From the Book,
“Influence: Leading without Position” by Philip E. Morrison and Hankuri Tawus Gaya
Many leaders use power and position to compel others to do
what they want. This may be through political leverage, military power,
economic advantage, or spiritual authority. Think of a politician’s privileged
advantage of speeding past others in the traffic, or a rich person bribing to
escape punishment for breaking the law. Jesus describes how the rulers of the
world lord it over their subjects because of power and position (Mark
10:42).
Even disciples of Christ can fall into this pattern. But the way of the world’s
power is not to be the way of the Christian. Jesus says this is not to be true
of us. The servant leader cannot use force. Usually, servant leaders do not
have institutional or positional power. They must influence hearts, so their
followers willingly change or act.
The New Testament redefines power in the life and ministry of the believer.
Power is not based on physical, intellectual, social, economic, or political
superiority. Instead, power is expressed in service and weakness. As an
influencer, Jesus demonstrated this throughout his life. Remember, he was not
one of the successful people whose power came from his wealth, physical
appearance, education, or status. He was not very remarkable in the world’s
eyes. Jesus was an ordinary man, a young carpenter, with no position or earthly
power. He was an itinerant rabbi with an eclectic entourage of fishermen,
tax-gatherers, and rebels, with one who would eventually betray him. Yet Jesus
exercised great influence. He identified with us in weakness. He showed us that
God is in the ordinary.
The way Jesus accomplished his mission was by influence rather than force. He
could have displayed his divine power in terrifying lightning and earthquakes,
in immediate judgment, to make people repent and believe. Instead, He selected
12 disciples, poured his life into them for three years, taught them, ate with
them, and served with them. After His ascension, He released them to influence
others with the message of the gospel. They turned the world upside down! Not
with force, but with service.
Can you think of when you tried to use power and position versus a time you served
with love? How did the results compare?
Debra Lee | Biz & Life
Coach | Author | Keynote Speaker | Blogger
Books: “It Is What It Is…But It Wasn’t A Tragedy” | “Making
Wise Choices…the most important life skill to master”
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