The importance of a leader is a widely agreed statement. No matter how many problems there are in a community, everything will change with a good leader. That is because a leader has the power to make immediate and impactful changes to the community. Whether it be in a family, or in a small group, there is always somebody who must take on the role of a leader.
The role of a leader – to take an example – is not to become an athlete and run, but to help the athlete run. So the leader will continuously observe to find areas of improvement, create and implement strategies so that everything runs smoothly. Though an employee of a restaurant forgets about their day the moment they step out of the door, the owner will continue to think about their business even after the doors close.
And so in relation to leadership, the Bible states that one should be diligent in governing. As there are numerous things that a leader must be attentive to, it is difficult for a leader not to be diligent. However, amongst leaders, there are some who are not so. This is what we refer to as laissez-faire leadership. I would also refer to it as an apathetic leadership. It is a style of leadership in which the leader pays little attention to the community as they have something else that they are interested in. In the gospel, it is frequently stated that you should not just care about your own work, but to look to help those around you (Philippians 2:4, 2 Timothy 2:4). This is telling us all to be leaders.
That being said, diligence doesn’t make a good leader. Of the types of leaderships, there is also one that is referred to as authoritative. A community with this type of leader works hard and things get completed quickly. However, there is little initiative or efficiency. As the members only know how to take orders and act on the same, there is little room for creativity, and should there be any it does not take root.
An authoritative leader is definitely diligent. However, the problem is that they are too diligent. Just like a controlling mother, they treat everybody’s business as their own. In one way, you can say that they are interested in what others are up to. Frequently checking up on others to see how they are doing, and helping others even though they are busy themselves – may make you think that they have a lot of love. And in reality, this type of leader can be said to act in this way because of love. However, under this kind of leader, you will not have the opportunity to learn independence, the symbol of strength.
The type of leadership that we should really learn about is one that provides the members with freedom. This is the way that God reigns. His attention to detail and love is to such a degree that knows how many hairs are on our head. He is always with us, and knows exactly what we need. In this way, His style of leadership differs from the laissez-faire. However, we do not feel that we are being forced, as He gives us so much freedom. In this way, His style of leadership differs from the authoritative.
Despite all this attention, in order to ensure freedom is also provided, the leader must know how to wait, understand, and endure any pain – they must learn how to sacrifice. That is why He did not interfere when Adam and Eve ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and that is why He went as far as sacrificing His only Son for us. A true leader must be diligent.
