Alex Kershaw tells a story about failed leadership in his book, “Escape from the Deep: The Epic Story of a Legendary Submarine and her Courageous Crew.”
In World War 2, American submarines were very successful in the Pacific Ocean. Japanese ships were dropping depth charges that detonated at 150 feet while unbeknownst to the enemy, our subs had the capability of submerging to 200-300 feet.
Then in 1943, Congressman Andrew Jackson May, member of the House Military Affairs Committee, announced that Japanese claims about their success in destroying American subs were exaggerated because Japanese depth charges were set to explode at too shallow a depth.
The Japanese quickly altered the depths on their explosives and as many as 800 Americans died as a result of Congressman May’s treasonous statement. While he thought he was helping the War Cause, his admission was a colossal blunder.
Leadership requires that we lead in the right direction.
Parents teach their children to ignore their spirituality but they’re failing at their jobs (Ephesians 6:4). Instead of doing God’s work, they’re helping the enemy steal their souls (1 Peter 5:8).
While children need guidance in all areas of life, none of it matters unless it leads to heaven (Matthew 6:33; Proverbs 22:6). Cornelius did his absolute best to lead his family but Peter taught him a better way (Acts 10).
Sadly, church leaders are far too often more interested in pleasing men and bankers than the Lord. Their failure is repugnant to God (Galatians 1:8-9).
Leadership is a lonely and challenging job but we must be willing to do the hard work to be the best we can be. Let’s make sure we’re headed in the right direction and do all we can to ensure that our families and congregations are going with us.