EDITORIAL : THE DAILY MIRROR, SRILANKA

Servant leaders and hired servants

We have heard of the beautiful imagery of faithful shepherds looking after their flock of sheep in the fields. They are called to pasture them at places where there is food and water. Certain seasons they have to be taken long distances in search of greener pastures, when it becomes scarce in one area. Perennial sources of food, drink and personal attention are called for at all times, being so vulnerable, they need to be protected from predators as well.

We too, especially political or religious leaders and parents are called to shepherd those under our care. Those we are called to look after are not there by chance, nor are we given that responsibility by accident. We are all familiar with the looking after of our spouses, children and other family members who are dependent upon us for their needs. May we look at them today with wonderment and gratitude, for that gift destiny has bestowed upon us. We are called to look after not only their physical needs, but also protect them from the predators of this world. Predators are the false values of this world -- living for the sake of self glory and power; inordinate seeking of pleasures and other lusts of the flesh. Many a parent through ignorance or reluctance, fail to protect their children from these destructive forces. Others preach one thing, but give wrong examples  by their way of life. Many suffer the consequences as a result. Broken homes, broken marriages, destructive lives and inner psychological wounds then start taking their toll. Society that destiny wants to raise to high pinnacles, finds itself caving in.

Good leaders immerge  from where they as children had been under the proper tutelage of loved ones at home. Others who had walked the rough road of hardship, rejection and humiliation, qualify themselves to be those the world is waiting for. There is something within each one of us, which cries out to be a good leader. This should be given room to grow, especially in children. Many children are put through their paces in the vast field of education, for leadership roles. The real leaders are those however, who emerge being sensitive to their social and natural environment, allowing themselves to be taught through it.

In the political sphere too, there should be such sensitivity in all leaders, from moment to moment as long as they are in power. This ensures their constant concern for those they are called to look after. Good leaders get to know they are such, when they experience within themselves the anguish of the weak, wanting attention; the sick crying for healing; those lost and wanting someone to find them. Good leaders are those who attract others to themselves. Initially they may not even be liked for whatever reason. Yet if leaders have love and a place in their hearts for those who malign them, they would reap the harvest of winning new friends. Good leaders need no embellishments; it would be seen as clearly as an insect sees the light.

Counterfeit leaders are known by their bad fruit. They themselves would know it, if they are courageous enough to look within themselves. Yet, due to cowardice, they miss opportunities to become genuine. Counterfeit ones, are only interested in taking care of themselves; wanting others to serve them, instead of serving others. They live off the spoils of the land. For this they burden the poor, the very ones they are called to enrich. They rule harshly and brutally, such would be dethroned by destiny’s writ.