherwise, so we could feel better about ourselves in our “Sins of Choice”! Ask King David if you don’t believe me! I might add that some of the severity of his punishment was because of his position of leadership, and his influence on so many lives that are precious to the Master! The higher the position of leadership, the further the fall, when it is because of putting egocentric desires and selfish choices ahead of the well being of those that have been entrusted to them! You cannot place John’s snafoo in the same camp with the offenses and userpations of authority and selfish choices of some of the others that you have mentioned. God’s forgiveness is remarkable and able to reach the very depths of hell it’self, but the consequences have been illustated through out the scriptures. Unfortunately, so many people choose to embrace the line of thinking that you are describing in your discourse to justify, and bring to a level playing field their particular pet sins. If you take a good, hard, honest look at this whole conceptual battle, the honest and credible thinker will not take glibly the forgiveness that came at such an excruciating cost to the Divine. There is no cheap grace in God’s economy. Please don’t equate Dr. Maxwells’ human blunder with the deliberate and hurtful choices of other Christian Leaders who have brought such shame and reproach to the cause of Christ, and left so many new and shallow believers faith and lives in shipwreck. Thank you for your kind consideration or re-consideration of your thoughts.
Dr. Maxwell,
I took it hard when I first read the headline, but when I learned the all history I thought “… There comes another book … there comes another book .. ha,ha”
Here is the lessons I learned:
1. I need to read the all article
2. It´s better to receive gifts in cash
3. with transparency in one`s live, stupid things make noble-heart men become greater men
Dr. Maxwell my highest respect for a lifetime of giving yourself to others.
Hola, mi querido hermano y amigo, usted ha sido victima de un descuido, que sucede a diario pero nosotros como cristianos y sobre todo personas públicas de grandes retos como usted no pueden darse ese lujo, los hijos de Dios debemos estar alertas en todo momento, no podemos ver el mundo como un jardin de rosas, es de suponerse que un arma en pleno siglo xx, no es cosa de juego o de suposiciones, es decir no podemos ser palomitas incautas que el enemigo viene y nos engaña, es de anteojito que el diablo aprovecho su descuido para obrar de la manera en que todo sucedio, dando gracias al Dios altisimo que siempre manda sus angeles para que nos cuiden donde quiera que nos dirijamos, ya que el nos ama, pero recuerde el nos manda tambien a ser astutos, asi que hermano no se aflija más, recuerde que no somos perfectos, solo somos perdonados, pero esto es una buena oportunidad para seguir creciendo y bienvenido al mundo real, Good bless you!
Dr. Maxwell,
I have used your material many times in my personal and business life. You are a man of integrity. Thank you for being authentic and open. Mistakes happen. You sure have helped a lot of people like myself deal with theirs. We are here for you.
Hi John,
I’m from Papua New Guinea and a great follower of all your teachings on leadership. You are a great person. I’m reminded of the statement that says “The many good things you do, people do not want to remember, but the one bad thing you do, people always want to remember” I hope and pray that the good will erase the memories of this one bad thing.
Blessings
Sam Koim
Papua New Guinea
Hey Brother John,
I hope there is a feature on this where someone reads the comments for you before they are published on your blog. I would like to have just a one-time private contact with you. If you don’t have such a feature, well, hello world!
My name is Mel Montgomery, and I am an itinerant minister living in Joplin, MO. Your writings have helped me a great deal. I would like to ask your permission about something.
I have a website, http://www.brothermel.com, on which I feature rare early Pentecostal audio recordings the Lord has brought me from around the world. It is my policy that when I receive a recording, I do my best to track down the speaker’s descendants, or the venue at which he preached, and ASK permission to host the recording. Asking permission first, rather than begging forgiveness later, has served me well.
I’d like to ask your permission about something. Would it be alright if I put a link to your blog on my website on my “Links that will bless you” page, and link to some of your blog entries or articles in my monthly e-mail newsletter? You hardly need me to promote your site, but a link on my site might drive some new traffic to your blog and materials who haven’t heard of you before.
The amount of attention these rare recordings have brought to my ministry and website has been substantial, and therefore the traffic through a link to your site might be substantial also. In the last 2 years I have had over 1 million hits on my website from people in 105 countries downloading my recordings and articles. More meetings have opened up for me. In August I will be preaching in London for 3 churches. And last week I did two radio interviews for international Christian radio programs. Not bad for a little guy no one ever heard of, in Joplin, MO of all places!
Again, thank you sir for your writings and materials. And thank you for handling your airport experience in such an intelligent and adult manner. What happens with you guys on the national scene reflects on us all.
Kind Regards,
Rev. Mel Montgomery
“Brother Mel”
Joplin, MO
It has been a long time since working with you at Skyline…I have told so many people all across North America about how you lead as a Christian Pastor and Leader…nothing has changed…you teach us to be doing things right no matter what. What an EXAMPLE to us all. I love you John and I thank God for making you a reality to the world. Kenn
As a leader, what do you teach us? carrying guns are right?
what do you need it for?
decoration?
what a disspointment….
Dr. Maxwell:
Here in Guatemala we admire you, first as a man of God and then as the great leader you are. You have blessed this country so much. Thank you for showing us your human side, God bless you!
A veces tan distraidos, como cuando Adan acepto ser complice de Eva, por no poner atención, a lo que estaba sucediendo.
Espero en El , que la inseguridad no entre a tu corazón, pues creo que nuestra dependencia y seguridad, vienen de Dios , quien nos ha llamado para ser diferentes a aquellos que no tienen seguridad y confianza en nuestro Poderoso Dios.
A tu esposa tambien la cuidará El, y mejor que tu y cualquier arma terrenal.
El os guarde y fortalezca,
Atte. Mac, México city
Mr. Maxwell you are a man of God, and beleived me that the devil wants to destroy you so please be obedient to His word and you should enter into His kindom.
We are at end of times and be careful in falling into sin.
la verdad es que sé que fué un descuido, y no sé si es confesión de estupides o me adelanto a que alguien lo diga, pero me intriga saber como un hombre de Dios tan tremendo como usted puede tomar un arma y ponerla en su valija sin temblar o pensar que no tiene nada que hacer con algo así..
Un millón de líderes lo miran…
Estos supuestos “hombres de Dios”, no son mas que Comerciantes de la Fe, que gustan el Lucro a costa de Ignorantes de las verdades Biblicas. Solo este incidente, es un ejemplo de la “fe en Dios” que estos comerciantes, perdon, estos Multimillonarios Evangelistas tienen. Predican de fe, pero ellos ni creen en Dios. Jesus ya lo advirtio; “haran mercaderia de ustedes”.
Sinverguenzas como este Jhon Maxwell se multiplican cada dia.
Jorge,
No dudo que tengas razon de varios hombres que buscan lucro a costa de “ignorantes,” pero te aseguro que este hombre no es uno de ellos. Hay tiempos que llegamos a pensar por acciones que nosotros hacemos, mas no dejes que una acto de ignorancia descuide de tu esperanza en ver hombres verdaderos a Dios. Despues de todo, buenos o malos, nuestros padres siguen como nuestros padres, igual, nosotros, delante de Dios no somos tan diferentes, vive la vida con alegria y espera lo mejor de todos. Dios te bendiga.
“Puestos los ojos en Jesús, el autor y consumador de la fe” Hebreos 12:2
Hi, I only can say tha no one is perfect friend. The people know that you are an integrity man of God.. Go ahead
Julio , from Peru
Better to take refuge in the Lord than to put one’s trust in mortals. Better to take refuge in the Lord than to put one’s trust in princes.
Better to trust that God is in charge of our families. we dont need guns to be secure or to secure our families, God cares about them. (a gun can’t do it better than God)
Cast all your worries upon Him because He cares for for you.
Jorge,
De la abundancia del corazon, habla la boca… Te sugiero que reflexiones sobres tus palabras un poco y limpies tu corazon de toda Crítica y Juicio, pues el único que puede juzgar es Dios.
Dr. Maxwell,
Gracias por compartir con nostros este episodio de su vida y reflexionar su aprendizaje con nosotros.
Dios lo Bendiga.
[...] han sido publicados por Grupo Nelson, usó el medio de comunicación Twiter y su propio blog: (http://johnmaxwellonleadership.com/2009/03/13/stupid-is-as-stupid-does/) para dar a conocer lo que él mismo reconoció como su mayor [...]
Sr. Maxwell
No soy de muchas palabras pero quiero decirle lo suigiente; Quiza Dios quizo que sucedediara esto para provarle, mostrarle o enseñarle algo, yo creo que todo lo que pasa, pasa por alguna razon, solo queda que le pida a Dios en oracion ” Que me quieres enseñar” Porque aunque sea un buen lider, todavia puede aprender de un GRAN MAESTRO QUE ES NUESRTRO SEÑORJESUCRISTO
Well, I have to admit, it makes it a little easier for me to listen to your advice knowing that you can also make mistakes just like me. It’s easier to listen to a real person than someone who seems to do everything perfectly.
As much as it may cost you, am I allowed to say thanks for messing up at least once where we could all see it?
Hi, How are you?
With a Humib spirit, you need to improve in wisdom. For making good choices.
Peace,
Pro. 2:11
Mark Barrientos Dörner
Valdivia, Chile
Todas las cosas ayudan a bien a los que a Dios aman.
“Mira que te mando que te esfuerces y seas valiente no temas ni desmayes porque Jehova tu Dios estara contigo a donde quiera que vayas.
Josue 1:8
Nadie debe de juzgar, todos estamos en camino de perfeccion. Solo nos queda volver a Jesus el autor y consumador de nuestra Fe. Nuestro ejemplo y el unico perfecto
Mis oraciones para su ministerio,
Maria Eugenia
Costa Rica