Running Away

The biblical story of Jonah is a “whale of tale” about a man called to be a prophetic voice but whose instincts are to get as far away as possible from his appointed calling. Liberal scholars doubt this story ever took place. Marine biologists’ dispute that any current marine mammal could manage to swallow a man whole as the narrative suggests. Others believe the character is an historical figure whose unlikely journey actually happened. I’m not writing to defend or debate any of these arguments.

Instead I want to consider what might cause leaders to run from the very things they know to be right – actions that will inspire and encourage others. Even if one doesn’t accept the veracity of Jonah’s story it is still possible to empathize with the dilemma he faced. Most of us have confronted tough decisions or invitations that invite us to pause and consider the potential consequences. Like Jonah, the task at hand may be overwhelming or downright unpleasant. How does a leader discern an appropriate course of action? When is our impulse to escape more palatable than tasting the sweet nectar of victory or swallowing the bitter pill of defeat?

Jonah immediately turned tail and ran. He tried to escape responsibility, rejecting the task at hand for a cruise to a safer place where the mantle of leadership could be exchanged for a beach towel and lotion. It is always easier to flee than fight. But it rarely solves the problem or makes us feel better about ourselves. Jonah faced a powerful storm, three days in the “belly of a giant fish”, and the knowledge that his assignment was still waiting for him in the end. It is often the same for us. Leaders who run from our current reality or future calling may experience psychological tempests, confusion, and potential depression.

When I considered moving my family from our hometown in central Pennsylvania to a new community near Philadelphia in 1986, there was a strong urge to run away from the calling. What if the job wasn’t a good fit after all? Suppose I wasn’t accepted by the community? If my wife and son couldn’t adjust to the changes, what would I do then? Self-doubt and fear of the unknown make escaping seem like a plausible option. It takes courage to face these obstacles and do what we know is right, even when the outcome is unclear.

Leaders may also misinterpret a call or confront a difficult challenge for the wrong reasons. The current health care debate would be more constructive if reform was the stated purpose rather than a government takeover of the current system. Leaders who misread the problem or ignore the wishes of those they serve will always face opposition. Their peril is self-inflicted and abandoning their plan might actually be necessary to regain credibility as a leader.

Jonah chose to run because he didn’t like the task and tried to ignore the calling. Like us, he weighed the personal costs and felt overwhelmed by the odds. Running away often seems to make the most sense. It offers fewer risks and protects us from the personal inadequacies we feel about the work before us. But running away also prevents personal growth, denies the presence and power of God, and assumes we know what’s best about the future. The world needs leaders to be authentic and truthful, willing to create opportunities for hope and forgiveness. Running away won’t fulfill that need, plus you’ll need quite a few pairs of sneakers for the journey.