Leaders and Navigators

If you know someone is saying one thing but doing another, what do you do?

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father-- the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted. - Matthew 23:1-12

Hypocrisy is probably the one thing Jesus warns against the most.

Don't say one thing and do another. 

There comes a time when we may be called to lead others.  

It can be a big honor, being called to be the leader, the boss, the one to give the orders.  You can see how people react to promotions and awards on LinkedIn, the business social media platform for networking.

They will post a photo of themselves, possibly holding a diploma or a wearing a cap and gown, and people will congratulate them for their accomplishments.

But LinkedIn is supposed to be a place where people network in order to help one another navigate the world of business.  Young people, right out of college use it to make connections and seasoned professionals use it to offer job opportunities and post articles to help others learn what to avoid and how to make it in the world.

Jesus wanted his disciples to be navigators, not teachers.  They were to go out and help people find the right path, not by telling them what to do, but by showing them how it is done.

It is great to take a bow when honored.  You worked hard for it.  You deserve it, so have a moment in the spotlight, but don't live for it.

I am sure we all have that special friend who can't wait to talk to us, not to ask how we are doing or what they can do to help, but to tell us all about them.

And we will probably listen politely, nod occasionally and smile, knowing that is the way to serve, to be helpful, by giving them space and time to overcome their insecurities and be at peace with themselves.

Maybe that is what Jesus hoped for when he looked at the hypocrisy of the leaders.

If he just answered their questions and offered an alternative to the life they led, perhaps they would eventually see that they were being foolish or self-centered.

But it is not about them, is it?  Nor is it about us.

It is about the one who doesn't know the love of God.  That is the one we are called to seek out and serve.

More to come...