True Leadership by C. M. Babcock

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 27, 1916

True Leadership

By C. M. Babcock

C. M. BABCOCK

Of all those who have trodden the pathway of this earth Christ is the supreme example of true leadership. He recognized himself as a leader in the true sense when he said, on one occasion, “I am the way.” How suggestive are these words! At once we catch the thought that Jesus himself went whithersoever he desires others to go. Jesus led in that he went before and blazed the way for those who were to follow. Nothing was so trying or so hard that the great Master Leader was not willing to set the example. In the book of Hebrews, fourth chapter and fifteenth verse, we have this principle enunciated, “We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” While this scripture does not have direct reference to leadership, yet it has in it the elements which go to make successful leadership, that is, a willingness to go before and invite others to follow.

Jesus came down to this world, was born of a woman, born under the law, clothed with the nature of man; and he went everywhere that man must go, experienced every trial that man must experience, was tempted in every way that man must be tempted, and withheld himself from nothing that human flesh may be subjected to, even death on the cross, that he might be in the truest sense a leader of men. He did not ask any of his servants to go where he himself was unwilling to go before them. He did not require of any of his followers obedience to any law which he was unwilling to obey.

How different is this great leader from the boss who does not consider himself amenable to the laws he makes for others, and does not take upon himself the burdens that he requires others to bear, but drives, rather than leads, men to their tasks.

Not only was Christ a leader of men,

but he was a trainer of leaders. Yet how signally the men to whom Jesus looked for leadership when he had laid down his life work here, failed to grasp this great principle of leadership which had been so beautifully exemplified in their Master’s life. Shortly before the Saviour concluded his work on earth, he was going with his disciples to the place of the Passover Supper when he heard them discussing among themselves which should be the greatest. It was evident from the conversation of these men, that self-esteem and selfishness were the controlling influences in their lives; and the Saviour must have been pained at hearing their conversation. No doubt Peter and James and John were confident that of all men they were the best qualified to take responsibilities, and considered themselves amply qualified to lead out in the great work to which they had been called.

This very confidence was evidence of their unfitness for their work as leaders of men. These characteristics which were manifest in their lives might be suitable for bosses, but not for leaders. They might have been prepared to tell others what to do, but manifestly they were not ready to do some things themselves. The Master sought to show them their need. As they gathered around the table to partake of the Passover, it fell to some one to perform the part of a servant. None of these men with their self-esteem were willing to do this. Jesus arose from the table, and taking the basin and towel began to wash the disciples’ feet. What a stinging rebuke was this to the pride, arrogance, and self-importance of these men, and what a simple demonstration of what constituted true leadership!

I will try to enumerate in order some of the principles that have to do with this question. First, a successful leader must have a humble opinion of himself, must not be afraid to serve, and must be willing to go all the way that he asks others to go. What the world needs is leaders of men; those who can lead the way and invite others to follow. Some who have been unwilling to do this, through some combination of influence have risen to dizzy heights only to lose their balance and fall in ignominious defeat. That person is prepared to lead men who has gone the way before, who has learned by experience the nature of the requirements he places upon others. Second, an individual who becomes a leader must be amenable to the laws he makes. Jesus Christ, the great Leader, proved the justice of his own requirements by himself submitting to the laws he made for others. It seems to me that every successful leader, even in a worldly way, has recognized to some extent these principles; but how much more important that those who are the followers of the meek and lowly Jesus should have these principles firmly embedded in their lives!

Leaders grow: they are the product of years of earnest, ardent toil. They are not men who have conceived the idea of becoming great, but those who have had some purpose which through the years of patient toil they have achieved. This success inspired confidence in their fellows, and they have been thrust forward as men who were in a position to show others the way. It is not necessary that a man be given jurisdiction over his fellows in order to be a leader. I have just been reading the life of George L. Mackay, and his life exemplifies the thought I have in mind. Mackay had all the requisites of a true leader, chief among which was an undaunted determination to overcome every obstacle in his life, and accomplish his purpose at all hazards. When but a small lad breaking stones, it is said that when he and his brother had about finished a day’s work and had only one great stone left to be broken with the heat of the fires which they were kindling, the brother said to George, “We can’t break that one,” but George, jumping up on the great rock, clenched his fists and said, “We will break it,” and they did. This spirit enabled little George, when he had grown to manhood, to break the great rock of heathenism in Formosa, and to become a leader of men; not a ruler, not a dictator, not a boss, but a leader. The years of toil, the sacrifice, the effort that resulted in bringing hundreds to the fold of Christ in Formosa, made Mackay a leader of men. Possessed of that same undying love for others that led our Saviour to sacrifice his life for humanity, Mackay risked his life over and over that he might nurture and protect those whom God had given him for the fruitage of his toil. This same spirit in the hearts of Carey, Judson, and scores and hundreds of others who have given their lives for the service of the Master, to go out into the world and carry his glorious message of salvation, has made them leaders of men.

Do you want to be a leader of men? Do not look for an opportunity to dictate what others shall do, but for an opportunity to render some real service for the benefit of humanity and the upbuilding of the principles of the kingdom of Christ.