They say that role models are important, and we should choose them carefully. Athletes and business-gurus are often viewed as role models.
In ministry, our role models are more spiritual... on the surface. Yet, there is always the subtle competition or status-trap that seems to come from comparing ourselves to others. It's a form of "spiritualized envy!" These little thoughts of, "I can preach as good as that guy can!" and "Why is their church growing faster than mine?" are a type of inner dialogue not usually prompted by the Holy Spirit. And to see a Denominational Leader in an exalted position among the brethren can drive you crazy when you "just know" he copied another preacher on the radio. Or something.
In truth, these were nagging thoughts around the edges of my own ministry-awareness and, thankfully, not all-consuming desires. But that inner dialogue is real, even though I learned long ago "all that glitters is NOT gold!" But I DID recognize that all leadership positions have an inherent role-model responsibility, and the big churches or denominational responsibilities are the guys up front. Comes with the territory.
So a great day of leadership change arrived and, with the ministerial mix of piety and pride, a new leader was enthroned with the customary three-week honeymoon of no criticism. (Public criticism, that is.) And he IS the leader in the position, with all its expectations of exemplary perfection.
But here is where I quit trying to write with wit. The sad irony is that even with great ideas and pure motives, the allure of power and the temptations of position soon took him down. (In the Army it was SAM- sex, alcohol,and money--solo, or in combination.) And the details aren't important, but he was "in fact," and soon thereafter "in position," no longer our leader. His picture, that once held the prime real estate in the entryways of our institutions was soon removed or, if kept at all, now overlooked the janitor's closet.
Wandering through the hallways of one of our buildings I happened past said janitor's closet and asked myself, "What was his name again?" Hero of the moment now lost to history and my fading memory.
Thankfully this man's story continued and grace was an emerging theme. His ministry had taken an abrupt turn and he was now serving in places he once thought beneath him. But he had repented and he was serving! That takes a special kind of grace with a genuine humility, and a recognition that the Kingdom is greater than our failures. Or our successes.
But it was that thought that struck me... and instructed me. The grand and glorious leader was reduced to anonymnity in my world, but the thing that really mattered was the heart to accept assignments given, repent as necessary, and not worry about one's own name-- only the Name above all Names.
Nobody wants to lose their "Good Name." Nobody. But if that "good" name ever goes "bad,"one can model the role even  if he is no longer a role model. And that's true no matter where they put your picture.
Comments