It was just about time for the CEO to speak to our larger leadership team. Having already sat for much of the day, I chose to stand in the back of the room and stretch a bit while taking in what he had to say. I was soon joined by another vice president, who likewise preferred to stand, probably for the same reason. As the CEO approached the dais, my colleague leaned over and said, “I’m going to count the number of times he says, ‘I,’ ‘me,’ or ‘my’ in the first two minutes.” The seconds ticked off quickly, and when the designated time elapsed, he leaned over again and whispered, “fourteen.”
We roll our eyes at egotism, but self-centeredness is part of the human condition; though it assumes different forms, it is our nature. As a good friend comically quips, “I’m not much, but I’m all I think about.” Whatever its expression, “me first” stymies good leadership and fosters poor followership. It serves only one. So James exhorts us, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.”1 Who better to exalt you — you or God? Paul likewise counsels us in the way of the Spirit, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit,” he wrote, “but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”2 This is where true leadership begins.
Which brings to mind another organizational head. The story is told of William Booth, founder of The Salvation Army, whose practice was to address their annual convention. Unable to attend one year because of poor health, he chose to communicate with the gathered faithful by telegram. The Salvation Army’s budget was tight, however, and telegrams were charged by the word. So Booth condensed his entire message into a single word, and wired it to be read aloud to the conventioneers. His brief address delivered in absentia to the anticipating crowd: “Others.” This simple, selfless, visionary call has inspired Salvationists for over 100 years hence.
Just for today, may we join their pursuit — their focus on and service to “others.” Then tomorrow, may we rise and join them again. In the Kingdom of God, there is no higher honor.
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. — Galatians 5:13 ESV
Father, how counterintuitive it is that our greatest joy and highest honor are found not in glorifying ourselves, but in serving others. This can only be Your wisdom, for it far exceeds our own. Shine through Your people, and be exalted on the earth. In Christ we pray. Amen.
1 James 4:10 NLT
2 Philippians 2:3 ESV
Categories
Paul Nordman—Author 