Much has been written about the leadership of Lee Iacocca (former executive of Ford and then Chrysler). Carol Dweck does a great job in “Mindset” explaining how Lee, despite incredible abilities, had a fixed mindset. He thought he was the savior. He was the smartest, so he claimed. America would be great if only he was leading her. What kept him up at night was what the company would do if he were no longer there.
In the end, those with a fixed mindset are remembered for their arrogance and pride, dysfunctional leadership teams, lost opportunity, massive loss of value, and broken relationships. They leave us with a how-not-to-lead legacy, case studies of those who think they are wise and clever (Matthew 11:25), but who leave their organizations in desperate need of good, wise leadership.
So, will America rise or fall? How about Canada, Mexico, France, China, or Russia? It depends. The markets go up and down. And so do the fortunes of nations. The Bible says, “Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisors” (Proverbs 11:14). We reap what we sow. If we elect and appoint foolish leaders our national and organizational strength will diminish.
We can write all the glossy business plans we want, but if our trust is in ourselves, worldliness, and wealth, we're doomed. The last ten years in Canada (less than 0.5% GDP growth over that period!) are already dubbed the ‘lost years.’ In a few short weeks, Canadians have another opportunity to choose leaders. God willing, Canadians will vote wisely.
God is patient and kind. He gives us every opportunity to grow and prosper. Jesus shows us the mark of a wise leader. It’s the leader who knows he has to rely on God. We can’t do anything of lasting value relying on our own feeble strength.
Bad leaders, jerks, and wicked men knock us down. But Jesus lifts us up. Jesus refreshes and encourages us as only He can. Jesus says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). I need Jesus this morning. I trust we all do.
So yes, of course, we need wise leadership in America. Pray that our leaders depend on God. Elect wise leaders. Be the wise leader in your home who serves loves and learns from Jesus. Christ daily reminds us that all we need is in and from Him.
We have no need for pride, selfish ambition, and all the nonsense we do to impress others. There is no honor in heaven for those with such a mindset, for those who think they are wise and clever, but are forgotten fools. God teaches every man humility - one way or the other every knee will bow. May we be the men and women who truly learn from and obey Jesus. May we take His yoke and depend on Him alone.
The fortunes of our organizations and our nations depend on God’s blessing. As God’s children and His disciples, we are to reject the world’s way. And we are to honor God as we agree with each other, love one another, and work together with one mind and purpose, fighting together for the news that Jesus is our Saving God.
Jesus teaches us that we need God’s wisdom to prosper. And that wisdom flows from humility (Proverbs 11:2). Let’s honor God today as servant leaders who encourage others, refresh others, and point others to God’s way. That’s a way of honesty, accurate weights, humility, right living, trustworthiness, circumspection, truthfulness, charity, and a growth mindset. Above all, aim for Heaven - that is where our true citizenship lies (Philippians 1:27- 2:11). God will never fail; His Kingdom will never fall.
Like CEO Lee, we can have all the abilities and power in the world, but we can’t force our hand on God. God is good and provides everything for the godly. But He “refuses to satisfy the cravings of the wicked” (Proverbs 10:3). Don’t envy the wicked. They have no contentment, and God will not give them the satisfaction that they so desperately crave. They will, however, get the wages of their desires - they will get separation from the Holy One they reject.
By God’s grace, all the nations will rise and be blessed by Him. And may we do our parts to grow the Kingdom in our sphere of influence. May we be growth-minded today, God-minded. Amen.
Kari and Jack
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