Leadership is Obedience – Love Cloud Daily

2 June 2012, Saturday

Jude 17, 20b – 25

Psalm 63

Gospel: Mark 11:27 – 33

And they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, and they said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?” Jesus said to them, “I will ask you a question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men? Answer me.” And they argued with one another, “If we say, `From heaven,’ he will say, `Why then did you not believe him?’ But shall we say, `From men’?” — they were afraid of the people, for all held that John was a real prophet. So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Leadership is Obedience

President of the Philippines – that’s what I want to be when I was 6 years old. I have thought that being on that position will make me the coolest person in the country. As I grew up, I’ve seen both sides of having the power and holding the highest position in the government. I’ve seen some officials who are forced to leave their position; some remains even though they do not have the credibility to stay and there are leaders, who strive for goodness but also subject to judgment. What’s with power to make some leaders compromise their values? What lead us to become vigilant and judge these leaders?

When I joined Youth for Christ (YFC) in 2003, I was introduced to a different face of leadership, authority and power. Being called to a higher service or position doesn’t necessarily equate to an authority and power above those inferiors, neither my leaders acts superior to me as well. It is where I learned how to be a Servant Leader – members’ welfare first before mine. In the gospel, Jesus was confronted by the elders, the chief priests and scribes regarding his authority. Sometimes, we are like this people, we tend to judge or question the authorities of the people who lead us; we check their background and even compare them to other leaders. On the other hand, we also experienced being judged and confronted whenever we are called to lead. On these instances, we can only trust the greater power of God and the Holy Spirit; we are to be merciful to those who doubt.

Now, do I still want to become the President of the Philippines? The answer is uncertain, what I am sure of is that I want serve and lead by the power of God’s love and mercy, that when people see me they will only see the greatness of God in His obedient servant.

Writer: Majane Olores | Artist: Sanchi Catura