There are people doing good things, too!

We often notice the bad things people do and the hurtful ways people behave toward each other. I guess it’s fair to say that sometimes it is hard not to notice. This reality about life can be incredibly disappointing and discouraging.

But it’s good to remember that it is not uncommon for people to do kind, thoughtful, helpful, loving things for others, as well. I have been blessed to see people help others in ways that were costly and inconvenient for themselves with no desire for thanks, praise or public admiration.

Followers of Jesus are called to be loving, gracious, merciful, helpful servants because we are called to be like the One who is loving, gracious, merciful and helpful to us.

Referring to Himself, Jesus said, “…[T]he Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28

Why Do Leaders Sometimes Manipulate Those They Lead?

Why do people in leadership positions sometimes wind up manipulating the people they lead? Here are a couple of thoughts…

Sometimes manipulation occurs because the leaders genuinely think they know what’s best. And since they honestly believe they know what’s best they assume the manipulation is okay. After all, manipulation works and what is achieved through their manipulations will—in their minds—ultimately be what is best. So they rationalize that the manipulation is justified.

Sometimes manipulation occurs because leaders cannot generate enthusiasm, passion, interest and action consistent with their objectives through a truthful explanation of the facts of the situation so they resort to manipulative tactics. Manipulation will often work by taking advantage of strong feelings and emotions when the facts alone will not promote the actions they are hoping for.

Sometimes manipulation occurs because leaders have an ulterior motive. An ulterior motive held by a leader is, by definition, not something the leader wants to reveal. So, they attempt to achieve their desired ends by keeping the objectives hidden and manipulating emotions instead.

It is easy for leaders to fall into the tendency to manipulate the people they lead. Even good leaders are capable of doing this because there are forms of manipulation which are very effective and, frankly, can be easier to execute. So it is tempting to use them.

Good leaders, however, are honest and they relate with those they lead in truthful, mature, respectful ways. They do not view those they lead as dumb sheep to be manipulated, rather, they view them as people of intelligence and capability; people deserving of dignity and respect.

So good leaders make every attempt to refrain from knowingly manipulating those they lead. In fact, the approach of good leaders is to serve those they lead, in love. They provide guidance and direction through example. They cast a vision for a future that is good and right and would be better for everyone, doing so in an honest and forthright manner.

Jesus’ approach to leadership is represented—at least, in part—by something He said about himself which is recorded in the book of Matthew:

“…[T]he Son of Man [Jesus] did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28

Humbly Serving Others

Jesus says about himself that he “did not come to be served, but to serve…” Matt. 20:28.  Our egos rebel against the idea of being a servant.  “I should be the one who gets served!” we think.  That’s why you can typically spot authentic followers of Jesus by their willingness to humble themselves and serve others.