KevinTest
Every Wednesday, I meet a group of men-leaders-for a Bible Study. This has been going on for over 15 years.
We are currently studying the book of John. The discussion of John the Baptist and his paving the way for Jesus the Messiah took an interesting twist. The scriptures talk of a “Blue Ribbon Committee”(if you will) approaching John the Baptist and asking him a set of amazing questions about his identity.
Now understand, John the Baptist was a barbarian…I mean…leader. He was a voice in the wilderness, heralding the Messiah, preaching repentance, and baptizing his followers with water. He was creating quite a stir. So much so…people became nervous. Look at the following scriptures.
And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” John 1:19-23
His leadership skills were so strong that he was mistaken for the Messiah. His life and diet was so bizarre that he was mistaken for Elijah. His message was so truthful and radical that he was mistaken for the Prophet. And it attracted followers. I don’t know about you. But my leadership skills are elementary at best. I have never been accused of being a team player. Much less mistaken for the Messiah in my spiritual walk. I am just trying to lead Team Rivera (one wife, two teenage boys, and three dogs-one with three legs) through this thing called life And try to color inside the lines. But wow…what an interesting testimony.
Have you in your leadership efforts been mistaken for the boss? CEO? or Commander in Chief?
Has your message been so bold and radical that it attracts followers? Or maybe your leadership skills have caused others to wonder where in the world you come from?
Wow! What an awesome set of thoughts. I am deeply challenged by this and feel inadequate on my own.
That’s the kind of hard hitting thoughts that I need!
I am interested in the last few thoughts especially. It makes me wonder if your willingness to be outspoken and lead, would be so foreign to people that they would resist. How do we make leadership attractive? or desirable to people we would have follow us? I am not sure I agree with the person that once said…”people will follow anyone willing to stand up in the lack of true leadership”.
I think “some” folks will follow anyone who stands up and says “follow me”. But, I don’t think that kind of leadership has staying power if it is not backed up with tangible results.
Our problem may be two-fold.
1) Lack of total leadership.
2) Lack of real leaders who will take us in a positive direction.
I think for leadership to be attractive the destination has to be desirable. Just for the sake of conversation, the current Administration has made many promises but the masses are still wandering content with their entitlements. But there has never been a destination set. Just an ideal. And this ideal gained many many followers.