Politics is
full of dirty tricks and power plays.
The level of media attention being given to NJ Governor Chris Christie
over allegations that he played some petty games with rivals is rather strange
to me. Is he the first politician that
ever pushed people to fall in line? Of
course, hindering the travel of NJ commuters was a stupid thing to do. But, the
Gov. says he knew nothing about it. Is he telling the truth? Who knows?
What I do know is this: power is frequently a corrupting force. Those who are trusted with it- in a home, in
a church, in a city, or nation- need to
be reminded that authority is a gift to be used for others, not for self.
When I was
a young man, one of my uncles advised me about making my way in the world with
this parody of a Bible verse. "He
who tooteth not his own horn, the same shall not be tooted!" He believed that gaining success required
that a person position himself to gain notice.
He counseled me to do things to that caught the eye of the ‘right
people.’ Get out the press releases, make sure that others know your
achievements. He also thought it important to get to the head of line, pushing
if necessary. He was wrong, especially about leadership in Christ’s Kingdom.
All of us
must pursue humility, but it is
particularly required in those entrusted with spiritual leadership. The
gentleness that the Lord asks of us is an expression of ultimate trust in Him!
A gentle person shows real courage when he willingly seeks a greater good than
his own agenda or security. The Spirit says, "Always
be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Try
your best to let God’s Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at
peace. All of you are part of the same body. There is only one Spirit of God,
just as you were given one hope when you were chosen to be God’s people." (Ephesians
4:2-4, CEV) We are not to threaten anyone, ever! Gentle, humble leadership is a difficult (and
sometimes personally costly) but it what He desires from us. Our security and
our personal happiness are not found in forcing our way or intimidation. They
are found in giving away ourselves and our personal preferences. We trust God to be our Strength. His power will assure the success of His plans.
Human relationships will be difficult. The Word implicitly acknowledges that when it asks us to "Patiently put up with each other!" People, even those who are Christian, will sometimes be cranky, headstrong, selfish, or immature. (Yes, I fail in those ways, too, I am sad to confess.) The church is not a utopian community where 'never is heard a discouraging word.' It is a developing, evolving community of people. We are all 'in process,' called to choose patience over power, to move - together- toward the calling of God - s l o w l y - but steadily as the Spirit leads us.
Human relationships will be difficult. The Word implicitly acknowledges that when it asks us to "Patiently put up with each other!" People, even those who are Christian, will sometimes be cranky, headstrong, selfish, or immature. (Yes, I fail in those ways, too, I am sad to confess.) The church is not a utopian community where 'never is heard a discouraging word.' It is a developing, evolving community of people. We are all 'in process,' called to choose patience over power, to move - together- toward the calling of God - s l o w l y - but steadily as the Spirit leads us.
Have you
been given authority – in your home, at work, in ministry? The Proverb teaches "When the righteous are in authority, the
people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan."
(Proverbs 29:2, NKJV) The best leaders
are those who have learned how to follow.
When we submit ourselves completely to Christ, through the Spirit, He
will help us to use authority responsibly and to benefit those we lead.
Second only
to loving our Lord, is the command to "Love each other!" I propose an
experiment for us. When we are tempted to use some lever of power to gain
compliance from another, even in the little things of life, let’s deliberately
choose the way of humility. Let’s seek
to serve rather than to be served, to listen carefully to find out what
the other person desires. Demonstrate
submission by asking God’s Holy Spirit - “what is Your divine will in this
matter?” In this, we will surely please
the Father and bless His children.
__________________
__________________
Give as 'twas given to you in your
need,
Love as the Master loved you.
Be to the helpless a helper, indeed.
Unto your mission be true.
Make me a blessing.
Make me a blessing
Out of my life, may Jesus shine.
Make me a blessing,
O Savior, I pray,
Make me a blessing
to someone today.
George S.
Schuler | Ira Bishop Wilson
© Words:
1924, Renewed 1952 Word Music, LLC (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License # 810055
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