January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
The privileges and obligations of those chosen to lead
1 Chronicles 13:1 And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader.
In the Bible, we have King David. Everyone knows David was a mighty warrior and a conquering soldier. David was known for his ability to enter into conflict and come out the winner. David felt honoured to be appointed as King over a united Israel.
With all of the quality, strength, and even political power that was available to David, he yet chose to consult others before his decision to go and retrieve that which was precious to his people - the Ark of the Covenant.
Now let us be aware that King David was not a perfect man. However, King David was a man with a good heart who sought to do what God would be pleased with. Yes, it was David's ever-growing relationship with God, which tempered his temper and paved the way in his decision-making moments.
No wonder this man was so greatly loved by God and by man. King David led God's people with a heart of true leadership. His leadership was not perfect, but his intentions were always to please God. Hence, King David remains Israel's most precious and beloved leader.
In no way, can it be seen or presented that leadership is easy. No, as long as one is dealing with people who have their own uniqueness and their own important issues, a leader will have to balance his actions very carefully with love and a gentle hand of discipline. There are indeed interesting aspects to leadership.
Leaders are:
1. Servants - Ultimately a leader has been appointed to a privileged position. The people have divested themselves of power and invested their power into the person called a leader. That is why we choose leaders who represent who we are. For it is expected that a leader will serve as the people so desire. The heart of the servant-leader echoes the heart of the people whom he serves. The heart of a true leader should always echo the heart of God.
2. Visionaries - Leaders have a vision for the people. That is, the leader carries the heart of the people and seeks to operate in love and unity as it pertains to his delegated authority. The vision of a true leader will always seek to benefit all the people, regardless of their gender, race, age, or educational status. The vision is not for the leader, it is for the people and administered by the caring heart of a servant-leader.
3. Responsible - a leader is responsible and will carry forth his duties in a responsible manner. Any leader, who operates irresponsibly - in contradiction to the desires of his people, automatically relinquishes the right of being the representative of the people.
We must be aware that the role and subsequent responsibilities of a leader are not easy to earn or maintain. Think of leaders such as: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi, Sir Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks, Thurgood Marshall, and Saint Theresa. These persons gained and maintained their following because they kept in communication with those who saw them as their leader.
A leader, though he has the vision, will wisely seek the counsel of other leaders who will assist in seeing that the vision becomes the reality. Hence, a leader of the people makes decisions with the support of a leadership team.
This ability to incorporate others who have leadership ability promotes unity at the very top of any organization. This unity brings about strength, which becomes a necessary structural support when leaders are attacked, for whatever reasons.
Losing touch
Yet, it is in the confines of wise counsel and those who also have a desire and passion for the people, that a leader can operate in his God-given ability. Any leader, whose leadership leaves God out of the picture, is bound to reach a place called stalemate in his leadership, where the people lose touch with the leaders. As leaders may we ever seek the help and will of the ultimate leader and the ultimate caretaker of all living beings, God Almighty.
Rev. Dr. Maria Seaman serves as the Pastor of Shekinah Worship Centre, worshipping at the Victor Scott Primary School, Glebe Road, Pembroke.[[In-content Ad]]
Comments:
You must login to comment.