Management or Leadership?

 "We manage things but we lead people."

Dr. Stephen Macchia

Yesterday, television shows reminded us of the terror, destruction, and sadness of September 11th, 2001.  Some may remember the pictures of President Bush continuing to read to little children after being informed of the devastation in New York City.  Many have criticized him for remaining in his seat.  However, leadership is not the absence of fear nor is it the failure of action.  Leadership is the calming reassurance in the midst of crisis.  It is also the quiet ability to promote others to action when fear may be their first reaction.

When President Bush spoke from the White House, he was calming in his speech.  When he stood on the rubble in New York with the fireman and told the terrorist around the world they would soon hear from us and he also gave us the direction we needed.  Leaders point out a direction when we might be directionless and they pursue the direction even when others may disagree.

Jesus' style of leadership was a prime example.  He told his disciples over and over of his impending death, but continued with his calm reassurance.  When Peter told him to stop talking about his death, Jesus rebuked a friend.  He spoke to sisters mourning the death of their brother, even in the midst of their accusations.  They told him our brother would have lived if you had been here.  Sounds like us as we blame God for his tardiness.  But leaders also do what is needed to be done and not what is expedient or politically correct.
God always acts in a right way no matter what we think he should be doing. 

God's book tells us to pray for the leaders of our country.  There is not authority which is not established by God--good and bad.  Remember, he is still leading when other leaders are not.  There have been several presidents and many senators and representatives serving in Washington in my life.  All are flawed and all have good and bad times of leadership.  No matter where you stand on this government leadership (White House, Capital and even the Supreme Court) please continue to pray for them.