The Essence Of The Leader

~Field Marshal Erwin Rommel~ 

Then Jesus spoke to the multudes and to His disciples, saying, "The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses' seat.  "Therefore whatever 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 phylacteires 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 will be your servant.  "And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.  "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  for you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.
Matthew 23: 1 - 13 NKJV

I've lost count of how many books, articles and videos I've seen on how to be an effective leader.  It seems that every Tom Dick and Harry in the public spotlight has at one time or another produced something they feel is a major breakthrough in the practice of being a good leader.  I recently was told of a "Leadership" bible written by John Maxwell which a few friends claimed was indeed a good read.  When I asked why, all they would say was, "It's John Maxwell."  Now, in all fairness, John Maxwell has made a career of doing leadership seminars and corporate presentations.  I know nothing of his christian faith.  It is for this very reason that I declined to purchase his reference leadership bible.  Is the bible meant to be a leadership reference?  Perhaps, but we are told that Christ Jesus Himself instructs us to not call anyone "Teacher," or "Father."  For indeed we have One teacher and One Father in our heavenly Father and in Jesus.  So, yes, in this respect I believe that scripture can be a good reference into leadership.  However, what more perfect example of leadership can be found than in the One whom we now follow?  In Christ Jesus we have each and every example ever needed for the vision of a good leader.  For Jesus does not lead us from behind, but from within {Galations 2:20}.  It is our pride and arrogance which prompts us to place ourselves above others in that leadership role.  For as Jesus tells us, "For One is your teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren."  Knowing this as truth, where does that put Mr. Maxwell?  Where does that put anyone who claims to be our superior?  Are we to follow men, or Christ Jesus?

My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.  For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, "You sit here in a good place," and say to the poor man, "You stand there," or, "Sit here at my footstool," have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?  Listen, my beloved brethren; Has God not chosen the poor of this world to berich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?
James 2: 1 - 5 NKJV

I've watched the recent childish antics of athletes taking a knee or remaining seated at games while our nations national anthem is played.  While I personaly consider such actions disrespectful to those who have fought and died for the very freedom these simpletons are exhibiting, I also realize that they are also taking on their shoulders a huge responsibility.  Are the actions these athletes are taking effective leadership?  I would disagree.  I believe that there is a time and place for protest, and this is not it.  Forget the fact that the very man who started it all, Collin Kaepernick of the NFL's San Francisco Forty Niners, feels it's his right to protest against the economic conditions afforded to african Americans in this country.  This would be a valid protest were not Kaepernick raised in rich affluence, given plenty of athletic opportunities AND now has a income somewhere in the range of 19 million smackers a year!  This is not leadership, but pure hypocracy!  Nevertheless, many so called concerned athletes have followed Kaepernicks lead and kneeled during the playing of our countrys anthem.  Following the hypocrite pied piper.  As I've said, THIS is not leadership.

"Be an example to your men, in your duty and in your private life.  Never spare yourself and let your troops see that you don't in your endurance of fatigue and privation.  Always be tactful and well manered.  Avoid excessive sharpness or harshness of voice, which usually indicates the man who has shortcomings of his own to hide.
~Field Marshal Johannes Erwin Eugen Rommel - The "Desert Fox"~

As is often the case, we can all learn much from those who have been thrust into that position of leading under fire.  For I would rather follow a man who had endured and suffered the same conflicts that I have than someone who simply read about it in some how to manual.

~Scott~