Thursday 25 April 2019

Great leadership is like dew falling...

"Like dew falling on Mount Hermon" is a classic quote which many may have heard.
It comes from the Psalms, which are full of nature - trees, streams, mountains, and still waters.
God has set all things in motion, the cycles of rain, growth, falling leaves, and new saplings pushing through the undergrowth of the shady wood, continues under His care.

It is true that humans have intervened and interrupted nature yet all is not lost.
"Like dew falling on Mount Hermon" is a picture of refreshment when brother and sisters live and work together in harmony (Psalm 133), and this is good for the souls of us all.

Does this mean that there are no 'roles', no leaders, no-one guiding anymore?
Not at all, for there are structures and layers of leaders, team players, higher managers and entry-level workers.  Yet, harmony means respect, care, concern and a diligence flowing from the leadership to assist workers of all kinds and of all levels be the best they can be.

What got me thinking about all this was the ABC radio program "Life Matters", where Ashley Goodall, co-author of 'Nine Lies About Work', is grappling with the issue of life-work balance.  It is definitely worth a listen: https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lifematters/nine-lies-about-work/11037910

Many of us - myself especially recently - have observed that leadership is what "makes or breaks" a workplace, organisation, and even church.  Goodall says that "the job of a leader is to cascade purpose throughout the organisation" - every week, every day, and in every way.

This is a picture of refreshment:  for people to come to know that they are intentionally doing something worthwhile - from washing up and cleaning, to financial concerns, or saving lives - is vital.  Leadership that is clear on where it is going, WILL get somewhere!  And that 'somewhere' is the goal of the group, company or association.

For Christians, the goal of church is to glorify Jesus Christ and be attractive so that others want Him too.  What could be more inviting than leaders who refresh people, and who 'cascade' the purposes of our loving, guiding and pursuing God upon those they care for?

I am challenged to be that sort of person - that sort of leader - in any small way that I can.
What about you?

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