DO YOU WISH TO BE A LEADER? THEN LISTEN.

 *TUESDAY, September 19, 2023* 


Weekday (24)

First Reading. 1Timothy 3: 1-13

Psalm 101: 1-3, 5, 6 (R. 2c)

Gospel. Luke 7: 11- 17


TOPIC FOR REFLECTION


 *THOSE WHO ASPIRE TO BE A LEADER: LISTEN.* 


Hmmm, I am convinced that many of us may wish to be a leader in one organization, society or another.


So, if you are one of them, kindly listen to what today's liturgical reading is saying.


Leadership is for service and not for showing off or accumulating wealth for oneself, however, experience has shown that those who desire power by every means have nothing to offer.


Such are the people who have pleasure for power whom St. James referred to in his epistle chapter 4. They desire power, and when they cannot get it, they fight, destroy, maim, kill, kidnap, abduct, and all kinds of unimaginable evils.


More so, these sets of people, once they could achieve power through cruel means, they start to impose their style of leadership on people. They imposed hardship and since they had nothing to offer, *they began to sieze the breath of the poor masses.* They are empty vessels.


However, those who have the true quality of leadership love to lead the people in the right way, and as the bible says in Proverbs 29: 2. 

"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice"


Therefore, as Christians, any of us who aspire to be a leader in any form should listen to what St. Paul told Timothy about the qualities a leader must possess, especially those vying for one post or another in the church and the society at large. 


He said, Beloved: The saying is sure: If anyone aspires to the office of Bishop, President, Chairman/lady of any association, organization, or in the Church or society, such a person desires a noble task. Now these persons must be above reproach, the husband of one wife and not many, temperate, sensible, dignified, hospitable, an apt teacher, no drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and no lover of money.


Hmm, this aspect of MONEY is what drives many to aspire for the office of leadership, and it has ruined society. 


He went further to say, that such a person must manage his household well, keeping his children submissive and respectful in every way; for if a man does not know how to manage his household, how can he care for God’s Church and the society? 

Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders (the people whom he desires to rule) or he may fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 


Similarly, they must be serious, not double—tongued, not addicted to much wine and, not greedy for gain; they must hold the mystery of the faith, the constitution of the society with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then if they prove themselves blameless let them serve as leaders. 


The women likewise must be serious, no slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things, for those who serve well gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.


Such good quality leaders are seen as another Christ on the throne of power. 


Therefore, as a leader in your family, church and society, be another Christ to the people you govern.


 *Peace ✌️ be with you.* 


 *Rev. Fr. Segun Oladeji, CRS.* 


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