There are two subjects I want to pursue for a while by way of these postings. First, there's a dimension of leadership that seems to be capturing some attention right now; at least it's grabbing mine. Many needed facets of leadership have been promoted for the last couple of decades: the need for vision, the need for courage, the need for flexibility, the need for assertiveness, the need for drive and momentum, the need for people skills, the need to get tough when required, etc. I now see a leadership trait rising to the top of discussion, which kind of torques all the other "out there" kind of characteristics. It's humility. How is humility defined in leadership? Among our most effective leaders, in and out of gatherings of Jesus-followers, we often see fairly strong egos in play, or at least high levels of personal confidence. How does that square with mandates on Jesus-followers such as those found in the Bible in Philippians, chapter 2? What's the difference between a leader such as Donald Trump, who functions with an unrestrained ego, and a leader such as former professional football coach Tony Dungy, who almost completely avoids the limelight?
The second matter has to do with those who are not found in the limelight, with or without the trait of humility. In old horse-racing language, these are the ones who do not get listed in "win", "place" or "show." They are the "also-rans."
More on this with the next post.I'll see you around the next bend in the river. (It's great to be able to say that now, finally as an owner of a kayak!)
