A wise man once noted that if you want men to be dedicated to building ships, teach them to yearn for the faraway shore. The sense in that thought is magnificent. In order for people to put their full effort into obtaining or doing anything, they first have to "want" whatever it is that demands their attention and energy. Most of this world functions under power, control and demands that are re-enforced by threats - whether subtle or actual. People will consciously or sub-consciously resist the pressure of being driven or forced to do something they really do not want to do. A robber can threaten a person with a knife or gun and the person will comply due to the threat of force -but the moment the threat is gone, he will call the police and do everything in his power to put the criminal behind bars. "A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still" is another wise and truthful saying.
When I was a young boy, my parents paid for some piano lessons for me. They felt music was important and I did not want to disappoint them, so I dutifully went along with the lessons. I had three different piano teachers who taught me the scales, chords and music and I did not really like what I was learning or the teachers. One would smack my fingers with a ruler when I made a mistake. Then for a short time, I had a piano teacher whose name was Reese Thomas - my first male teacher. He gave me a piece of music call Rhapsody Mignon - and asked me to see what I could do with it. He made me "want" to play the piano. After that, practice was easy and even when the rest of the boys of our town were waiting for me to come out to play baseball, I still completed the practice time. I still enjoy playing "my own" music to this day. My enjoyment of music came because I changed from feeling obliged or forced to play, to wanting to play.
The greatest leader this world has known is Jesus Christ. He taught His followers the value of instilling a love for His Kingdom and eternal life in people. That love first had to be manifested in them - and if it was genuine and strong, it would flow to those who they serve. Jesus' example was the inspiration for the men who learned from Him. Jesus told His followers that there were plenty of rulers exercising authority over people, but they were to become servants to people. Forcing people was not the way He supported. Those who would be great were to serve (Matt. 20:25-28). He went on to say that there were those who loved to be called "teacher" and "master" because they loved authority. His followers were to avoid those titles and serve instead (Matt. 23:5-12). Jesus understood the principle that works best of all with people - lead, and do not drive or force.
Obviously there is a difference when we work with our little children. When they are tiny and not able to make decisions for themselves, parents and adults must do more than lead. But, we are also obliged to produce young men and women who are strong and able to lead - so our teaching ought to include teaching people to serve and lead. Jesus had to teach that to His followers because they were used to working in the world's way. When things did not go the way they wanted, the disciples were ready to use great force. One example was the refusal they received for an overnight stay in a Samaritan village. The disciples wanted to call down fire and brimstone on the village, but Jesus taught them another way (Luke 9:54,55).
Leaders who drive and control are more properly named dictators or tyrants. A leader is one who leads the way and goes ahead. That requires a full and strong belief within the leader of the rightness and goodness of the direction in which he is leading. The goal must be strong and clear in his mind. When that happens, it seems the enthusiasm and dedication shines out from every effort the leader makes. It becomes infectious to many about him and they too catch the image. They then yearn for the far distant shore and will put their efforts into reaching that goal. Jesus taught His followers to be bold in their beliefs because God the Father had already given them the kingdom. If their hearts were set on that kingdom, their actions would show that. "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Luke 12:32-34).
I enjoy fishing, but not the kind of fishing that uses any means to "catch" a fish. I do not like the idea of using huge nets, I do not like spear fishing, I do not like using these methods to catch fish. These may be commercial methods, but they are not methods a person grows to really love. Fanatic fishermen love to catch fish using a lure and bait of some kind. Jesus said He would make His followers "fishers of men" (Mark 1:17). In order to catch fish or men, a good fisherman would learn about the type of bait that is most enticing for the fish. We spend money and time getting lures, lines, rods and other equipment that we might need. I have found that trout love to bite two little maggots on a black fly hook. I don't eat maggots, but I know that trout do. When I fish for trout, I use the bait they like. Nice large wiggly worms, maggots, a specially designed fly, a variety of lures - all presented in the right way and at the right time. I am the one who loves to fish, but in order to be successful, I need to know about fish. I need to know where they lurk and how to present the lure. Leading people is like fishing. You need to know where they lurk and what sort of bait they are seeking. Get them to want to bite!
God has placed the concept and hope of eternity in the hearts of all people - whether they admit that or not (Eccl. 3:11). He has also designed all humans so that their life will end in about seventy years (Psalm 90:10). All people hope for something more after death. Every religion man has devised contains the concept of life continuing after death. That was the focus of Jesus' teaching, it was also the driving force in His living. Jesus lived His faith and belief and His sincerity was evident (Heb. 5:7,8). He laid down His life for His followers and all of mankind. No person has ever changed and affected the course of history more than Jesus Christ. Such is the power of leading and not driving.
The love for all that God stands for shines brightly in the lives of all the great leaders God chose. Abraham was blessed because he dreamed of the future and his life reflected the love for God and His laws (Heb. 11:10). His name and the names of many are listed in this chapter in the Bible. These are people who had a vision or dream of eternity in a place that God promised - and that dream shone through every action. Jesus explained to His disciples that there were many "mansions" in the kingdom He taught about (John 14:2). He planted the seed of this vision and when it bore fruit, it became their inner driving force and vision too. It did take some time for the disciples to understand God's way of leadership versus driving and dictating. Humans find it hard to break habits of thinking that are deeply embedded in our minds. Yet, when we find a new way that results in joy and deep inner pleasure, we can change. Jesus told Peter that he would serve in a better way once he was "converted" (Luke 22:32). Peter was to strengthen the brethren though his zeal and living example. He was to lead as Christ had led. When a leader is "consumed" by his objective or goal (Psalm 119:129-144), he attracts others to that vision. When that leader has learned to pass the vision on, he has taught men to be leaders. God expects His children to forsake the ways of this world and to don His apparel - to walk as Jesus walked. He knows it will lead to violent opposition from some, but is will also lead to complete devotion and dedication in others.
Jesus Christ "sold" the concept of the kingdom and taught His followers to sell. It is one of the most important rules when dealing with people - to lead and direct instead of drive and push. Sell, don't tell.