The “V” Formation
Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 6:00AM 
There are advantages for geese to fly in a "V" formation. They can fly faster and farther. But such a pattern does have its drawbacks for humans. Where is the flock going? I remember an old joke: “We are lost, but we are making great time!”
Being a part of a group headed in the wrong direction will not be helpful to an individual goose. However, flying in a V formation does have one advantage: each goose takes a term as lead goose. Among humans this is rare.
I remember a cartoon that had a big effect on me. The cartoon begins with geese in a V formation. The second panel shows the lead goose going in a different direction than the rest. The third panel of the cartoon shows a panicked and frantic leader goose apart from "his" flock. The final panel shows the leader goose back in front of the V.
Leaders can be trapped by the system too. A desire to serve can be corrupted to a desire for position. Money is often involved.
Prophets are never popular. John the Baptist was beheaded. Jeremiah was dumped in a septic tank. In 2 Chron 24 the Prophet Zachariah was murdered:
9 Although the LORD sent prophets to the people to bring them back to him, and though they testified against them, they would not listen.
20 Then the Spirit of God came on Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, “This is what God says: ‘Why do you disobey the LORD’s commands? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the LORD, he has forsaken you.’”
21 But they plotted against him, and by order of the king they stoned him to death in the courtyard of the LORD’s temple. 22 King Joash did not remember the kindness Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had shown him but killed his son, who said as he lay dying, “May the LORD see this and call you to account.”
Leaders trapped by the system will inevitably end up acting this way. Although in modern times, no murder is committed—just character assassination and the like.
Jesus in Matt 5 talks about this kind of "murder."
21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
A true leader will lead, not follow the wishes of the people if the people are wrong. This may mean in political terms that one is not electable. Unpalatable truths are still truths. Ron Paul comes to my mind as I write.
In the religious arena a pastor should never preach a doctrine because he is “expected” to, if he does not believe it.
Of course the easiest person to deceive is oneself. While obviously a person needs to live, and Paul makes it clear that one can "live" upon the gospel by receiving donations from those who are served, there is a danger when one's livelihood depends on toeing the doctrinal line. A preacher can be in the same position that a politician faces in the next election. Unpopular positions leads to loss of income.
If you speak hard truths, you are going to be called names. Count on it. Things like "You are not really a Republican" or "Are you really a part of the Church?" or “You are not a Christian" or "You are crazy." Or the final put down: "You are anti-American."
Yes this means you will be called a fool, as Jesus said. But as he also said, try not to be the one doing the name calling. Of course there are times this is unavoidable (See Matt 23). If you care about what other people think you are headed down the wrong road. These comments say more about them than about you.
One final word of warning: if you decide to go down the path of true leadership, do not be a jerk about it. In other words just because others are a jerk, there is no reason for you to be. Turn the other cheek as Jesus advised in Matthew 5:
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
I have not been very good at this, but I can do better. I have a new motto for the Prophecy Podcast that is in line with what I have been saying today:
"One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else shut up." (Arthur Koestler)
I hope you will speak the truth, but understand that doing this has a cost.
I have been referencing Ron Dart and his history on the issues of Leadership. to download a message he gave on these issues in 1979 click here.
Bible 
Reader Comments (3)
You're not anti-American, you're just confused. :)
On another note, wow! None of that, 'forgive them, for they know not what they do' for Zechariah, eh?
There is a difference to a personal attitude toward those that hurt us with an attitude of the judge. And to quote Sammy Davis Jr. on Laugh In, " Here comes de Judge."
Worst thing you can ever be called , as a baseball loving boy in the 1960s...
"YOU PLAY BALL LIKE A GIRL!"
Eddie H. Nessul
Amboy CA
(Read Names Backwards!)