THE MOST DYNAMIC SPIRITUAL LEADERS know they are both saint and sinner. Or, as Martin Luther noted long ago,“Simul iustus et peccator”—at the same time righteous and sinner. These leaders live with a burning desire to be honest about themselves—acknowledging their strengths as well as their struggles and mishaps. They live and lead from the depth of their soul, which is the essence of their existence. And, as a result, they become more attuned to an experiential knowledge of the truth about God and others within their reach.
Healthy spiritual leaders recognize the reality of living in the tension of the already-and-not-yet nature of the kingdom. They expect to experience both transformative redemptionand continued brokenness in their generational lifetime. They know that Christ’s kingdom has been inaugurated and is being realized here on earth. But their complete redemption is not fully consummated until they are ushered into God’s kingdom for all eternity.
As continuously redeemed and transformed beings, they experience the abundant life of Christ with ever-increasing joy and thereby invite others around them to do likewise. Leaders who embrace their brokenness and submit it authentically into the hands of God are the ones who marvel at God’s redemptive work and serve others with renewed passion. Their spiritual eyesight is likened to Saint Augustine, who once said, “In my deepest wound I saw your glory, and it dazzled me.” They are an inspiration to all.
Consider this perspective on leadership as portrayed in the biblical text. For example, where would the story of Joseph’s tested faithfulness be without the jealousy of his brothers or the lure from Potiphar’s wife? Would we know about the leader Moses without his excuse of a speech impediment and shirking responsibilities? And—oh by the way—what about his murder of an Egyptian? Wasn’t Rahab the harlot an instrument of grace for Joshua? What about Saul’s blatant hatred of Christians before being blinded by the light on the road to Damascus? And would we know the full gospel story without Jesus suffering from ridicule, beatings, humiliation and the excruciating pain of a broken body and shed blood on the cross?
I am profoundly motivated when I think of the woman who was abused by her mother growing up and who now serves as a mentor to young moms. I’m deeply touched by the severely disabled woman who is a faithful servant leader, stuffing envelopes and fervently praying for missionaries in the agency where she volunteers time and resources. I’m awestruck by the former drug addict and ex-con who now is clean and sober an
