Leadership?

“He who rules over men righteously, who rules in the fear of God, is as the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, when the tender grass springs out of the earth, through sunshine after rain.” 2 Samuel 23:3a – 4.

While there are many passages in the Bible about leadership, both explicit and implicit, the above passage struck me a few days ago. Consider the image – that of renewal and refreshment. Good leadership, great leadership, provides renewal and refreshment. In turbulent times, when refreshment is not an immediate prospect, great leadership nevertheless casts a vision of a future that is worth sacrifice and perseverance.

Great leadership exists to serve. It does not exist to cater to special interests, it does not exist to line its own pockets, it does not seek its own good, but rather the good of others. Responsible leadership does not exalt itself, nor does it malign others. Jesus teaches us that servant – leadership is Christlike leadership. Concerning Himself, Jesus said, “The Son of Man has not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (See Matthew 20:20 – 28; John 13:1 – 17).

We, the U.S.A., are a nation with many people in power but with few leaders. This is perhaps true globally, and it is, I think, true in the professing church. We have monetarized society and much of the church. Therefore, when a crisis arises which demands more than an economic response we are at a loss, our leaders are at a loss.

Yes, there are economic issues that need immediate attention for humanitarian purposes – and they should be addressed before anything else (economically speaking). However, at the same time our nation needs leaders who make the people the spotlight, the people the center of attention, and who speak honestly to the people of our immediate uncertainties and our hope for the future.

We do not know what the future will look like. Prior to Covid-19 there were already economic indicators that caused concern – such as the level of both personal and corporate debt. We do not know if we can, or should, return to a culture than encourages and enables unbridled consumption.

Perhaps we have an opportunity to recalibrate our social priorities. Perhaps the church has an opportunity to become reacquainted with the Christ of the Cross and the Cross of Christ – to learn what it is to live sacrificial lives for the benefit of others.

When a people are in uncharted and turbulent waters they need leadership with gravitas, understanding, and a determination to care for everyone. They need leadership that does not engage in knee-jerk rhetoric. They need leadership which tells the truth, calmly acknowledges uncertainties, and promises to put them first. They also need leadership which empowers others to seek solutions and which nurtures collective ownership and participation in the process and the development of goals.

Our hedonistic and narcissistic pursuit of pleasure has rendered us morally and spiritually bankrupt, and that bankruptcy has extended to our leadership (yes, there are exceptions).

“He who rules over men righteously, who rules in the fear of God, is as the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, when the tender grass springs out of the earth, through sunshine after rain.” 2 Samuel 23:3a – 4.