The Weird Spectrum of Leadership
And how you can learn something about leadership from everyone.
Leadership is such a weird word to me. I think of people like Rosa Parks, General Patton, and of course - Jesus.
All of them are leaders, and all of them are incredibly different. And I would imagine that you can think of a dozen or so different people who would all qualify as leaders that you’ve either seen or experienced firsthand.
And it’s that diverse thought that led me to this conclusion:
You are a leader, even if that leadership looks different.
I know, half of you just rejected that notion, and the other half just let out an audible “AMEN.”
No matter where you find yourself on the spectrum, I can say without a shadow of a doubt you are a leader in the faith. People are watching you follow Jesus. People are seeing how you respond, and no doubt someone is observing the relationship you have with the Church.
Is that a bad thing? Is that a good thing? Honestly, I don’t know, but I do know that it’s happening. Our biggest witness in the world is the way we live our lives in front of the community that surrounds us.
I think the more relevant question might be: What kind of a leader do you want to be?
I’m reminded of the story of Martha and Mary from Luke’s Gospel:
Luke 10:38-42
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
When we read this story there are three obvious leaders; Mary, Martha, and Jesus.
None of the leaders in this story are bad, they are all just different. And the truth is we can learn a ton from all of them!
Jesus: Obviously Jesus is the perfect leader, but some of the things I love in the way that Jesus handled this situation; Jesus was patient, Jesus was honoring, and Jesus didn’t make this about more than what it was. Jesus let Martha complain, He didn’t put her down, and maybe the most important thing - He pointed in a healthier direction.
Mary: Mary is often considered the saint in the story, she sat at Jesus’ feet and listened with great anticipation. What we don’t know is what it cost her. Giving up time to spend time with Jesus is always good, but it’s always costly. Mary isn’t the main character of the story, but she reminds us that it is always a good idea to spend time with Jesus.
Martha: Not many people credit Martha with being a leader, but I’ll say this - she was doing the work of preparation. Working like that is important, and good. The other thing we learn from Martha is that when we have a grievance we should take it to the Lord. We should share our feelings with Jesus! And sometimes, when that answer doesn’t turn out the way we want, we have to deal with it and accept the outcome.
Patience, surrender, or courage to share our feelings - all of the leaders in this story have something to teach us. Maybe the most important lesson is that as leaders we are not all the same.
These are solid thoughts!