We live in an age where leadership is defined by perception. The various media streams inundate us with snippets of politicians, movie stars, business moguls and sports figures vying for influence and power. If someone shows up on a cable news network they are suddenly credible, we tend to listen first and discern later.
So, we view leadership through a funnel; our perceptions guide who we follow. If a person has a book or their own show or is on tour or wins a car race, they are catapulted into view as a cultural icon, a leader. This kind of leadership, however, is positional. It is perceptional. It is based on the amount of influence a person gains through gimmick and marketing. Is this the model the Christian is to follow?
What is it really that makes a leader? It was once said, “A writer writes.” And this is true. Most professional writers will tell you that the process of writing is not only grueling it is often devoid of the romantic perceptions that most associate with the profession. The same is true of leadership.
A leader leads. The romantic view of leadership shows leaders wielding influence gaining popularity and “shaping culture.” But we find a contrasting view of leadership when we look at the life of the Christ. Perhaps the most telling example of Jesus’ leadership is found in an upper room before his execution.
In an act of resounding humility Jesus kneels on the floor and washes Peter’s feet. The visual here is striking. He then tells his disciples to do likewise. But what is even more profound about this moment is Jesus’ motive. What motivated him to wash another man’s feet? What motivated him to embrace his execution on a Roman cross? The answer to both questions show us the secret to his leadership: love.
Love. Not the nebulous emotive idea we tend to think of, but the brutal commitment to give up everything for someone unknown. When leadership is derived from the deep wells of love a different kind of leader emerges. One not seeking personal gain, one not seeking the public eye, one not seeking approval of man … one person leading when no one else will. This kind of leader will be, as Pastor and author Chuck Swindoll once said, misunderstood.
So then, if a leader leads when no one else will. And if a leader is often misunderstood and alone who would want to lead? And how, then, is influence gained?
True leadership does not first seek influence as a goal. Even though the two concepts may be inextricably linked, they are understood in a hierarchy. When a person leads, influence follows. That’s the order. The modern day leader often has it backwards. ____________
This autumn season afforded me a unique opportunity. I was able to sit down with pastor and author Chuck Swindoll for some candid conversation regarding leadership, discipleship and singing to sheep.
