#335 Leadership Is … Defining Moments
The temperatures were below freezing that fateful night. Fifteen hundred passengers floating, fearing for their lives. The waves brought John Harper, a 39 year old Pastor and Steve Crain together. “Brother are you saved?” John Harper shouted. Steve Crain responded, “No”. Minutes later the waves brought Pastor Harper into view again with the same question “Are you saved?” “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:31 NIV) Pastor Harper asked Steve to believe in Jesus. Steve gave his life to Jesus and became a Christian.
Pastor John Harper was on his way to preach for a call at Moody Church in Chicago. As John’s body drifted into the abys, Steve Crain had a new life to live.
As a Leader, can you identify with the Captain of the Titanic? Is your belief in your technology or methodology so strong that you’ll risk everything? The Titanic was one of the greatest ships built in its age. It was a luxury ship that couldn’t sink. Its huge size and features made it a technology marvel. It had everything: gym, swimming pool, libraries, opulent cabins, high-class restaurants etc. But, not enough lifeboats. The cause of this tragedy has more to do with Leadership than a really big chunk of ice.
If a Servant Leader had been Captain of the Titanic, his decision making would have integrated the technology of his ship with his heart, character and values. He might also have considered.
“Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock?” (Ezekiel 34:2, 3 NIV) He also might have remembered, “each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4 NIV) John MacArthur, in The Book on Leadership confirms, “a good leader never makes a decision that is a pure gamble. Wise leaders don’t wager with their people. They don’t subject their people to unnecessary hazards.”
Healthy leaders put the needs of followers ahead of their personal needs.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Jethrogroup.ca