I read recently that there are ‘two types of leaders’: task-oriented leaders – those who focus of getting tasks accomplished or people-oriented leaders – those who focus on the social process and team development. I considered this and tried to determine which category I fell into. (Side note: I hate things like this because how can we just classify people according to one determining factor…everyone is much more complex) There are benefits and drawbacks to both classifications. I decided that I am somewhere in the middle of the two.
This was not always the case. I used to be much more task and goal oriented than I was people oriented. I remember when the Lord began to change this in me. I used to go to coffee shops and bring my ipod and a book. One particular day, I was sitting outside of a coffee shop, listening to worship music, and reading my Bible. I heard the gentle whisper of the Lord… ‘What are you doing?’ He was not pressing or accusing, just asking. I replied… ‘Learning more about you’ ‘But you are the light of the world. How can you share your light if you are disengaged from the people around you? Look around… …. … All of these people are waiting for hope and light’ I took out my headphones and within minutes, someone joined me at my table. I was able to listen and encourage someone who was burdened with the cares of life.
I have since learned that people are worth stopping for. Today, I sat in a coffee shop, pushed aside my computer, and talked to someone for almost 3 hours. Yes, there are things to get done, but Jesus always stopped for people. He walked on this earth in such a way as to restore honor and value to people who had been overlooked or passed by. This should be our aim as well. Love. It’s always about love. Our job is to love people, His job is to change them. Many times, life is fast paced and self-focused. I have learned that all people, from the slums of Africa to successful business men, desire to be heard and valued.
What if we really lived like Jesus? What if we preferred one another and stopped for the people that the Lord puts in our path? What if we slowed down and listened? What do we have to lose?
