Leading, by following

December 8, 2006

By Dale Garrett

I was about to assume my first command in the U.S. Air Force when a colonel pulled me aside and began sharing with me some of the awesome obligations and duties that accompany leadership. He informed me that giving the wrong order at a crucial time could easily cost innocent men and women their lives as well as jeopardize the successful outcome of critical missions. As he talked, I sat stunned, listening intently to his harsh and sober reminders of the heavy burden and responsibility that come with positions of authority.

Christ admonishes His followers in Luke 14:25-35 to closely count the cost before choosing the path of discipleship. James 3:1 extends this warning, focusing on the seriousness of becoming teachers, and reminds us that those choosing such a path should expect stricter evaluation.

The purpose here is in no way to discourage those desiring to positively impact their world by advancing the Kingdom of God. Rather we are warned the price for becoming an effective mentor of others is total personal submission to the eternal principles of God.

If ever someone appeared to have leadership potential in the kingdom of God, it was the Rich Young Ruler. Take a look at Matthew 19:16-29, Mark 10:17-29 and Luke 18:18-30. The man must have been a charismatic and gifted person to have amassed a fortune and gained such influence while still young. He came to Jesus with what he thought was a perfect resume. But he wasn’t prepared to count the cost of serving God.

The incident began with the young man positioning himself as a pupil of Jesus by calling Him a Good Teacher and asking how to be assured of eternal life. Jesus immediately called for the pupil to reevaluate his understanding of who Jesus really is: “Why do you call me good? … No one is good — except God alone” (Mark 10:18, NIV). Jesus could just as easily have asked, “Are you ready to accept me as God?”

Jesus cut past the outer chaff and dealt directly with the young man’s heart. “Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother” (v. 19).

The rich man probably started thinking, Oh, I get it. Follow the Ten Commandments. Puffing up with pride, he announced he had followed these all his life.

But wait, in his haughtiness the ruler failed to notice Jesus only mentioned five of the Ten Commandments. What happened to the other five?

Looking more closely, we realize the five Jesus mentions all deal with the treatment of our fellow man. Where are the commandments dealing with our obligations to God?

Herein lies the core of the matter. Would this young man seeking eternal life acknowledge the very Author of life standing before Him? The cost of such discipleship would be steep, but the rewards limitless.

The man’s true willingness to be disciplined at this new level was put to the test: “Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (v. 21).

What reward could be expected from such total subjection to Christ? Sadly, that young man probably never knew. He turned away, determining the price was too great. Had he stayed he would have heard Jesus’ promise: “No one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life” (Luke 18:29,30).

How about you? Do you really want to be transformed into the leader God wants you to be, capable of mentoring the lost and hurting, giving them hope and new life? The price of crossing that threshold is dear. You must submit yourself to every desire of your loving Master as He molds you slowly into the leader and mentor of others He wants you to become.

But the results in your life and in your ability to bless others will be beyond your highest aspirations.

Lt. Col. Dale Garrett (Ret.) is assistant professor of public administration at Evangel University in Springfield, Mo.