SKU: 44686102391
dracaena reflexa outdoors

dracaena reflexa outdoors 7-10 FT Dracaena 'Reflexa'

Sale price$18.31 Regular price$20.34
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $5.08 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Sep 7 - Sep 12

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

dracaena reflexa outdoors 7-10 FT Dracaena 'Reflexa'Description Meet the Dracaena Reflexa, your next statement plant obsession! With over 100 varieties of Dracaena in the world, this standout superstar (also known as Pleomele) delivers vibrant color and distinctive character that'll have your plant friends secretly plotting a heist. Those gorgeous, thick green leaves grow close together on slender stalks,giving you your very own lush indoor tree, and turning any space from "meh" to magnificent. Maybe

Description

Meet the Dracaena Reflexa, your next statement plant obsession! With over 100 varieties of Dracaena in the world, this standout superstar (also known as Pleomele) delivers vibrant color and distinctive character that'll have your plant friends secretly plotting a heist.

Those gorgeous, thick green leaves grow close together on slender stalks,giving you your very own lush indoor tree, and turning any space from "meh" to magnificent. Maybe it’s the classic green variety, Dracaena Variegata, or the eye-catching forms like Dracaena Reflexa Song of India that you’re drawn to. Either way, this plant delivers serious style while remaining refreshingly low-maintenance.


Care 

Do Dracaena like full sun or shade?

Well, neither really! Dracaena Reflexa is the Goldilocks of light requirements—not too bright, not too dark, but just right. She thrives in bright, indirect light where she can soak up filtered sunshine without getting scorched leaf tips.

While she'll tolerate lower light conditions, you might notice slower growth and less vibrant foliage. Think of full sun as that spicy food your friend insists you try—a little taste might be okay, but too much and there will be consequences (namely, a burnt tongue or crispy leaves).


Can I put my potted Dracaena outside? 

Your Dracaena Reflexa can enjoy summer vacation outdoors, but only in a sheltered spot away from direct sunlight, strong winds, and nosy neighborhood squirrels (Yup, she’s a little fussy). She's a tropical plant who prefers temperatures between 65-80°F.

Just remember to bring her back inside before temperatures drop below 55°F. She's definitely not the outdoorsy survival type—more of a "glamping with all the amenities" kind of plant. No freezing temperatures for this diva, please!


How often should you water a Dracaena?

Water your Dracaena Reflexa when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. This typically translates to once every 10-14 days, depending on humidity levels and the season. Slight leaf drooping is her subtle hint she’s thirsty.

During winter, she'll need even less hydration—think of her as entering a slight hibernation mode when the days shorten. If you're typically a helicopter plant parent, step back and let this independent lady breathe. 


Do Dracaena like to be misted?

Dracaena Reflexa appreciates occasional misting, especially in dry indoor environments. She's originally from tropical Madagascar, where humidity’s basically a lifestyle, not just a weather condition. For extra humidity points, place her near (but not in) your bathroom after hot showers.

If your home feels as dry as a stand-up comedy roast, a gentle misting a few times a week will keep her looking fresh and fabulous. Just avoid soaking her leaves entirely—she likes a light facial mist, not a drenching shower. 


Can Dracaena get too much sun? 

Absolutely! Dracaena Reflexa is the kid who burns after five minutes at the beach, no matter how much sunscreen they apply. Being in direct, intense sunlight can scorch her beautiful leaves faster than you can say "SPF 50."

If you notice brown, crispy edges or bleached spots on her foliage, she's basically waving her arms and yelling, "Get me out of this sunshine!" Move her to a spot with bright, filtered light where she can enjoy the ambiance without the burn. Your plant will thank you by not looking like it went through a toaster.


Where is the best place to plant a Dracaena?

The ideal spot for your Dracaena Reflexa is near an east or north-facing window where she'll get the best bright, indirect light. She's perfect for bringing tropical vibes to those slightly darker corners of your home or office.


Is Dracaena high maintenance?

Dracaena Reflexa care is surprisingly chill for a plant that looks this fabulous. She's equally comfortable at a fancy gala or a casual backyard BBQ. So she’s perfect for both newbie plant parents and seasoned green thumbs.

Just don't drown her in attention—she'd rather you forget a watering than soak her roots. Dracaena plants have a thing about wet feet (who doesn't?), and consistently soggy soil leads to sad, mushy stalks. Keep the soil on the drier side, and she'll reward you with perky, vibrant foliage year-round.


How often do you repot a Dracaena Reflexa?

Repot your Dracaena Reflexa every 2-3 years, or when you notice roots circling the pot's bottom or poking through drainage holes. She's not in any rush to upgrade her living situation and actually prefers being slightly root-bound.

When repotting time comes, choose a container just 1-2 inches larger than her current home. Going too big too quickly is like moving from a studio apartment straight to a mansion—it's overwhelming and can lead to root issues. Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure the new pot has drainage holes to prevent soggy soil syndrome.


Can I put my Dracaena Reflexa outside in summer?

Your Dracaena Reflexa can absolutely enjoy a summer holiday outdoors, provided temperatures stay above 55°F and she's protected from direct sun, strong winds, and rain showers. A shaded patio or porch makes the perfect summer retreat for this tropical beauty. 

Just remember to gradually acclimate her to outdoor conditions—even plants can get shocked by sudden environmental changes. Start with a few hours outside in a sheltered spot before committing to a full summer vacation. And always bring her back inside before fall temperatures drop!


What are the best fertilizers for Dracaena Reflexa?

The Dracaena Reflexa isn't a big eater—she prefers quality over quantity when it comes to nutrients. A balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength works perfectly for her modest appetite. When in doubt, less is more.

Feed her monthly during spring and summer when she's actively growing, and let her fast during fall and winter when growth naturally slows. Overfertilizing is worse than underfertilizing for Dracaena plants—too many nutrients can burn her roots and leave her looking sad and crispy. 


Pet-friendly?

The Dracaena Reflexa is not pet-friendly and should be kept away from both cats and dogs. It contains toxic compounds that can cause various symptoms like vomiting, drooling, and digestive upset if ingested by your furry friends.


Is the Dracaena Reflexa safe for dogs?

Unfortunately, the Dracaena Reflexa contains compounds that are toxic to dogs if ingested. These can cause vomiting, excessive drooling, and digestive upset in your furry friends, so it's best to keep this plant out of reach of curious canines.

If you're a dog parent, consider placing your Dracaena on a high shelf, in a hanging planter, or in rooms your pup doesn't have access to. Safety first, beautiful plants second! There are plenty of pet-friendly alternatives if your four-legged friend has a habit of sampling your greenery.


Is the Dracaena Reflexa poisonous to cats?

Yes, Dracaena Reflexa is toxic to cats if they decide to make it their midnight snack. That’s because the plant contains saponins that can cause digestive upset, drooling, vomiting, and even dilated pupils in our feline friends.

If you've got a curious kitty who treats your houseplants like a salad bar, you might want to reconsider adding this beauty to your collection. Otherwise, place it in a room your cat doesn't have access to or on a shelf too high for even the most determined climber. Remember, cat safety trumps even the most gorgeous foliage.


Factoids

Can I put coffee grounds in my Dracaena plant?

While your Dracaena Reflexa might enjoy the occasional coffee shop visit (figuratively speaking), adding coffee grounds directly to her soil isn't recommended. They can create too much acidity and potentially lead to fungal issues in the potting mix.

If you're determined to recycle your morning brew, try adding a small amount of diluted coffee to your watering can once a month instead. Just make sure it's completely cooled and unsweetened—plants prefer their coffee black, no sugar, no cream. Your Dracaena isn't a complicated latte order kind of gal.


How long does a Dracaena plant last?

With proper care and attention, your Dracaena Reflexa can be your faithful green companion for 10-15 years or more! She's in it for the long haul, unlike that Fiddle Leaf Fig you killed after three weeks (we're not judging).

These plants are known for their longevity and will happily grow alongside you through multiple homes, relationships, and questionable haircut decisions. The oldest indoor Dracaena specimens have been known to survive for decades, becoming magnificent statement pieces and living heirlooms passed down through generations.


Does a Dracaena plant purify air? 

Yes! Your Dracaena Reflexa is working overtime as both a gorgeous statement piece AND an air purification system. NASA studies have shown that Dracaena plants can help remove toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from indoor air.

While she's not quite as effective as an actual air purifier, think of her as providing a gentle detox for your space. She's silently cleaning your air while looking fabulous—talk about a multitasker! Just don't expect one plant to purify an entire home; for best results, become the plant collector you were always meant to be.


Is a Dracaena an annual or perennial?

Dracaena Reflexa is a perennial plant, meaning with proper care, she'll stick around for years rather than completing her lifecycle in a single season. She's playing the long game when it comes to being your houseplant companion.

In her native tropical habitat, she's an evergreen perennial that grows continuously year after year. As a houseplant, she maintains this perennial nature, growing steadily (albeit slowly) and providing year-round foliage interest. No need to replant annually—this is a relationship built to last!


What is the lifespan of a Dracaena Reflexa?

Your Dracaena Reflexa can thrive for as long as 10-15 years indoors with proper care, making her one of the more long-lived houseplants you can adopt. Some well-maintained specimens have even been known to survive for decades. 

Think of her as a plant companion that might outlast your car, your smartphone, and possibly even some of your friendships. Her slow growth rate contributes to her longevity—she's not racing to complete her lifecycle but rather taking her sweet time to develop into a stunning, mature specimen. Patience with this plant pays off beautifully.


What is the spiritual meaning of the Dracaena plant? 

If you’re into that kind of thing, Dracaena Reflexa is often associated with prosperity, good fortune, and positive energy in many cultures. Her upright growth and vibrant foliage are believed to attract abundance and success into your home or workspace.

In Feng Shui practices, Dracaena plants are thought to purify energy and create harmony in your space. Whether or not you believe in plant spirituality, there's something undeniably uplifting about sharing your environment with this beautiful, living sculpture. At minimum, she'll bring the spiritual blessing of cleaner air and natural beauty to your home!


Is Dracaena a good luck plant?

Looking for some luck? Many consider the Dracaena Reflexa to be a powerful good luck charm for your home or office. In various cultural traditions, these plants are believed to attract prosperity, abundance, and positive energy to their surroundings.

The plant's upward growth pattern is thought to symbolize rising fortune and progress in life. Whether you're superstitious or skeptical, having this stunning plant around certainly can't hurt your luck—and at worst, you'll have a beautiful, air-purifying statement piece to enjoy! Consider it a green lottery ticket that's already a winner regardless of luck.


Does Dracaena smell? 

Unlike some flowering plants that fill your home with overpowering scent, the Dracaena Reflexa is blissfully scent-neutral. She's not here to compete with your fancy candles or perfume collection—just to look gorgeous silently in the corner, adding to the vibe.

The only time you might notice any scent is if the soil remains too wet for too long, which could create a musty odor (a sign that you're overwatering). Otherwise, this plant is the perfect roommate who never brings home smelly takeout or forgets to take out the trash. She's all beauty, no odor!

 

Why is Dracaena called dragon?

The name "Dracaena" comes from the Greek word "drakaina," meaning female dragon. This fierce moniker was inspired by the red resin that some species in this genus produce when cut, which was thought to resemble dragon's blood.

While your Dracaena Reflexa doesn't typically produce this dramatic resin, she's still part of this mythically-named plant family. There's something undeniably magical about having a plant with dragon lineage in your home—though thankfully, she doesn't require feeding like a dragon would. Standard potting soil will do just fine!


Buy a Dracaena Reflexa

Are you looking for a low-maintenance stunner to welcome into your plant family? The Dracaena Reflexa (sometimes called the Pleomele) brings tropical elegance and vibrant foliage to any space without demanding constant attention.

She’s perfect for the beginner plant parent or a seasoned collector, this adaptable beauty fits perfectly into your lifestyle. We’ll ship her to your door safely!

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 44686102391

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell dracaena reflexa outdoors

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.5 ★★★★★
Based on 24 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
K
Verified Purchase
K Edward
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
Excellent glimpse into Christ's model for leadership
Format: Paperback
This book is on a required reading list for ministerial licensing in my state. I found it a refreshing look into real Christian leadership (seemingly free from methods and techniques encouraged by the world). I say 'refreshing' because so many leadership books send out a 'drill sergeant' message that 'You need to toughen up for leadership. It isn't a cake-walk... You do a lot alone, etc. etc.' That may be true, but it can almost be discouraging/ disheartening for those interested in learning about leadership. NOT SO with this book. The author is a humble man of God who only desires to walk closer with Him. He (author) approaches leadership from a Divine angle; that is, he doesn't see leadership as the exercise of power and authority for its own sake. He sees leadership as that quality one gets from simply walking with Christ in close fellowship, to the point of being what he calls 'a mystic'. He encourages us to take those quiet walks with God; get to know His heart, and only then... be qualified to lead others with a servant's heart. He encourages us to be transparent and not to seek to do this alone (contrary to the messages this world sends us). To do this he shares engaging stories from his own life - stories of tough lessons he had to learn about becoming a Christian leader. God taught him through these life experiences more accurately what it means to be a leader, and I found myself identifying with him. I found this book on leadership to be a great encouragement to just walk closely with God - and that's what it's all about!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2006
B
Verified Purchase
Brad
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 5
Follow Jesus, Not the World
Format: Paperback
Henri Nouwen calls on Christian leaders--including himself-- to resist, as Jesus resisted, the temptations to be relevant, spectacular, and powerful. Instead, "...the Christian leader of the future is called to be completely irrelevant and and to stand in this world with nothing to offer but his or her own vulnerable self. That is the way Jesus came to reveal God's love." Further: "We keep forgetting that we are being sent out two-by-two. We cannot bring good news on our own. We are called to proclaim the Gospel together, in community." And: "The temptation of power is greatest when intimacy is a threat. Much Christian leadership is exercised by people who do not know how to develop healthy, intimate relationships and have opted for power and control instead. Many Christian empire builders have been people unable to give and receive love." I hope these excerpts give you a flavor of what's inside this extraordinary book, which I thought was truly profound even in its simplicity. Nouwen speaks from the heart because he speaks from experience. He walked away from a high profile clerical career to follow Jesus in the most authentic way he could. His is a story worth hearing and imitating.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2006
L
Verified Purchase
Lavid
Houston, US
★★★★★ 5
Un libro que debes leer!
Format: Paperback
El tema del liderazgo cristiano es vital dentro de la Iglesia. La lectura del libro In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership, hace un aporte significativo a mi entendimiento teológico acerca del liderazgo. Como líderes podemos edificar o destruir vidas; ayudar a otros a que avancen o frenarlos en su jornada de fe; servir de inspiración o dejar huellas de dolor en la vida de otras personas; mostrarles el camino a otros o perdernos en el camino. El autor hace una pregunta que creo que es muy oportuna y puntual en nuestra vida: ¿Qué decisiones has estado tomando últimamente y cómo son un reflejo de cómo percibes el futuro? Ciertamente no había reflexionado en ello. Cada día tomamos decisiones desde el momento en que abrimos los ojos, si ya me levanto, qué voy a desayunar, qué ropa me voy a poner, etc. Pero no había analizado si mis decisiones diarias me están acercando a lo que Dios tiene para mí o si me tienen estancada en mi pasado. Una de las cosas que ha llamado mi atención en la lectura de este libro es que el autor dice que llegó a un punto en su vida donde comenzó a sentir una terrible amenaza interna y se cuestionó si el hacerse ya mayor en edad lo había acercado más a Jesús. Quiero detenerme aquí, porque una líder que ha influenciado mi vida es mi madre. Ella ya tiene 83 años, y continuamente me repite: -Hija, tengo que estar muy cerca de Jesús, ya casi llega mi hora y quiero poder encontrarme con Él cara a cara. Puede uno entrar a su cuarto y la hallarás en su sillón con su Biblia abierta y orando o cantando alabanzas a Dios. Ella se preocupa por guardar su relación con Jesús. ¿Alguna vez, como líderes, estamos preocupados por si estamos muy cerca de Dios? ¿O es que quizás nuestro liderazgo nos hace presuponer que sí lo estamos? Estamos tan ocupados en la viña del Señor que se nos olvida ocuparnos del Señor de la viña. El autor reconoce que en esa etapa de su vida ya no oraba con pasión, sino que lo hacía bastante mal, se había aislado de las personas y se dio cuenta de que su alma estaba en peligro. Vino a mi mente Mateo 16:26 (NTV) “¿Y qué beneficio obtienes si ganas el mundo entero pero pierdes tu propia alma? ¿Hay algo que valga más que tu alma?” O como Pablo les dice a la Iglesia en Corinto: “no sea que habiendo predicado a otros, yo mismo sea descalificado.” 1 Corintios 9: 27 (b) Creo que si reflexiono teológicamente me debería preguntar: ¿Tengo la seguridad de lo que vale mi alma? ¿Podré yo quedar descalificada ante Dios en algún área de mi vida? ¿Está mi alma en peligro? Henri J.M Nouwen desmenuza la tentación de Jesús y nos muestra tres tentaciones que como líderes y ministros enfrentamos frecuentemente. La primera a la que se refiere es la Tentación de ser Relevante y su base es cuando el diablo le pide a Jesús que convierta las piedras en pan. Hoy hay muchos que quieren ser “relevantes a toda costa”, aunque eso signifique ir más allá de nuestros principios y cambiar por completo el Evangelio. Cada vez que escucho a un predicador diciendo que “pacte” con cierta cantidad de dinero para recibir un milagro, me indigno en gran manera porque algo que Jesús ofreció gratuitamente al pagar con Su sangre, ahora los “grandes predicadores de estos tiempos” lo han convertido en negocio. ¿Estaremos provocando que Jesús voltee nuestras vidas como hizo con las mesas de los cambistas del templo? Se nos olvida que Jesús es quien tiene que ser relevante para el mundo y que tenemos que reflejar la luz de Cristo. Hoy vivimos pendientes de cuántos seguidores tenemos en las redes sociales, cuántos likes tienen nuestras publicaciones. Por eso decía al principio, que podemos perdernos en el camino. Nouwen se inquietó de que su ineficaz oración y la tiranía de lo urgente lo estuviera empujando a reprimir al Espíritu Santo. David sabía lo que significaba andar sin el Espíritu Santo como compañero, por eso clamó en el Salmo 51: 11 “No me eches de delante de ti, Y no quites de mí tu santo Espíritu” Coincido con el autor cuando expresa que los líderes del futuro serán aquellos que se atrevan a reclamar su irrelevancia en el mundo contemporáneo como una vocación divina que les permita entrar en una profunda solidaridad con la angustia que subyace a todo el brillo del éxito y traer la luz de Jesús allí. El autor nos hace reflexionar en la pregunta que Jesús le hace a Pedro. ¿Me amas más que estos? No le preguntó acerca cuánta gente lo conocía, a cuántos había impactado. La pregunta era relacional: ¿me amas a mí? Por lo tanto la pregunta para nosotros sería, ¿estoy enamorada de Jesús? Nouwen declara que el líder del futuro es uno que conoce el corazón de Dios. Cuando no estamos ligados al corazón de Dios porque nos falta esa intimidad con Él, somos más propensos a que el anhelo por la fama, por ser exitosos, se apodere de nosotros y nos desenfoque de nuestro llamado. Conocer el corazón de Jesús y amarlo son lo mismo. Cuando vivimos en el mundo con ese conocimiento del corazón de Jesús, no podemos hacer más que traer sanidad, reconciliación, nueva vida y esperanza donde quiera que vayamos. Seguido a la pregunta tan desafiante, viene una tarea importantísima: apacienta mis ovejas. Mi corazón se estremeció, pues a pesar de conocer este relato y haberlo predicado varias veces, esta vez el enfoque del autor me hizo reflexionar en que muchas veces se nos olvida que hemos sido llamados a apacentar las ovejas, que tenemos una responsabilidad pero por tratar de ser relevantes no la estamos cumpliendo a cabalidad. El autor aborda ahora el tema de la oración contemplativa como una disciplina importante para el cristiano. La oración contemplativa profundiza en nosotros el conocimiento de que ya somos libres, que ya hemos encontrado un lugar para morar, que ya pertenecemos a Dios, a pesar de que todo y todos los que nos rodean siguen sugiriendo lo contrario. Nouwen lanza una pregunta que es confrontante: ¿Son los líderes cristianos del futuro verdaderamente hombres y mujeres de Dios, personas con un ardiente deseo de morar en la presencia de Dios, escuchar la voz de Dios, mirar la belleza de Dios, tocar la Palabra encarnada de Dios y saborear plenamente la bondad infinita de Dios? Aunque está mirando hacia los líderes del futuro, mi preocupación es también por nosotros, los líderes actuales. Si no vivimos una vida de oración no vamos a poder enseñarle a los líderes del futuro cómo avivar ese deseo ardiente de permanecer en la presencia de Dios. Anoche en el servicio de oración de la iglesia, yo les hablé acerca de cuando Dios decide poner fin a Sodoma. Dios se pregunta: ¿Encubriré yo a Abraham lo que voy a hacer, habiendo de ser Abraham una nación grande y fuerte, y habiendo de ser benditas en él todas las naciones de la tierra? Pienso entonces: ¿qué nivel de intimidad tenía Abraham con Dios que éste no quiere encubrirle sus planes? La respuesta la da el mismo Dios: “Porque yo sé que mandará a sus hijos y a su casa después de sí, que guarden el camino de Jehová, haciendo justicia y juicio, para que haga venir Jehová sobre Abraham lo que ha hablado acerca de él.” Dios sabía que Abraham iba a preparar a su descendencia como líderes del futuro. La oración es llamada “la cenicienta” de la iglesia. Para muchos no es relevante; sin embargo, es lo que alimenta nuestra alma y define quiénes somos en Dios. Para vivir de pie delante de los demás, debo vivir de rodillas delante de Dios. La segunda tentación es la de ser espectacular. Hoy la mayoría de los cristianos quieren ser parte de los ministerios de la iglesia que son más visibles: alabanza, predicar detrás de un púlpito, ministerio de danza. Pocos prefieren estar en el grupo de intercesión, o en los servidores, o ser de los que limpian el templo. El mismo Nouwen dice que actuamos como si la visibilidad y la notoriedad fueran los criterios principales del valor de lo que estamos haciendo. La popularidad ha reemplazado lamentablemente la verdadera esencia del ministerio. Somos especialistas en dar shows domingueros, no en adorar a Dios los domingos. Somos especialistas en luces que impresionan en los stages de las iglesias, pero no somos luz que alumbra en medio del pecado. Somos especialistas en buscar las mejores voces para que canten en nuestro servicio, pero no en que nuestra voz produzca cambios en otros. La propuesta de Nouwen para tratar esta tentación es la confesión y el perdón. Los líderes y ministros deben ser personas siempre dispuestas a confesar su propia fragilidad y pedir perdón a aquellos a quienes ministran. Debemos ser capaces de rendir cuentas. Creo que esto es algo en lo que Wesley enfatizó y que debemos retomar. Hace unos años, para la tesis de graduación, mi esposo Daniel propuso como tema para la misma la rendición de cuentas. Esto causó revuelo en la Facultad, debido a que ellos decían que ese era un tema pasado de moda, que porqué tenemos que decirles a otros nuestras debilidades y nuestras faltas. ¿Qué tanta basura hay en mi vida que tengo temor a que sea expuesta? ¿Será porque dejo de ser relevante y espectacular ante otros? La tentación de ser poderoso es la tercera tentación que menciona Nouwen, y él considera que esta es la tentación más seductora. Ciertamente he visto a gente cambiar drásticamente cuando se les ha sido dada autoridad. El autor considera que a pesar de nuestra experiencia que el poder no nos da la sensación de seguridad que deseo, sino que revela nuestras propias debilidades y limitaciones, seguimos haciéndonos creer que más poder eventualmente satisfará nuestras necesidades. El texto que usa el autor en esta parte es uno de mis textos preferidos en la Biblia, Filipenses 2: 5-8, y me encanta la versión The Message: “Piensen en ustedes como Cristo Jesús pensó de sí mismo. Tenía el mismo estatus que Dios, pero no pensaba tanto en sí mismo que tenía que aferrarse a las ventajas de ese estado sin importar qué. De ningún modo. Cuando llegó el momento, dejó a un lado los privilegios de la deidad y asumió el estatus de esclavo, ¡se convirtió en humano! Habiéndose hecho humano, se mantuvo humano. Fue un proceso increíblemente humillante. No reclamó privilegios especiales. En cambio, vivió una vida desinteresada y obediente y luego murió una muerte desinteresada y obediente, y el peor tipo de muerte, una crucifixión.” Cristo renunció a todo, pero nosotros lo queremos conservar todo. El autor resalta el hecho de que gran parte del liderazgo cristiano es ejercido por personas que no saben cómo desarrollarse sanamente, sin habilidades relacionales y que han optado por el poder y el control en su lugar. Muchos constructores de imperios cristianos han sido personas incapaces de dar y recibir amor. Por eso es tan importante la disciplina de reflexionar teológicamente. Porque creo que ninguno de nosotros está eximido de enfrentar y de caer en estas tentaciones, así que debemos estar constantemente reflexionando en nuestro liderazgo y en la influencia que estamos teniendo en las personas que nos rodean. El verdadero liderazgo espiritual, según Nouwen, es uno en el que “el poder se abandona constantemente en favor del amor”. ¿Qué tanto estoy dispuesto a ceder por amor a Dios y a mi prójimo? Mis preguntas al terminar este maravillo libro son: ¿Cómo Dios ve mi liderazgo? ¿Cómo veo mi liderazgo? ¿Cómo otros ven mi liderazgo? ¿He permitido que alguna de estas tentaciones venza y gobierne mi vida?
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2020
R
Verified Purchase
Rick Watts
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 4
Great Book for Church Leaders
Format: Paperback
In this book, Nouwen describes what he believes the key characteristics of a Christian leader are. These characteristics are guided by two stories for the Gospels: the story of Jesus' temptation in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11) and the story of Peter's call to be a shepherd (John 21:15-19). These characteristics are being prayerful rather than relevant, ministerial rather than popular, and being led rather than being a leader. Nouwen first explains that the temptation of today's ministers is to be relevant. Nouwen says that Jesus also had this same temptation. When Jesus was tempted by the devil in the desert, the first temptation was to turn stones into bread. With so many people in the world dieing of starvation, we all wish at times that we had the power to turn stones into bread. However, when Jesus was asked to perform the relevant behavior of changing stones into bread, he stuck to his mission to proclaim the Word and said, "One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). Rather than trying to be relevant to the world, a Christian leader should use Jesus as the source of their words, advice and guidance. It is through the discipline of contemplative prayer that Christian leaders can do that. It is not enough for Christian leaders to be moral people, well trained, eager to help their fellow humans, and able to respond creatively to the burning issues of their time. Christian leaders must truly be men and women of God, people with an ardent desire to dwell in God's presence, to listen to God's voice, to look at God's beauty, to touch God's incarnate Word, and to taste fully God's infinite goodness. The second temptation Nouwen says Christian leaders must avoid is the temptation to be spectacular. This was also Jesus' second temptation in the desert. "Throw yourself from the parapet of the temple and let the angels catch you and carry you in their arms" (Matthew 4:6). Jesus would not do it. He refused to be a stunt man to prove that he had something worthwhile to say. In stead Jesus said "Don't put the Lord your God to the test." Nouwen says that in today's church, individualism among ministers and priests is prevalent. Many do not have many skills to be proud of, but they still frequently feel that, if they have anything at all to show, it is something they must do solo. However, Nouwen says that ministry is not done solo, but in pairs. In Mark 6:7 Jesus sent the discipline out two by two to conquer evil. We cannot preach the Gospel on our own, we are called to share the Gospel together, in community. Nouwen goes on to say that ministry is also mutual. Jesus said, "I am the god shepherd. I know by own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for my sheep" (John 10:14-15). Ministers have gotten the idea that good leadership means keeping a safe distance form those we lead. However, when the members of a community cannot truly know and love their shepherd, shepherding just becomes a subtle way to exercise power over others. Nouwen says that the only way to for us to over come this temptation is confession and forgiveness. This does not mean that ministers should bring their own sins into the pulpit. It means that ministers are called to minister with their whole being, including their wounded selves. The third temptation today's Christian leaders must overcome is the temptation of power. When the devil said to Jesus "All this I will give you if you will bow down and worship me." Jesus replied "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only" (Matthew 4:9-10). Others say that having power - provided it is used in the service of God and your fellow human beings - is a good thing. Nouwen says that it was this rationalization that caused crusades, inquisitions, and the enslavement of Indians. He says it seems easier to be God than to love God, and easier to control people than to love people. Nouwen says that a common misconception among Christian leaders is that the older and more mature you get then more capable you become as a leader. However, John 21:18 says, "I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." Nouwen says that the most important quality of Christian leadership is not a leadership of power and control, but a leadership of powerlessness and humility. Powerlessness and humility in the spiritual life refer to people who are so deeply in love with Jesus that they are ready to follow him wherever he guides them, always trusting that, with him, they will find life and fine it abundantly. Nouwen says that the way to discern where we are being led by Jesus is through theological reflection. Theological reflection is thinking with the mind of Christ. The Christian leaders of the future have to be theologians, persons who know the heart of God and are trained - through prayer, study, and careful analysis - to manifest the divine event of God's saving work in the midst of the many seemingly random events of their time.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2010
V
Verified Purchase
Victoria
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 5
Not just for leaders
Format: Paperback
Even though this book is geared towards Catholic leaders and I’m not in a management/leadership role, I found the discussion of the temptation of fame, power, and relevance so applicable. It cut to my core. I think we all wrestle with those temptations in some way or another. Definitely one to read again and again!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2023

recommand products