Leadership

Most of us have had experiences being led and leading. Even if we haven’t studied official titles for leadership styles, we could probably not only describe the various styles—but give accurate opinions on how effective each type is. Parenting styles can also be related to leadership styles. Without going into all the letter names, let’s just say the leadership types fall along a continuum. One end is the leader who is primarily concerned about himself and maintaining his authority. The other end is one who plays the servant-leader role—putting the primary concern on what is best for those he serves and supporting and providing for the needs they have to carry out their responsibilities.

The servant-leader role can be compared to the “shepherd” word used so often to describe Jesus. In order to fully understand the significance of Jesus being described as a shepherd, we need to understand the difference between western hemisphere shepherding that we are familiar with (if we are familiar with shepherding at all) and the eastern hemisphere shepherding. The eastern hemisphere definition would be what scriptures refer to. In our half of the world, sheep herding styles are primarily prodding, yelling, and use of dogs to keep on track. In Jesus’ time and in His part of the world, sheep herders lived with their sheep for periods of time, developed a truly caring relationship for them, provided for their needs, and protected them from danger. At night, the sheep would go to a sheepfold (an area fairly protected from danger except at the entrance). The shepherd would sleep at the entrance to protect his sheep from predators. Once I understood what the eastern style was, the scriptural comparisons to Jesus became a beautiful explanation of His love. I feel it gives a depth of understanding to the effectiveness of the servant-leadership role that is helpful to consider.

Hot Button Issues

Nothing seems to bring about judgmental attitudes in people like hot button issues of the day. At this time, same sex relationships and abortion are two of those hot button issues. It seems that extreme behaviors on both sides of the issue bring out the worst reactions in the opposing sides. If we can keep in mind that Judgment is to be reserved for God, perhaps we take some heat out of the argument. There is a fine line between loving the sinner and hating the sin (and determining what that is). It is also critical to remember that we all are sinners and that any sin is a sin against God and not worse than another. Does it make us feel better about our own sin to point at others as being more of an abomination?

We have been exposed to GLBT gatherings in family parks where shirts with double entendre park slogans and demonstrative PDA that would be inappropriate between anyone in a family park were overwhelming. I also recently read a Facebook post using very derogatory terms for this group of people—not their behaviors. It seems both sides are behaving badly. I see and hear Christians behaving in unChristianlike ways—saying and doing hateful and hurtful things to others who are also loved by God. Jesus did not show hatred or act hateful. He showed love. We are to show love and pray for people, while God deals with guiding their behaviors and making judgments. It is possible that we don’t completely understand the feelings of others or know the mind of God?

Women who have had or are deciding on abortions also need to be shown love while they recover from and make such decisions. There are many reasons, motivations, and scenarios that can put a woman in this position. They are not all irresponsible after thoughts about birth control. If a person highly opposed to abortion can think of one scenario that might be hard for them not to consider it, perhaps they can develop a mind for what women go through. Christians should wish for strong enough faith in God and his planning to know that He would be with us and could use for good any scenario. Our faith is often tested. The scenario that would have tested me would have been having very young children while in a dangerous pregnancy that several highly respected professionals concurred would kill me. Making the choice to not have an abortion would be choosing to abandon my young children who were already here and desperately needed me. I’m glad this did not happen to me because I’m not sure I would have been (and may not be now) far enough along on my faith journey to relinquished all power in this decision to God. I can only imagine how I would have felt with fellow Christians protesting and holding signs accusing me of being a baby killer.

Christians have to stand up for their beliefs while remembering they ARE (not past tense) sinners, and our job is to show the same love God showed to us to everyone else. It is a delicate balance, which is why praying we have a heart of love, respect, and understanding with a non-judgmental attitude is important. Condemning people and behaviors we believe to be sins may repel people from God instead of turning them toward him. Only prayer for God to create opportunities and soften hearts will allow us to minister effectively. Our priority should be to affect the heart since it is akin to the soul, which is for eternity. The behaviors are a manifestation of what is in the heart and part of our worldly body. Let's focus on loving the heart of others instead of judging their behaviors.