History's Greats

There has been so much polarization in our culture the past few years.  So many controversial issues that are so close to so many people's hearts.  So many perspectives and worldviews and I continuously find myself sighing, amazed at how easily we allow ourselves to be divided.  In so many stories we see that the "bad guys" often win simply by causing division in the ranks of the "good guys".  And so I often wonder, what are we missing?  What is happening elsewhere when we are focusing so hard on one area?

As I watched the 2016 presidential election process heat up all throughout the year there was something that did not sit right with me.  I watched it day after day, week after week, month after month.  We all did but it was so subtle, mundane, every-day that most probably never gave it a second thought.

Whenever I watched the commercials for presidential debates or individual state primary races, watching the faces of the candidates flash up on the screen, their eyes and confident expressions staring into the camera.  Red, white and blue color montages with stars swooping across the screen while dramatic music played.  I often wondered whether I was watching the process of a free democratic republic electing its public servants, or a commercial for the next UFC fight.

Sadly the distinction between the two has become quite blurred in recent years.

And the question I ask myself is this: Why do we even want to elect leaders who seem to thrive on such hype?

We complain about our poor choices of candidates.  We all agree that there are no good options.

How did we get here?

In ancient Israel the people asked God for a king.  They had previously ruled themselves, with judges appointed as needed when the need arose, under the guidance of the Lord.  The neighboring nations had kings and the Israelites, in comparing themselves to their neighbors, decided that that was the best way to go.  God warned them that if they appointed a king he would tax them, he would lift himself higher, he would truly rule over them and they would regret it.  They got what they wished for; I guess what they deserved for not listening to God.

Have we got what we asked for?  Do we get what we deserve?

Perhaps it all boils down to how skewed our understanding of leadership looks like and what the role of a good leader is.  Is a leader who changes the world and goes down in history one who looks good on camera, says all the right things, has a charming, charismatic personality?  Someone with a title and official authority?  Is a leader mission-focused, or relationship-driven?  Is it all about a plan and a program, or character?  Are they willing to be "boots on the ground" or are they above the every-day menial tasks that are necessary for the bigger picture?

While pondering leadership this year amid the election drama a thought popped into my brain regularly: History records different greats than we would expect.

In "The Lord of the Rings", Samwise Gamgee ponders the heroes of old, wondering whether he and Frodo would be remembered in stories as well.  Frodo is the one burdened with carrying the Ring to Mordor and destroying it, destined to be at the center of history and the hero of the Story.  And yet when Sam wonders whether they will be remembered in Stories, Frodo responds, "I want to hear more about Samwise the Brave.  Frodo wouldn't have got far without him."

Sam thinks Frodo is "making fun" but really with that one statement Frodo is telling us the importance of the "supporting characters".  He is making it clear who the real hero of Middle Earth was: Samwise Gamgee, the servant, the awkward, humble, loyal, gardener's apprentice, companion and friend.  Sam is trustworthy and patient even when Frodo abuses him.  He is physically and mentally strong, even carrying Frodo himself when necessary in order to help his friend and master succeed at his mission.  Sam is brave and selfless, understanding and compassionate.  He brings positive energy and is a light that always shows up when you need him most.  He protects and looks after Frodo, is brave and doesn't give up.

Sam is the image of a servant-leader and yet he could be called "the man behind the curtain" as Frodo is the one who is actually in the front of everyone's mind and attention.  But a key trait of Sam's is that he is OK with that.  His destiny is behind the scenes and yet without him all would have been lost.  He changed the world.

There are others.  Martin Luther King Jr.  Bobby Kennedy.  Jonathan, son of Saul.  Mother Theresa.  R2-D2.  Priscilla & Aquila.  Mary, mother of Jesus.  Colin Powell.  Condoleezza Rice.  Hugo "Hurley" Reyes.  Ghandi.  Martin Luther.  Muhammed Ali.  Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.  Jarvis and Alfred, man-servants of Tony Stark and Bruce Wayne.  Spock.  Joan of Arc.  Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley.  Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah.

One does not need riches or great talents or the greatest of titles in order to be a leader.  Often those who made a mark on history and changed the world were the greatest servants of all when it came to character.  They put themselves second and looked to the needs of the many, looking to the future and the greater good rather than their own agendas or personal gains.  It wasn't about moving up the ladder of success, it was about being a true servant, being relational.  They show us that you don't have to be in charge of everything and have the top title to make a difference.

Perhaps it is time we stop looking to leaders, politicians, program designers, administrators and instead look toward those with a heart like God's...the heart of a servant...the heart of a shepherd.