Canada Day offers a great time to reflect on all the blessings we enjoy here and among those is our electoral system: it’s a blessing to have the right to elect our leaders. It’s not perfect, of course, and that’s felt whenever an election fuels divides among even the best of friends, when you discover a friend has ‘cancelled’ out your vote with their own. It’s still a true blessing though because life in those nations where leaders do win one hundred percent of the votes isn’t nearly so nice as it is here. Our system works through humility, acknowledging that no one person has all the answers.
We’ve all experienced the struggles that come when a leader misuses their position. A bad coach, an unsympathetic teacher, an uncompromising landlord, an arrogant boss: politicians and clergy aren’t exempt; and it’s easy to completely mistrust leaders, whoever the kings of today may be, after being let down enough.
For a few weeks, we’re reflecting on our Baptism. Of course, the Baptized are adopted children of God, called to inherit his Kingdom. That’s who Baptism says we are. But Baptism makes a practical difference in the lives of disciples too; it gives us a job going all the way back to Adam and Eve. Being made in the image and likeness of God, they were true prophets; a clear reflection of what God’s like, where he’s to be found and what he wants, at least until they said, “no”, to his plan. Since then, fear has led God’s people to hide or cover themselves, obscuring the image of God within. Last week, we examined how Baptism is God’s first step in restoring the role of prophet so, once again, the life, words and actions of each disciple can reveal God’s presence and message.
Adam and Eve were made to be prophets, but also kings. One of their jobs was to name all God had made: God made it all and included the first couple in his work by inviting them to name what he had made. This is a big deal; naming all God created wasn’t just about applying labels to things but about properly asserting why God made all there is and declaring how his creation is to be properly used. Through that leadership, that kingship, harmony existed in the garden. But once the first couple said, “no”, to God, that kingship was corrupted and instead of using creation according to God’s purpose, people since have sometimes used creation, including others, for their own selfish purpose; that original harmony found in the Garden of Eden has been lost.
God has lots to say about leaders. He’s revealed his desire to work through leaders. While good leaders are praised for cooperating, for bringing harmony back for God’s people and creation, leaders who misuse their position are greatly criticized. In today’s Gospel, Jesus points out the qualities disciples should exhibit when leading. Good kings place nothing ahead of following the Saviour. Good leaders are ready to take up the cross. Good managers listen to and welcome prophets. The ones in charge are doing it right when they truly care about even the simplest needs of those most in need and at our Baptism we were anointed, called to seek the gifts needed to become that kind of leader.
Just as we need good prophets, we need good kings, good leaders, who work to restore the harmony of God’s plan. But, while we may not have much influence over the leadership qualities of others, beyond doing our best at the polls, there’s a few things disciples can do for ourselves. Disciples recognize how in ways, big or small, we’re each in some kind of leadership position. Maybe you’re not leading a nation, but a family, or workplace project, a team or some other group. Perhaps you’re in a place of influence, work with children, pass on skills or host guests; maybe all you’re the leader of is a few extra dollars in a wallet. These are all places God has led his disciples to.
We also admit our own need for growth; disciples acknowledge there’s been moments where each has misused their position. If you’re a parent, maybe there’s been times you’ve put yourself before your children. If you’re a manager or supervisor or teacher of some kind, it’s so easy to be less than perfect in using authority. I know I’ve had to bring up my own shortcomings as pastor in the Confessional. It’s uncomfortable, it’s humbling, but admitting the need for growth softens the heart so the Spirit can form us into the kings God’s called us to be.
Disciples also declare that our royal dignity is exercised not through authority over others, but through authority for others. We reign by becoming like the greatest king of all, who’s given his life for others, for us; that’s the king, the leader, disciples long for and imitate.
Here’s the thing: elections, nations, empires, armies and dollars all come and go. Those who use authority only for themselves eventually become powerless. Our Saviour, however, calls us to aim for something endless. Shortly, in, ‘The Lord’s Prayer’, we’ll entrust all to our eternal king; we’ll pray that the Father’s, “…will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” This isn’t a passive request. No, in this petition disciples accept that from Baptism, we are anointed kings, called to reflect the love of our maker.
King of all, we praise you for anointing the Baptized, for inviting us to share in your kingship and work. Bless all who find themselves in positions of authority, big or small, and guide them to escape all temptations to use their positions selfishly so your holy will can truly be done on earth as it is in heaven. May your disciples follow the example of your Son, who ruled through sacrifice and love. This prayer we make in his name. Amen.
