Lent and Leadership

This past Wednesday (February 6) marked the beginning of Lent, the annual forty-day period leading to Easter Sunday. It is often best known as a time of reflection, prayer, and fasting. In some faith communities persons are encouraged to “give something up” for Lent – perhaps a meal each day, a favorite activity like watching television or shopping. If this special time of the year is properly focused and meaningfully celebrated then real personal and spiritual growth can occur. Unfortunately self-denial can also become a superficial ritual that adds little meaning to one’s life, especially if done for the wrong reasons.

What does Lent have to do with leadership you might ask? Perhaps nothing, but I was reflecting on the well-known Biblical account of Jesus being tempted by Satan in the wilderness (found in Matthew 4) and noticed a familiar pattern in the tests recorded there that apply to the roles we play as leaders.

The first temptation invited Jesus to perform a miracle (turning stones to bread). On the surface this test seems quite innocent. Jesus is hungry and using his supernatural powers would have satisfied an immediate need. Yet behind this challenge lurks a more sinister test. Will Jesus use his power to serve his own need for recognition? Leaders know this enticement still exists. Being in a position of authority invites our ego to crave attention and seek acknowledgement for the work we are doing. Lent reminds us that leadership is about serving others and setting aside our need to be first.

Next Satan suggests that Jesus should leap from a pinnacle on the temple so angels can rescue him. The request seems focused on helping Jesus solidify his place as a maverick with special powers on his side. Could it be that the real invitation was for Jesus to go his own way and reject obedience to his calling? How many times in your leadership role are you tempted to choose your own direction rather than obediently following the call of God in your life? Surrender is a difficult choice to make and many of us struggle with remaining faithful to our values and faith convictions. Lent is a good time to reflect on one’s calling in life and whether we are being faithful to it.

In the final test, Satan offered Jesus the whole world if he would only worship him, a request that brought with it power and authority. But Jesus saw the danger in succumbing to evil. He spoke defiantly and emphatically against this request for allegiance. Leaders have many opportunities to speak against evil; shady business practices, unethical treatment of employees, disregard for the environment, and much more. Do we stand tall in the face of these forms of evil, even when it costs us market share or brings ridicule from colleagues or the press? Lent invites us to tell the truth about sin, in our personal lives, in the corporate world, or within society.

During the remaining season of Lent we should take these insights to heart. Recognize that leaders are tested every day. Acknowledge your desire for recognition, a longing to go your own way, and your silence in the face of malevolence. God has enough grace to sustain us when we fail. Perhaps the first act of Lent should be to admit that is what we have done.