9. Learning Leadership
Leadership is a big part of combat training – whether Christian or otherwise. We only need look at some of the examples found in the Bible to see its effects. Most military and other leadership is based on authority – which is the way it has to be in many physical circumstances – but the Christian is called to learn a different style of leadership altogether.
It helps our understanding of this to realize the New Testament doesn't stress authority as part of Christian practice. In the ancient Greek language authority was signified by adding the prefix archto words (as in our term "archbishop"), but although the world's rulers are often typified by the use of this word in the New Testament, it is never used of the disciples of Christ (the one seeming exception is in 1 Corinthians 3:10,where Paul refers to himself as an architekton – a "leading builder," but this is not in terms of authority).
On the contrary, Jesus clearly placed more emphasis on the serving role of his disciples than in their leadership by rule. In fact, he chastised his disciples for wanting to be "first" in authority and warned them about rulers who use leadership to "lord" it over their subjects (Matthew 20:25-28). This teaching was later faithfully followed by the apostles who, although they could claim to hold great authority within the church, describe themselves as servants rather than leaders (1 Corinthians 3: 5, etc.).
But leadership is still needed in Christian churches, organizations and families – so how do we address this seeming problem? The answer, of course, is that Christianity does not demand a leadership vacuum; rather it teaches leadership exercised through example and inspiration (1 Peter 5:1-3). This is not to say that authority should not be recognized or respected (Romans 13:1), but rather that Christian leaders should aim to lead by "going first" rather than "being first."
This principle is actually seen in some of the most inspiring stories of leadership found in the Old Testament as well as the New. Of the many examples that could be given, remember the story of how King Saul's son Jonathan led his armor bearer on a highly dangerous two-man mission that could easily have resulted in their deaths when he proposed climbing the sheer cliffs that rose behind an encampment of the enemy Philistines in order to surprise them. Although it was within his authority Jonathan did not command his armor bearer to accept the task. Rather, 1 Samuel tells us he encouraged the junior soldier to act with him:
"Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, 'Come … Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.' 'Do all that you have in mind,' his armor-bearer said. 'Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul'… Jonathan climbed up, using his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer right behind him" (1 Samuel 14:67, 13). The armor bearer's reply shows the young warrior was more than happy to back up Jonathan. He was involved in the plan because Jonathan had inspired him – as the armor bearer's words, "I am with you heart and soul" clearly show. Jonathan's style of leadership is just as clear from the fact that he climbed up first with his comrade following after.
Dozens of examples such as this one of leading by example rather than by commanding can be found in the pages of the Old and New Testaments. They can repay our study well – and they should be part of the basic training of every warrior of the Way.