Leadership is challenging

 

As someone with decades of experience in management and leadership, I can say that leadership is demanding.  It might also be said to be an ‘art’ and a subtle one at that.  It’s far easier in those times when a group or organization is growing and progressing; such times are exciting, the groups have high energy and leaders, and members can see the results of their efforts – often before their very eyes.

In times of trial, disappointment, struggle, or persecution leadership is equally vital, but it takes on a different character.  Leadership in difficult times, especially when hostility is directed at leaders themselves, is deeply challenging.  At such times validation must come not from external success or adulation and approval, but from deep within.  In times of persecution especially leaders must draw on a well of deep resources; hope, trust, and faith to persevere and to lead.  In times of persecution or trial ‘good’ can seem to be repaid with evil [Jeremiah 18:18-20].

Jesus was all too aware of such dynamics.

“Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” He asked those who followed and sought to hold office and authority [Matthew 20:17-28].

Power, position, privilege, and prestige are often associated with leadership – and they can be seductively alluring.  To seek only these aspects is to be led astray and instead of leading one is being led – and the mission suffers.  If one only sees leadership in the light of its associated aspects then one misses the mark completely.

In the vision of Jesus, leadership goes beyond mere titles and even position in a group structure.  For Jesus leadership might have trappings, but they weren’t His concern, rather He spoke to the essential dynamic of leading – service.  “Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave”.

While Jesus saw that leading entailed witness and was observed to entail ‘seats’ of office – He was more concerned to stress that a leader must also be able and prepared to endure betrayal, restriction of liberty and even death.  He spoke openly of His ‘chalice’ as symbolic of these realities.

It’s my opinion that greatest leaders also know when to step aside and let their followers shine.  We have the finest of leaders to follow.  “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”