Leader Staff Support

I have served on staff under leaders who lead and leaders who are not sure what they are doing. I can tell you; I would much rather serve a leader with vision, courage and compassion for those he/she is leading. There are people who are more skilled at leading while others wear a title that means little. There’s an ancient proverb that says: “If you’re leading and no one is following, then you’re simply taking a walk”.  Leaders play a significant role in the direction of our local government, state government and our federal government. I’ve also learned over the years that just because someone is elected, that doesn’t make them a leader. The way they conduct themselves in their office either makes them a leader or simply an elected official.

Moses was called by God to lead the people of Israel from Egypt. Moses reluctantly agreed, but asked God for Aaron’s help. The people have safely traveled across the Red Sea and are now making their way toward Canaan – the land promised to their ancestors by God Himself. Check this out….

⁸ The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. ⁹ Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.”

¹⁰ So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. ¹¹ As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.¹² When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. ¹³ So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword. (Exodus 17:8-13 NLT)

There’s a picture here of Moses as the leader of God’s people even though he wasn’t in the battle, his presence and posture mattered. I love the picture of his staff, Aaron & Hur keeping his hands lifted toward the heavens while the warriors of Israel defeated the Amalekite army.  I see some principles here that might apply to leaders everywhere.

1. Moses was keenly involved in the battles that Joshua and his men were fighting.
2. Moses was seeking help from God with his hands raised. (that is my interpretation)
3. Moses needed Aaron and Hur to support him often, not just with this situation.
4. The staff must work together with the leader so that great things can be accomplished.

If Moses’ staff had not helped, Joshua might have not prevailed in the battle. The leader is often the target for criticism even when things are going well. A good leader needs support staff around to help follow through with the leader’s vision and mission.  There are some companies, institutions and churches where the staff need to support the leader or step away from their position. The leader must be able to lean on his staff and trust his staff when there are battles being fought. The leader needs his staff to prepare for battle or to seek to prevent a battle.

I also believe that all leaders are also followers too. They are accountable and answerable to others whom they are subject too.  I’m especially attentive to leaders who are Christ followers because I’m keenly aware of the characteristics and principles that He calls all of us to wear each day. I want to lead wherever I am – support staff or the one being supported by staff. I want to clearly follow the Lord whatever role I’m in.

Pressing On!

Dwayne