Article April 29, 2019 Issue

Unexpected leaders

Chet Manchester

Adapted from an article published in The Christian Science Monitor’s Christian Science Perspective column, February 21, 2019.

Sometimes leadership comes in surprising packages. There’s a bestselling book that chronicles many compelling case studies of ordinary people rising to do extraordinary things. For example, a refugee with a criminal background confronts a powerful and self-serving political leader and secures freedom for thousands enslaved by this leader. A farmer rallies a few hundred people in his region to overthrow a brutal invading army. And a teen from a small rural town gives birth to a child who becomes an inspired teacher and activist whose work transforms the political and religious scene locally and globally.

This book, if you haven’t already guessed, is the Bible, and these are the accounts of unexpected leaders such as Moses, Gideon, the Virgin Mary, and especially Jesus. None of them sought out the leadership roles they assumed, and perhaps this was the real secret to their success. They were humble, selfless, and willing to serve. And most importantly, they were spiritually minded. They looked to the divine Spirit for ideas and guidance and acted fearlessly on the inspiration they received. And they let God take the lead in their own hearts and minds first—like clear windowpanes allowing the light of divine wisdom and love to shine through.

“I ... frequently get out of God’s way” is how American religious thinker and church founder Mary Baker Eddy once described her own approach to life and leadership, according to someone who knew her well (We Knew Mary Baker Eddy, Expanded Edition, Vol. II, p. 531). She rose from farmer’s daughter to acclaimed author, publisher, and uniquely accomplished healer—practicing the method of Christian Science healing she had discovered—at a time when women had far fewer rights or opportunities than they do today. At almost every juncture of her life, she made decisions that went against the grain of popular practice and opinion, not because she was personally bold or ambitious but because she was consistently willing to pause and listen for the leadings of divine inspiration.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

From Kids

No more scary thoughts