We live in a world that is breathtaking in its beauty and frightening in its fallenness. As the COVID-19 virus spreads across the globe, we’ve seen inspiring examples of heroic service and disgusting displays of selfishness. I can’t believe how quickly we commodify human suffering.
How will you lead during this difficult time?
Dallas Willard said, “The primary work of God is finding those to whom He can entrust His power.”
Too often leaders and influencers use their influence to bring harm to themselves and those under their care. Proverbs says, “When the righteous rule, everyone rejoices but when the wicked hold power everyone groans.” Many hold titles and positions of organizational leadership but they may not be true kings and queens. They don’t lead with the heart of God the Father.
It is all too common for leaders to bring harm to themselves and those under their care. Proverbs says - when the righteous rule, everyone rejoices but when the wicked hold power everyone groans. Click To TweetGood kings use their power and influence to make their kingdoms like the kingdom of heaven for the sake of the people under their rule. Propped up kings and queens don’t have such altruism.
Now more than ever, we need Kingdom leaders that are animated by the Spirit of Jesus, the express image of God the Father. We need kingdom-minded leaders in families, in the Church, in the business community, in academia, in the arts, in sports and in all levels of government. We need Kingdom leaders in every sphere of society and every institution.
Now more than ever, we need Kingdom leaders that are animated by the Spirit of Jesus, the express image of God the Father. Click To TweetKingdom leaders establish authority (aka authentic influence) through selfless service.
Jesus was clear on this, “Then He called the disciples aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. It shall not be that way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26-26). In other words, Kingdom leaders establish authority through service.
Desmond Doss was a private with B company, 1st battalion of the 77th infantry division. He served in the US military from 1942 until 1946.
When Pearl Harbour was attacked he was working for the naval shipyard and could have requested a deferment. He didn’t. He wanted to do more for his country. He was willing to put his life on the line to preserve freedom.
He entered the army as a conscientious objector. He assumed that would mean a placement within the medical field. It didn’t. He was assigned to a rifle infantry.
His refusal to carry a gun caused a lot of trouble. The men of his infantry looked on him with disdain. They made fun of him. Persecuted him. Threatened him continuously and beat him several times. One of the guys in his barracks said, “Doss, the moment we step onto the battle field, I will make sure you do not come home alive.”
He persevered in his training and suffered for it – physically, emotionally and in every other way.
There were 16 million soldiers in uniform during World War II but only 431 of them received the Congressional Medal of Honour and Desmond Doss was one of them.
What did Doss do to deserve such honours and recognition?
Watch and see: Hacksaw Ridge, “Help me get one more.”
Desmond Doss saved 75 men that night. He was wounded four times but kept going, “Just one more, Lord, help me get just one more.”
When President Truman pinned the medal on Doss, he said to him. “I’m very proud of you, son. You really deserve this. I consider this a greater honour than becoming President.”
In just 24 hours, Desmond Doss went from soldier most hated to soldier most revered. Desmond Doss’ example illustrates what it means to establish influence and authority through service.
Kingdom leaders consider power with people more important than power over people.
If each person performs their duty with love we’d have a perfect world.