Reflection
It is sad to remember when things like honor and integrity were seen as values for many in public service. Empty words and blind loyalty accompanied by indifference to the common good are not qualities suitable for a public servant. To see public support and encouragement for such behavior is equally disheartening. As we observe what passes for leadership in our nation at the present time, it might be valuable to consider that it was Jesus who said, “…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” Our elected leaders are still referred to as public servants. The question arises: Who are they serving?
Prayer
Those who have eyes to see, let them see.
Matthew 13
Action
Search the gospels and find the times Jesus condemned hypocrisy and selfish leadership. Find where he warned against division. Find passages where he defended the poor. Read his condemnation of those who insult others.
Suggested Reading
Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant.
Matthew 20:26
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
John 10:11
Jesus taught us that he who commands must become like one who serves. Or, if one wants to be first he must be the servant of all.
Pope Francis
Example is leadership.
Albert Schweitzer
Jesus wept over those who were hard of heart; he wept over those who were blind, self-righteous, full of themselves, judgmental, critical and addicted to power.
Ilia Delio
In a servant leadership culture we learn by choice or example that if we want to be great, we have to serve others respectfully.
Vern Dosch
They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security.
Benjamin Franklin
America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.
Abraham Lincoln
The American spirit wears no political label. In service to others and yes, in sacrifice for our country, there are no Republicans; there are no Democrats; there are only Americans.
John Kerry
If ever time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin.
Samuel Adams
The American ideal is not that we all agree with each other, or even like each other, every minute of the day. It is rather that we will respect each other’s rights, especially the right to be different, and that, at the end of the day, we will understand that we are one people, one country, and one community, and that our well-being is inextricably bound up with the well-being of each and every one of our fellow citizens.
C. Everett Koop
One of the reasons people hate politics is that truth is rarely a politician’s objective. Election and power are.
Cal Thomas