When I think about these difficult headlines and current events, I often search the media to see if I can find any evidence of what the church calls 'servant leadership.' Sometimes I do, but most often I do not. This shouldn't surprise us really, as the world will often act differently than what God has revealed to us through the Bible. But I don't give up hope that we may soon see a change in how our politicians and government officials react to stressful situations.
We watch leaders come and go. But I believe what is most prevalent with people in power today - both in corporate America and elsewhere - is the misconception that in order to be effective, we must lead with force. This often equates to the need to control everything, which in turn comes from allowing our egos to reign unchecked. A typical strategy for managing a department or beginning a new business for example, often results in large groups of frustrated employees who are disillusioned with their jobs because all they see is the person in charge putting their preferences first. "I'm in charge, and what I say goes" you may hear them utter. Couple this style of leadership with the fear of showing weakness or admitting your mistakes, and we have almost the perfect storm.
But what did Jesus say about how to lead others? You may remember a peculiar Scripture from the Bible that talks about Jesus welcoming little children. In particular, Luke 9:46-48 says, "An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, 'Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest."
It is a true statement that much of the time, children are looked upon as less influential (or more marginal) than the rest of the population. But Jesus rightly takes the time to pull a little one over to himself and teach his followers about a heavenly paradox when it comes to servant leadership. In other words, if we are ego-driven, control mongering, power hungry leaders - then we are doing something wrong. We are not leading others the way Jesus taught. In this case, it would indeed be better to behave like small children.
We may also remember the famous story about Jesus washing his disciples' feet during the Passover festival. In those days, travel was arduous and people's feet and sandals would often become extremely dirty. As such, it was a most detestable job to wash them for another person ... definitely not something reserved for the Son of God. Or so we would think.
The fact is, Jesus washed their feet that day in order to demonstrate to them how to engage in servant leadership. John 12:14-15 says, "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."
He set us an example, but are we listening? Do we see our managers, bosses, and leaders serving their followers in this way? Probably not very often.
The problem is that people will follow an intelligent, charismatic leader for a while - but it won't last forever. If they begin to discover that everything this person says or does is still based around ego or selfish motives, they will eventually begin to fall away. This is just as true in churches as it is in the business world. Putting on a good show will sell tickets in the short run, but that alone does not cause genuine life change. If we are not serving others also, they will feel it. It cannot be all about us when it comes to leadership.
One more Biblical account to look at that will help clarify this concept. The story of King David and Bathsheba has always fascinated me. Not just because it is a tale of deceit and adultery, but rather because it shows the trouble we can get into when we do not lead well. You see, 2 Samuel tells us that David had sent his army off to battle against the Ammonites. It wasn't uncommon to launch into battle in the spring time back then, but what is important here is the fact that the king stayed behind in Jerusalem. In other words, David sent his army into battle, but decided that it would be better if he didn't get his hands dirty himself. The fact that he passed on his duty as commander that day allowed the opportunity for problems to sneak in. David saw the attractive Bathsheba from his vantage point during a rooftop stroll at the palace, and the rest is history (and not good history either).
David should have gone into battle with his troops. So should we. We are to get in there and serve. People are watching and waiting for a leader like this.
I remember one manager in particular whom I worked for during high school. He was one of those rare leaders who would choose grace over punishment, and service above ego. There was nothing that he assigned us which he had not done himself at some stage during his charge. Since we all knew this, no one scoffed or complained whenever he gave us a task to do. In fact, he often stayed late so that I could clock out and get home a bit early. He was truly great to work for.
I wonder if he had ever read that story about Jesus washing feet. I suppose it doesn't matter at this point, as I have lost track of him through the years. Probably better to model it than to read about it anyway. And best of all to teach it through example.
.
No comments:
Post a Comment