Words matter.

Words define leadership in a positive or negative light.

You can’t separate out words, leadership, character, and vision for where we desire to take people.

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. A day to remember one of the most remarkable leaders in recent history.

Ironically, today is also Inaguration Day of the first convicted felon in Presidential history Donald Trump.

One leader called Haiti, El Salvador, and African countries s-thole countries. And asked:

_ “Why are we having all these people from s–thole countries come here?” Why do we need more Haitians? Take them out.”_

(Source: Washington Post, People Magazine)

Another leader, Martin Luther King Jr., asked:

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'"

(Source: Country Living Magazine)

You decide which leader was/is committed to the benefit of others?
But I share these quotes because of these truths:
Words create new worlds. Words make better humans, thriving communities, and hope for tomorrow. Words can bring life, or death.

Words are fuel for the leadership we need at this moment, or any moment.

This is not a question of who is flawed, or less flawed. We all are. But rather, despite our flaws, who is going to do the most for others? Who will bring words of life and hope?

Who will have the courage to make the art needed for the moment? Who will lead with words that unite and don’t divide? Words littered with hope and inspiration and positivity for a better future.

History is an excellent teacher of what this kind of leadership looks and feels like.

We only need eyes to see.

-Ryan

“We set young leaders up for a fall if we encourage them to envision what they can do before they consider the kind of person they should be.” -Ruth Haley Barton

Many young folks (humans) want money. Fame. Influence.
Opportunity. Meaningful work.

Striving to find the Easy Button for such things.

But what happens if/when these things come, we aren’t the people to handle such blessings?

We live in a time when character is optional. Moral integrity a side show to whomever can yell the loudest.

And yet, history and experience and ancient texts will tell us… you can’t separate character and competence.

When competence, skill, opportunity, platform, or influence outpaces character, it’s a time bomb waiting to explode.

Character eats competence all day long.

And beware of the smokescreen that a competent person equals a person of character.

History is not kind to this oversight.

Study the life of Jesus. One thing becomes obvious:

Jesus was not concerned with winning.

Winning arguments.

Winning power over others.

Winning popularity contests.

Winning followers with manipulation.

Winning political leverage.

Jesus didn’t see life as a competition to be won. He didn’t imagine the Kingdom of God as a world of winners and losers.

Jesus’ vision for the Good Life and the Kingdom were less competitive, and more built on the framework of grace, generosity, and sacrifice.

A vision of leadership culminating in service.

A life built for the benefit of others.

In the last days of Jesus’ life, with the cross in view, Jesus made this stunning comment:

“Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” -Matt. 20:25-28

Life isn’t about control and winning.

Leadership isn’t about being in front and often requires being comfortable in the backseat.

Losing our rights and independence for the benefit of others.

Our time needs leaders to lead well and lead for others.

Lead like Jesus.

Be like Jesus.

Maya Angelou on doing good:

“I’m convinced of this: Good done anywhere is good done everywhere. For a change, start by speaking to people rather than walking by them like they’re stones that don’t matter. As long as you’re breathing, it’s never too late to do some good.”

In our moment, our current political, and wildfires in LA moment… we need more of this.

Leadership = doing good for all.