[Praxeas]

One of MJ's claim to fame was his triple doubles. He often had scores, rebounds and assists in double figures. But just about everyone agree's his real claim to fame, the thing that made him so important to the Lakers, was that he made everyone else a better player. Or more specific, he made everyone else live up to their potential.

He could have scored more points, but he chose to get others involved in scoring. Clearly when it came to such things he did not let his ego get in the way.

Isn't that really what true leadership is about? Not doing it all. Not being in control. Not in fear of others having good ideas and not getting the praise for them. But inspiring others to excel to God's glory.

I was thinking of when Jesus sent out his disciples. He sent them out to preach and to heal the sick. Not only that, Jesus never baptized. He had the disciples doing it.

Jesus is the Teacher. That was His leadership model...to teach others to do His ministry.

I think when a leader fails to do that, it's the result of insecurities. Leaders that give in to their insecurities see others as a threat, they fear others getting credit for doing things and the result is they will shut down someone that is really getting spiritual or accomplishing much. Or their good ideas go ignored...because they are good ideas.

But a good leader facilitates those with good ideas. A good leader inspires them and helps them impliment their ideas. A good leader instructs and seeks to bring out each persons full potential. They don't fear those that are gifted, being gifted themselves they mold and guide those with gifts.

And the followers? They aren't ambitious to take the teachers place. They see him as he is, a leader to be respected and honored. They just want to help and work with the rest of the body to do the work of the Lord.

A follower or student must not be ego driven, but trust in the Lord as any leader ought too. Given that paradigm God's will be done, He calls whom He wills and makes room for them and their gifts.

Magic Johnson's team mates looked to him for inspiration. Nobody wanted to dominate the team. Even on a team like that if one person decided he wanted to be it, be the star, it would never work. The rest of the team knew who was the leader. The team basically works because of the leadership and the coach knows that is what works and would not allow the usurper to take over the team. It would destory the team chemistry, the harmony.

What do you guys think?