When I think about the third quality of godly leaders, the image of Christopher Reeve as Clark Kent (in the 1978 movie, Superman) comes to my mind. If you saw the movie, you will probably follow my line of thinking. See if my thinking makes sense to you.
Qualities Of Godly Leaders
In my last two posts, I introduced you to Dr. Crawford Loritts and his 4 little known qualities of godly leaders. Dr. Loritts cited these qualities in his segment in Dennis Rainey’s Stepping Up Video Series.
In the first post, we tackled the first quality – brokenness. In the next post, we discussed the second quality – uncommon communion. Today, we will talk about his third quality – servanthood as an identity – and how it relates to Superman!
Superman vs. Clark Kent
Let’s start with Superman and his cover identity, Clark Kent. Kent was really Superman, but did not want anyone to know it. He attempted to develop this “identity” as a bumbling newspaper reporter so that no one would catch on to his real identity as that of Superman. For all of us watching the movie, he was not very convincing. We could not understand why people didn’t catch on (a tribute to Reeve’s acting ability!).
Lois Lane, his coworker, eventually figured out he was faking the clumsy act, but many others were still clueless.
So what does this have to do with qualities of godly leaders? Everything!
Servanthood, As An Identity
In his description of servanthood as the third quality of godly leaders, Dr. Loritts made sure to emphasize the fact that this quality has to be a part of the leader’s identity. He said, “Written into the hearts of great leaders is a love and a care for the people they serve and lead…Its part of who they are, part of their identity.”
He went on to say how critical it is for this idea of servanthood to actually be a part of the godly leaders’ identity, not just something they do for show. That is when Clark Kent popped into my mind.
Just An Act
As I watched Reeve as Kent in the movie, I loved his body language and facial expressions. He was masterful in his portrayal of Kent. Unfortunately, I don’t see his act playing out in real life. No matter how good he was at the act, it was clearly not who he actually was. The real identity showed itself when the pressure was on.
The same is true for those of us striving to be godly leaders. If we want to be the real deal, then servanthood cannot be an act for us. We cannot just say we love those we are leading and serving.
We actually have to love them!
The Truth Will Show
Anything else will eventually show through. Our real identity will come out. This will most likely happen when the pressure on us increases. Choices will present themselves and our real identity will choose. If we have just been acting like we love those we lead, then our choices will reflect who or what we really love.
Jesus was not acting when he washed the feet of the disciples. He was showing His true love for them. Don’t believe me, then just look at the cross. He proved it there.
We likely won’t be tested with a cross, but know this – we will be tested. And know that when we are tested, our true identity will show. When this happens, whether we are even aware of it or not, others will take note. They will see the acting for what it is and they will no longer follow.
Pray For Help!
Folks, if we are serious about being godly leaders, then we simply must ask God to love those we lead and to do it through us. We must sincerely seek to love them as He does. We must determine to serve them as a way to convey this love to them.
If, instead, you attempt to “act” your way through it, your audience will know it. They will wonder how anyone could fall for it!
On a scale of one to ten, where is your love for those you serve and lead?
If your rating is low, are you aware that people around you already know it?
What is God leading you to do differently?
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