~The insignia of the "Fighting 4th" Fighter Group of the United States Air Force, where eagles soared~
~Colonel Donald Blakeslee upon assuming command of the United States Air Force 4th Fighter Group on January 1, 1944~
There are few people who we may come across who may exhibit those cherished qualities of leadership. For that personal quality of leadership is all too often held up as one of the true measures of a person. We admire the quarterback who leads his team to a league championship. We cherish the political leadership of one who leads his nation through crisis into prosperity. We also have admired those men of the clergy who have, through action and word, guided their flocks through trying times. Indeed, it seems that leadership is a very precious commodity these days. We should not fear, for as our nation fought for its survival through many a conflict, certain men have risen up to the challange. One of these men was Colonel Donald James Matthew Blakeslee of the United States Air Force. Once described by a comrade as "George Patton in a P-51," Blakeslee became the leader of the highest scoring fighter group in the history of the United States Air Force. A few of these men he commanded in turn became legends themselves. Francis "Gabby" Gabreski and Captain Don Gentile were two of the flying aces which made the 4th famous in its bloodlust for German fighters. When war broke out in 1940, Don Blakeslee went north of the border from Ohio to join the Royal Canadian Air Force, which was already engaged in conflict with Hitlers Germany in England. Arriving in England 15 May, 1941, he proceeded to embark on a combat career which would eventually land see him as one of the most respected air gunfighters of his time. Along with Hubert "Hub" Zemke of the Air Forces 56th fighter group, these two men wreaked havoc on whatever aircraft the German Luftwaffe chose to send against them. So much so, that the Germans often went out of their way to avoid combat with those under the command of these two men. Often to no avail.
Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. "Therefore whateveer they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. "For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. "But all their works they do to be seen by men. they make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. "They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, 'Rabbi, Rabbi.' "But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for one is your teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. "Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. "And do not be called teachers, for One is your teacher, the Christ. "But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. "And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Matthew 23: 1-12 NKJV
So, what can we learn of that quality of leadership from Jesus' rebuke of the Jewish scribes and Pharisees? Plenty, for it was these men of Jewish authority who, through their actions, did nothing to exhibit that position of leadership which they enjoyed. As far as leading by example, these men of the Jewish cloth did not lead at all. The picture which Jesus paints of these men is certainly more of one of utmost arrogance than of leadership. For such men loved the praise and trappings of the positions which they held in Jewish society. They enjoyed the best seats at feasts and in the Jewish synagogues, as well as greetings of importance and praise from those around them. It is no wonder why Jesus would condemn the behavior of these men, and no wonder still just why such men despised Jesus so much. For Jesus exposed them for who they were. His warning to those who would listen? Do what they say and NOT what they do! If one of the most endearing qualities of a good leader is one who leads by example, then these men would have no reason being in the positions they were in.
Each of us know those few who, due to their actions and leadership, whom we have no problem following. However, as Jesus rightly pointed out, let no one refer to you as "Teacher," for there is but one and that is Christ Jesus. I believe that the position of leadership is one which is not to be taken lightly, nor is it to be held high to give one honor. For is it not our heavenly Father who has placed those around us in leadership?
~Scott~
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