The world today is crying for leadership. Character. Strength. Values. Honesty. Humility.
Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they will be called the Sons of God – Mt. 5:9
Peacemaking is about the love of others more than self, genuine apology, and repentant behavior. This type of leadership requires incarnation. It requires a relationship. It requires dialogue.
One of the reasons I follow Jesus Christ is because of his street credentials. He left his privilege to come to live as a man – Phil 2. He was tempted in all things just as I am – Heb 4:15. He experienced the joys and trials of human life. He served to the point of death on behalf of those he loves – John 15:13. I do not now, nor did I ever earn his grace and love. I love him because he first loved me – I John 4:13.
That leadership model can be transferred into today’s world, as well. The adults in the room take responsibility. They take the first step. They apologize. They pay the bill. They invite sons and daughters into welcoming arms. Then and only then can the adults hold the sons and daughters accountable to experiences of real leadership, love, and acceptance. Only then can the adult encourage the sons and daughters to own their shortcomings. In an environment of being understood, everyone can seek to understand.
Thank you, Jesus, for your incarnational example, a cornerstone of good missiology. May I follow your lead as I seek out hurting people that need love and peace along with freedom from injustice.
I long for a leader in our US government who will follow that Jesus model for leadership.
If I were one of President Trump’s advisors, here is one thing I would push for:
The Whitehouse is a 14-minute walk away from the Martin Luther King Memorial. President Trump – invite people to the White House who truly want to dialogue and address issues. Perhaps leaders of the House and Senate, Police, Black Caucus, Black Lives Matter, and whatever other bodies represent People of Color and meet together without the press. Let everyone speak. You just sit there and listen in silence unless they need your apology.
Then walk those 14 minutes together in unity to that MLK Memorial.
Deliver a speech acknowledging your time of listening. Let others speak to the nation. Commit to forming a body of advisors made up of leaders (from both sides of the aisle) to become a Truth and Reconcilation Commission. ∗
Let’s let Jesus and George Floyd lead us to actions that result in peacemaking. And we will be called Sons of God.
∗The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was a court-like body assembled in South Africa after the end of Apartheid. Anybody who felt they had been a victim of violence could come forward and be heard at the TRC. Perpetrators of violence could also give testimony and request amnesty from prosecution.
Missiologist 
Very well written, Scott. We need a leader that would do just that. Sit, listen, and be quiet and then put together that special team to address these issues of racial inequality.
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The idea of a listening meeting with different people and groups is the best start I’ve heard. Following up with a message to the American people at the Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial is needed to remind everyone of what he accomplished by establishing a non violent movement, but more specifically a message based on a Biblical worldview. We as a people have largely forgotten his message of judging each other based on content of character.
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I actually teared up reading your idea about the march to the MLK memorial. That would remind me of the stories of incredible leadership previous presidents have taken to promote unity and change in a divisive world where a minority promote the stay of the “norm”.
Thanks for using your influence and platform to promote peace in this really uncertain time.
Scott Borg for president?? 🙂
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This is such a great word Scott! Wow! It gives me chills to think about having a Christ follower leading like Christ and actually being able to sit down and have a conversation such as this. Thank you for sharing this.
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Thanks, Scott, this is awesome. It reminded me of some of my favorite verses:
Joh 13:3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God;
Joh 13:4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.
Joh 13:5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
Joh 13:6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
Joh 13:7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
Joh 13:8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
Joh 13:9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
Joh 13:10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.”
Joh 13:11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
Joh 13:12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place.
At this point, Jesus redefined leadership and greatness. Truly, one cannot lead if he cannot serve. Wouldn’t it be great if we could lead as Jesus lead and actually engage in honest dialogue without anger and hatred
Not sure if this is pertinent but this is what came to me. Thanks, Scott and blessings.
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