We tie ourselves to those who are learning, or have weaknesses where we have strengths. It doesn't matter if we are 'farther along in our walk' whatever the heck THAT means... It doesn't matter if we are smarter, faster, stronger, we TIE ourselves to that person and come into rhythm with them right where they are, on their level.
A true Leader does not condescend or even Lord his strength over us. He ties himself, becomes joined at our hip, like a 3- legged race, he teaches us how to move, but at our pace. He comes to strengthen us where we are weak.
Some people see the strong ones positioned at the top- Looking down on the weak ones.
I think that's backward. I see it as a cheerleading pyramid. The strong, sturdy ones are at the bottom- holding up the ones on the top.
There's an ebb and flow to leadership, a back and forth. To try and lead someone without loving them, is dangerous. The temptation to control others is all too strong for most of us. Leaders see themselves in others, not believing that they are higher, or better than those learning.
There's a false type of leadership out there. It gets results by intimidation and violence. Or the threat of violence. It absolutely works. It gets results. We can control people through their fears. But loyalty is dead in that dynamic.
Napolean's quote makes me think:
"I know men and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between Him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creation of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded His empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for Him."
--Napoleon
I refuse to give up on real leadership. It exists. It's possible. I'm a hopeless romantic, I guess.
I refuse to give up on real leadership. It exists. It's possible. I'm a hopeless romantic, I guess.
