“Second-in-command,” thoughts for leaders and succession, Part 2
By Dean Collins
In yesterday’s post I wrote, “You are never anything higher than second-in-command.” But I’ve thought more about that than I had space to include in that post.
First, some background: Moses had just experienced another power grab by some disgruntled leaders who were sure they knew a better plan and would be better leaders for the children of Israel. It’s a common pattern. If left to self-selection we might all put ourselves higher in the organization chart, and certainly we would pay ourselves better!
But I’ve seen very few, if any, examples of self-promotion as a good indicator of future success. I’ve certainly seen many executives and managers who thought they should be the leader and believed they would be better than the current leader if given the chance. And most of them felt like the chance was right now. I’ve also seen many weary leaders who have been navigating hard times on the battlefield and are ready to step aside or step down, but often stay because they believe they have a higher calling. Some say, “I haven’t felt God release me from this current assignment.” This is the challenge. Sometimes we do need to step aside, but other times we need to endure because God is not finished using us in a particular assignment.
God’s succession plan
In the wilderness just ahead of the Promised Land, God’s succession plan was laid out for Moses. His successor, Joshua, would lead the chosen nation. But both Moses and Joshua realized they worked for a higher authority. They weren’t calling the shots; they were implementing God’s plan and following his commands. We will always be better leaders when we understand we follow the good shepherd while we shepherd those we have been charged to lead.
We will always be better leaders when we understand we follow the good shepherd while we shepherd those we have been charged to lead.
We also can learn a lot about leadership and succession planning by noticing the reason God appoints leaders. Numbers 27:16 allows us to see God’s motive and his heart: “Appoint a man over the congregation who shall go out before them and come in before them, who shall lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the Lord may not be as sheep that have no shepherd.”
Our good, good Father in Heaven never wants anyone to wander as “sheep that have no shepherd.” He wants everyone to know they are neither alone nor uncared for as they do their work and live their lives. When God calls you to be a leader, he wants you to draw closer to him for instructions. We are never called to boss others. When Jesus was preparing his disciples for succession, one day he pointed to the crowds to tell them what he wanted them to understand. Crowds are filled with people who feel harassed and helpless. Sometimes they genuinely are harassed and helpless. But in all cases Jesus looked on people with compassion.
Focus on Jesus
When Jesus reinstated Peter, he specifically called Peter to feed and care for the sheep. Peter’s own instructions for elders in 1 Peter 5:1-7 are wonderful wisdom and direction for any called to lead others. We are called to lead willingly and not with a grudge. We work for God’s glory and never our own. And when we are overwhelmed, we cast all our cares on Jesus who will bear our burdens and lighten our load. Know that you may be inclined to make your job about you, but don’t give in to that temptation from the evil one. Focus on Jesus and approach all you do with gratitude and grace and the mercy of God. When you lead like that, people will follow. Chances are, God and others will give you more to do. And he will always take care of you!
Give it your all while you are in the job. And don’t forget that we are called always to be equipping others for the next job God might have in mind for them. Don’t be surprised if their next role is your current one! You never know what God has prepared in advance for any of us.
Your time with God’s Word
Numbers 27:15-23; Matthew 9:36; John 13:36-38; 21:15-17; 1 Peter 5:1-11 ESV
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Photos by Claudio Schwarz | @purzlbaum on Unsplash
