Leaders lead for the common good, but what exactly is that?
Not long after I moved to a small town, an election year approached. One of the town councilmen chose not to run for re-election, and a younger resident planned to challenge a long-time mayor. No one seemed interested in filling the vacant council position. Several residents encouraged me to file, but being a novice to public office, I initially resisted their urgings. Since I had an interest in the town, however, I filed and won. For the following four years, I grew more familiar with the practice of the “common good.”
“Common good” is defined as “the concern of the government for the health, peace, morality, and safety of its citizens.” The preamble to the United States Constitution incorporates it by stating, “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
Autumn had arrived when Nehemiah’s brother and others arrived with the disturbing news of his hometown’s condition. “When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed” (Nehemiah 1:4 NIV). Terrorists had attacked more than seventy years earlier and forcefully carted off Nehemiah and many others.
Now, however, a new leader had taken over Nehemiah’s residence and offered to let the misplaced exiles return home. Many did, and those who did rebuilt the Temple. Yet, the city walls remained in shambles.
After intense prayer, Nehemiah asked the king’s permission to return to his homeland. The king graciously granted him a leave of absence. After arriving, Nehemiah assessed the situation, formulated a plan, enlisted and equipped helpers, and rebuilt the walls in fifty-two days.
If we claim to be leading but no one is following, we might need to reassess our position. Of course, no matter how good our leadership skills are, some will not follow. Some opposed Nehemiah. Nor will our efforts to enact the common good always make everyone happy. But leaders must lead with the idea of the common good in mind to be worthy of the title.
Adding a spiritual dimension magnifies our responsibility. Making decisions affecting the common good should be based on a leader’s individual and growing relationship with God. We depend on him for guidance and success in our efforts but are never satisfied to sit still. We have visions and dreams to fulfill that will benefit all whom we serve. But God’s plan—not ours—is what we surrender to. Everything we propose for others should be unselfish and bathed in prayer.
Leading is a privilege carrying great responsibility. It’s not for the faint of heart…yet it is. Only those of us who realize we aren’t worthy to lead will truly seek the common good of others.
