Submissive Leadership

 Quick thoughts on my scripture reading this morning: 3 Nephi 8-the Lord has control over the very elements but exercises that power very carefully.  That reminds me and actually connects two other things I read about this morning!!!

1 Peter 5: 2 aFeed the bflock of God which is among you, taking the coversight thereof, not by constraint, but dwillingly; not for efilthy flucre, but of a ready mind;

3 Neither as being alords over God’s heritage, but being bensamples to the flock.

4 And when the chief aShepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a bcrown of cglory that fadeth not away.

5 Likewise, ye younger, asubmit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with bhumility: for God cresisteth the dproud, and giveth grace to the ehumble.

6 aHumble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

8 Be asober, be bvigilant; because your adversary the cdevil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

I need to be humble and submissive to those around me and in my stewardship or the devil will rend me as a lion.  We need to exercise the power and authority we carry in any capacity carefully, especially the power that God lends us to fulfill our stewardships….which reminds me of a cool quote from something I read earlier this morning from a talk called “Divine Parenting” from the last conference:: 

"God will do everything He can, short of violating your agency, to help you not miss out on the greatest blessings in all eternity."  (President Nelson) 

This is an interesting model to follow as a parent and as a missionary leader!  That line between respect of agency and stewardship is hard to find sometimes!   This also led me to this other great quote (from another great talk from President Nelson "Salvation and Exaltation" 4/08):  

Do not try to control your children. Instead, listen to them, help them to learn the gospel, inspire them, and lead them toward eternal life. You are God’s agents in the care of children He has entrusted to you. Let His divine influence remain in your hearts as you teach and persuade.  

I feel like these all tied together well to remind me of the key underlying principle of an awareness of where my stewardship over those under my stewardship begins and ends….and to “learn from the best,” as it were. (Per 1 Peter 2)

Too often we enter into these kind of relationships with our egos leading out: thinking of all we have to offer or feeling a weight of guidance and direction–which can be real! But I know that I am inclined to take on too much and step in too often and too quickly…and too assertively or aggressively.  This is normally born out of fear and ignorance and a lack of faith in the individual.

I would love to hear how anyone who reads this has benefited from leadership that allows them to grow and develop in this way! I know that my heart warms just trying to think of people that have blessed me this way <3.