Leadership

Out Front    

Leadership requires visibility. This can both deter many people who do not want the scrutiny that comes with leadership and encourage some who simply want the attention. In reality, leadership is far more about accepting responsibility than many people realize. When things are going well in an organization or group it can often seem like little to no effort is actually being exerted by the leaders. When things are more turbulent the leaders may be seen as inept or incompetent. 

This last Sunday our text from Luke 22 dealt with the need for leaders to be servants. Leaders need to be dedicated to the welfare of those they are leading and oriented toward the goal. If leaders are unconcerned about the followers they might lose them. I once knew a man who was a good cowboy, but when he was given the task of leading a group of people on a trail ride he would often just ride off and leave them. He expected them to just keep up. Leadership means taking responsibility for the production and welfare of others even while they still get the credit. A good lead must also be focused on the goal. If the leader is lost and aimless the followers will be hopeless and in danger.

I have noticed in recent weeks a couple of examples of leadership. One example is of a weak and fearful leader just trying to keep his fragile sense of control. This is not unlike the religious leaders of Jesus day. This negative example will serve as a cautionary tale for all of us. The second example is to be an amazing portrait of someone dedicated to his responsibility and to his people.

Canada

The negative example comes from our (USA) neighbor to the north. I am not an expert on world affairs and I do not claim to have any special insight into what is happening in Canada. But the narrative that I have heard has implied that when the convoy of Canada truckers reached Ottawa that Justin Trudeau the Canadian Prime Minister fled. It has been widely speculated that he used Covid 19 as a cover to escape the protests. These protests have been, by most accounts, peaceful, but Trudeau responded with all the backbone of a jellyfish. My point here is not the politics of Trudeau or the truckers, only that in leadership terms it is evident that Trudeau acted in cowardice and self protection. I'll be honest I haven't really given Trudeau’s leadership foibles much thought until the last couple of days, when on the world stage, another leader has risen in stark contrast to the weak example of Justin Trudeau.

Ukraine

I must admit one week ago I didn’t know who Volodymyr Zelenskyy was. Once again I’m not an expert in global political science. But I do know that, at least in the public eye, President Zelenskyy has demonstrated great resolve in not looking to escape the fast approaching Russian military. The President is quoted as saying, “I need ammunition not a ride.” Once again I want to acknowledge my ignorance about the details and the reality on the ground in Ukraine, however, the stark contrast between Trudeau and Zelenskyy at least in the public perception is shocking. 

Church

In Hebrews 13 we are told to remember our leaders, specifically those who have spoken the word of God to us (Hebrews 13:7). In the context of this passage it is clear that the author does not mean just anyone from whom you have heard a sermon or teaching but rather the elders and pastors of your local church who have and continue to teach you the word of God. The verse goes on to instruct us to consider the outcome of their life and imitate their faith. We as God’s people are called to join in with God’s people (local church) and follow the elders who are teaching God’s word. I want to state emphatically that this does not mean blind allegiance but rather a noble study which carefully considers the life and the doctrine of the leaders against the standard of the Bible (Acts 17:11). Later in verse 17, The Hebrew writer tells us to obey and submit to these leaders because they have taken on the responsibility and accountability of our souls. We ought to desire to make this work easier through our faithfulness (Hebrews 13:17). Ultimately, we must seek out good leadership, but once we find it we must also submit to it for it to be of any advantage for us.

Heaven

But there is a leader who far exceeds all others. This leader was willing to come into the trenches of the warfare between good and evil, light and darkness, even life and death, to rescue His people. He laid aside His royal robes and took on the form of a servant (Philippians 2:4-8). Now the Lord Jesus is ruling from His throne at the right hand of the Father till all His enemies are defeated and brought under His feet (1 Corinthians 15:24-28). This is our King and our Lord who is above every king and every lord the Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:4-8)!

---