True leadership is about selflessness
Election Day is now behind us, with thousands of women and men elected to give leadership for the citizens they represent. We often view leadership as gaining success and recognition, winning the gold, being chosen captain of the team, acquiring privilege as though king of the hill.
However, in our democracy, rather than ascending to honor, taking up the mantle of leadership is a call to service. Rather than lording it over others, leaders are to be servants of the people. The Christian scripture reminds those in leadership to serve “willingly …not pursuing shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those entrusted to you, but being examples to those committed to your charge” (I Peter 5:2-3).
Leadership is not for the immature desiring position, power and privilege, but for those mature and secure enough to give of themselves for the betterment of others. We may or may not be thrilled about those elected, but let us commit to encourage and pray for them that they may understand that leadership is not so much privilege as sacrifice.
Tom Thornton, Surfside Beach
This story was originally published November 24, 2016 at 2:08 PM with the headline "True leadership is about selflessness."