Be Predictable (Mark 9:35-37)

Google has a well-deserved reputation for being very selective with their job applicants and developing leaders. Using the immense power of their databases, the Google team has derived a complex set of algorithms designed to sift through thousands of data points to find the best traits for a potential leader. The results are a bit surprising.

Predictability, according to Google, is the most important character trait for leadership. Google reasons that when managers are predictable, employees are free to perform knowing the established boundaries within which they are able to act. This removes the biggest roadblock for many employees’ performance.

When we think about being a leader, traits such as boldness, perseverance, and charisma all come to mind. Even the disciples jockeyed for positions of leadership when they followed Jesus. Jesus knew their hearts and conversations. But instead of discouraging their ambition, He challenged them to redefine what it means to be a leader.

And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.”
Mark 9:35-37

Predictability for leadership is important. But Jesus goes deeper. He asks us to examine our attitude and heart. What are our motives for being a leader? If we seek to be a leader to serve others, then we come closer to what Jesus expects of a true leader.

At some point in our lives, we will be asked to be a leader, whether we desire it or not. When that moment arrives, look to Jesus as the supreme example of leadership.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.