1 Peter 3: 13 - 17 NKJV
Nobody wants nor looks forward to following someone who is a bad leader. Bad leaders and the decisions they make have led to many a bad situation. All too often we complain and fuss over what we perceive as bad decisions by our bosses, coworkers or public officials. It seems that, given the chance, that we ourselves could do much better than those who have been entrusted to make the important decisions. After all, we didn't put them in charge. It was John Quincy Adams who once said of leadership that "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are a leader." That may be too high a standard for some to bear. For when we are thrust into that caldron of leadership, our own needs will suddenly be replaced by the needs of those with whom we have been entrusted. Those who have taken up the mantle of leadership in one form or another can attest to the struggles which all too often come with such a position. When you are a leader, there is no room for personal favoritism, agendas or self gratification. For if you seek the position of leadership simply for your own gain, then you will soon hear the discontent of those under you. It was General Colin Powell who once observed that one must "Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego falls with it." Pretty sound advice from one who has led others into the heat of battle.
"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-mannered. Avoid excessive shaprness or harshness of voice, which usually indicates the man who has shortcomings of his own to hide."
~German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel~
So, what is it that makes a sound leader? For many have tried, but precious few have actually succeeded. Recently, many have coined the term "leading from behind" to describe one who lets their own agenda or ego get in the way of effective leadership. Former presidents Barak Obama, George H.W. Bush and now Donald Trump have all been accused at one point or another of leading from behind. It is my humble opinion that one can SAY anything, but what are you actually doing with your leadership role? What was it that made others follow the man Jesus? Was it His charisma, sweet talk or the promises that He made? No, I believe the reason that so many followed Christ Jesus is that He all too often spoke as one who knew what He was talking about {Luke 2:46-47}. Not only that, it was often the love, compassion and understanding of Christ which drew people to Him. He spoke not of condemnation, but of the love of the Father who sent Him. Remember, those who Jesus called to follow Him were of no special social standing in their society. These fishermen, tax collectors and "sinners" were just who Jesus needed to hear His message. As Jesus tells us, He did not "come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" {Mark 2:17}. As Christ exhibits to us so many times in scripture, it is the humble in heart who all too often make the best leaders. For in the hearts of such men are carried the hopes and dreams of those under their authority.
33Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, “What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?” 34But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. 35And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” 36Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, 37“Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.”
Mark 9: 33 - 37 NKJV
~Scott~
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