Today’s Gospel Reminds Me of Leadership!

Today’s Gospel where James and John say to Jesus “We want you to do for us whatever we ask of you” and “Grant that we may sit one at your right and the other at your left” reminds me of leading others. Most people ask for more, like a bigger title or being a manager, without realizing what they are really asking for. Everyone wants the glory because they think they deserve it.

I’ve managed people for over ten years and I find that often in the hiring process the person wants to be someone senior or a manager. Then they come on board and they see all it takes to lead the area and that it’s not so glamorous. You’re in the trenches. You’re doing all the extra work. You have to know and be able to do the whole function - every bit and piece of it - and not just the things you like to do. You’re working the longer hours. You’re covering when people are out at inopportune times and when they quit. You’re subject to demands from up, down, and across with little to no buffer. You’re the responsible party when others don’t take responsibility. It’s a lot of blood, sweat, tears, tenacity, and resilience day after day. 

Often, within about a year, they’ll back down from that ambition because they realize that leadership is not all glory. It’s a lot of hands-on, hard service. Not everyone is cut out for that.

So it goes with Jesus today. James and John want the glory without the service, without the pain, and without knowing all the background. Jesus tells them they don’t know what they’re asking for.

Maybe Jesus is telling us similarly today. Do we know what we’re really asking for when we tell Jesus we want something? Is there something bigger we want without seeing the bigger picture of what it actually takes to get it? Are we willing to do the work and to serve, or are we just seeking after the rewards and the glory associated with it? Do we know what life’s really about or are we just striving after power, honor, status, and glory?

Sometimes it helps to open our eyes to the truth behind most of the good things in life. You want a great family? It takes a lot of work and service to your spouse and children to get that. You want to be known in your church and/or community? It takes a lot of involvement and service to get that. You want to rise at work? First you have to do the work and prove you can handle progressively more responsibility and service. You want to win an award in your hobby or profession? It’s going to take a lot of practice and commitment to your trade. You want wonderful friendships? Friendships require continual give and take.

Anything is possible, but nothing in this life is easily won. Service is the name of the game for anything worth receiving in this life. Jesus says so!