Comments on: Submission is given not taken

By: Alan Knox

Alan Knox — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:06:00 +0000

Andries,

Thanks for telling us about your post. I have several blogs from South Africa in my blog reader, and I'll add yours as well.

Ellen,

Thank you for the compliment!

-Alan

By: ellen Haroutunian

ellen Haroutunian — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 05:35:00 +0000

This is one of the most encouraging posts I’ve read in a while. Thanks!

By: Andries

Andries — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:55:00 +0000

Hi Alan, thanks for your relevant post. I have also posted on leadership but from a South African perspective, quoting our biggest daily newspaper that asks “Where is OUR Obama?”

By: Alan Knox

Alan Knox — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 04:04:00 +0000

Beth,

Thanks for the comment. I think, of all people, Jesus alone has the right to exercise authority (power). However, he chose not to do so, but to allow others power instead.

Kathy,

Yes. I've learned alot over the last few years about who to follow. My life has changed drastically by following servants.

-Alan

By: kathyescobar

kathyescobar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:55:00 +0000

hi alan, thanks for these thoughts here. i like this line “it’s time for people to start following servants” not just necessarily those who are up front. one of the reasons certain leadership models are perpetuated is that people follow them because of knowledge or ability or you name it. peace, kathy

By: Beth P.

Beth P. — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 05:18:00 +0000

Hi Alan–
Did Jesus give away power, or only acknowledge where it rightfully belongs–within each of us?

Thanks for this thoughtful post!

By: Alan Knox

Alan Knox — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:30:00 +0000

Jonathan,

Why do you think people liked that Jesus gave away power? (I think I agree, but I'd love to hear your take on it.)

Joe (J.R.),

I agree. In fact, I think when we start trying to figure out how many are following us, we become less of a leader. Instead, we should simply serve. And, if others decide to follow - or even recognize us - that's between them and God.

-Alan

By: J. R. Miller

J. R. Miller — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 23:14:00 +0000

Alan, what I find important is that we don't use numbers to determine the success of a leader. If we take that one moment in time of Jesus' life, he was not a good leader, but as Lionel suggests, the long term picture is much different. (to be clear, i don't think this was suggested by your article or by any comments, it is just something that came to my mind as I was reading)

I shared my concern about this a short while back.

I agree though, I don't think this in any way contradicts your post and it fits in well with most of what you write on.

By: Jonathan Brink

Jonathan Brink — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 23:01:00 +0000

I think Jesus gave away power. And people liked that.

By: Alan Knox

Alan Knox — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:50:00 +0000

Andy,

Not in front pulling and not in back driving... but in the middle serving... that a leader to me.

Lionel,

You asked, "Why is it that many Theologians are writing books and preaching on 'submission' so much today." Because we don't really believe that simply serving people (Jesus's way of leadership) is effective, so we have to come up with other "biblical" methods of leadership.

By the way, in your last comment, did you mean that Jesus was their disciple or their dicipler?

Jerald,

Yes. But, I would say attitude and actions of both the leader and others. Unfortunately, those of us who are not leaders often demonstrate a wrong attitude and actions by following the wrong people - not the ones serving.

Sally,

Yes, I think we should often ask ourselves how and why we're leading, and if anyone is following our example.

Joe (J.R.),

Actually, I think Jesus perfectly illustrates my point. He became a servant - even to the point of death. While he was dying, very few followed him. But, later others started following him - even to their death.

-Alan