Leading from Behind

THE GEM FOR THE DAY
Jesus' will is so counter to the flesh, the individual might do very well to consider how she might act, and then immediately choose to do the opposite. For example: though she wants to fly, she remains still and wanting to speak, she remains silent. These opposing wills are illustrated well, in our tendency to step in front of the Lord's shadow.

Tragically, man is inclined to arrogantly push his way to the front of the line: though he has no earthly clue where he is headed, he wants to lead. This is of course rebellion to God's will. Overcoming the desire to be our own guide is agonizing, because it is woven into our being. God calls it choice.
And while the world operates as if we choose between being a leader or follower, God knows the truth: we are either followers of Christ or we are lost.

DIGGING DEEPER

The idea we choose to lead over being followers, says so much about our nature. How we abhor submission.


Jesus said; "Come follow me,"(Matthew 4:19). With three words He accomplished two important things: he declared himself to be the Leader, and he provided an example for other leaders to follow. Oswald's devotional today, encourages us to consider what makes a good leader. With so many claiming to be "leaders" in the world today, this an important thing to ponder, lest you be led astray.

Must a good leader have strength? Or perhaps they must possess wisdom. Many choose to follow someone because of their skill?

Certainly Jesus has these attributes. However, these qualities alone or as a group do not necessarily inspire one to fall in line. Think for a moment of someone you are drawn to submit to. What about them encourages your submission? Poll a mass of people and you are certain to receive a variety of responses to this question. Nonetheless, it is likely you will find fears guiding their selection. The weak may be drawn to someones strength, the simple minded impressed by someones knowledge. Those who have suffered abuse may seek a nurturing leader and so on. In these scenarios the real guide is fear.

Yet, Jesus demonstrates for us a leader whom we can follow in trust. Under His care and supervision, the lame walked, the blind found sight and the lost were brought into the fold. How did Jesus lead his sheep? Not boasting of His heritage, position, authority, wisdom or might. Though the disciples and the masses kept pushing Jesus to the front crying: "lead us," "teach us," "save us," Jesus kept drifting to the back. His "followers" passing Him as he kneels before a desperate woman clinging to the hem of his cloak,(Matthew 9:20-22).

In this way Jesus demonstrates good leaders stand out for one primary reason, they are willing to lead from behind. How does someone lead from the back of the line? Like Jesus, they put the care and concerns of others before themselves. They are above believing tasks are below them. They are the first to show up and the last to leave in times of need, joy and trouble. They encourage and support others with delight and do not grumble about their acts of charity. Good leaders do what is right regardless of their personal cost. The very best leader is willing to die for His followers.

Now look back to those you are inclined to follow. How do they measure up to Jesus?
Those who are placed in leadership positions should hold themselves up to Christ for evaluation of their leadership skills. If their mind is on getting or keeping their position, they are not focused on leading. Their guidance will be tainted by self interest. These individuals move out of line and are neither a leader nor a follower. They are merely spinning their wheels and more than likely not going anywhere. Certainly nowhere anyone should follow.

On the other hand, when we are focused on following, we are not distracted by issues of recognition, fairness, quality, quantity and the kind. These self based thoughts will cause us to stumble, or worse, send us down a path of our own. We simply keep our eyes on our guide no matter the chaos around us. We should know the back of his head as well as his voice.

We must remember that claiming we are Christian's does not mean we are "followers of Christ". Where we find ourselves in position to the Lord does.

Oh, Jesus, forgive us! Teach us Lord, to trust you and find satisfaction in your shade!