Do you have some measure of power and authority? Be careful.

 

Taking Responsibility Reminds Us That Real Leadership Is Challenging

When we encounter a leader who makes it known in the organization he or she leads that his people need to take the fall so he [the leader] will not have to be responsible for his own actions/mistakes, what we are observing is a terrible leader. As a matter of fact, this is actually the opposite of true leadership.

Not surprisingly this method of operating is probably somewhat normal in the world of political leadership. I’m not taking sides here. This tactic of having low-level staffers or other underlings take the fall on behalf of the person at the high level occurs with both republican and democrat politicians.

A number of these people—on both sides of the aisle—are ego-driven, seekers of power who have very little interest in serving others. Their primary motivation for seeking office is an almost pure form of selfishness. They are not leaders, in the true sense of the word, they are professionally postured and polished narcissists.

I know this is just one, sad, lonely post that will make no difference in the big scheme of things but I felt like expressing this thought, anyhow. The reality I describe above is a reminder that authentic leadership is tremendously challenging.

P.S. By the way, I wrote this thought a couple of years ago regarding something I had seen on a political TV show and chose not to post it for a while. So, this is not specifically directed at any current political person or event. Although I am sure it applies to plenty of current political figures.

P.P.S.  Some of the people who read this might be thinking, “Oh yeah Dan, what you’re describing about people in the world of politics happens in the realm of religious leadership, too. So there, Buster!!!” My response to that is: Sadly, you are correct. It does. But that still doesn’t make it right. It just reveals to us that some of these people have no business being in leadership positions, as well.

I repeat: Authentic leadership is tremendously challenging.

“Pray…for kings and all who are in authority…” 1 Timothy 2:2

The Strength of the Servant

When we think of Jesus on his hands and knees washing His disciples’ feet, our reaction tends to be, “That’s not right!  Jesus shouldn’t have to serve, He’s the one who should be served.”  

If we feel this way, it reveals that we don’t have a proper understanding of servanthood.  To serve others is not a negative thing, it is not an indication that the servant has no power.  Actually, to serve others is good, it is godly.  The person who gladly serves others because of the work of God in his/her life is revealing strength and the assurance that comes from knowing the one who is All-Powerful.

God's Power Not Our Power

Our willpower does not make us more obedient followers of Jesus. In fact, the power does not exist within our own selves to be the people that God calls us to be.  However, God’s power—at work in us—can enable us in extraordinary ways.  “Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with men is possible with God.’” Luke 18:27

My Weakness And God's Strength

It’s very difficult for me to come to grips with this reality, however, the strange truth is that my weaknesses are exactly the places in my life where the power of God can be most brilliantly and effectively displayed.  God told Paul, “My grace is all you need.  My power works best in weakness.”  2Cor. 12:9.

We Need A Power Beyond Our Selves

In order to consistently live the way that Jesus calls us to live, there is a power far beyond our selves that is required.  This is one of the significant ways that the Holy Spirit works in the life of the follower of Christ.  It is the Holy Spirit who gives us power to do the things that we cannot do on our own.