Sparrow Leadership
I have heard dozens of inspirational talks that have referred to geese flying in a ‘V’ formation as an example of leadership and teamwork. I am pretty sure I have referred to it myself. We teach the principle of collaboration by watching geese fly in a formation to make the flight and distance easier. We often highlight the need to share the extra resistance the point person is exposed to by being out front. We also champion the benefit of cheering each other on along the journey, illustrated by the constant honks of the geese as they fly. All that is great, and I utilize and appreciate these principles. But honestly (this may sound a bit jaded), after serving a couple of decades in leadership myself, when I see geese flying south for warmer weather, I can’t help but mumble under my breath, “quitters”. Autumn leaves fall, and winter threatens, and these geese act like chickens and head for more comfortable conditions. Looks more like fair-weather fans than leadership to me. I say this humorously, but there is some truth in it.
“In the face of high winds, bitter temperatures, and snow, Jesus brings our attention to the unwavering courage of the little sparrow, who approaches every season with a confidence that the Lord will provide what he needs when he needs it.”
I find it interesting that when Jesus was teaching His followers to live fearlessly, He pointed to the sparrow. For the most part, sparrows in Jerusalem remain through tough conditions like winter. They don’t migrate looking for better conditions. They stay. It was as if Christ was pointing to a small, common bird that sticks it out even through the cold, dark seasons. In the face of high winds, bitter temperatures, and snow, Jesus brings our attention to the unwavering courage of the little sparrow, who approaches every season with a confidence that the Lord will provide what he needs when he needs it. I think this is the courage that pastors, business owners, managers, parents, and leaders need today.
Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Luke 12:7)
I know so many humble and faithful leaders in all areas of life who chose to stay and lead through some of the most difficult seasons our country has faced in a generation. These leaders have served through the dark storms of COVID, the violent winds of race riots, the high-pressure systems of political divides, and cold economic times, just to name a few. And of course, they serve others all the while managing to maintain and care for their own families.
These faithful leaders are a small picture of what Christ is like. The Lord does not leave nor abandon His people when the pressure gets too intense. He doesn’t abandon or seek more comfortable surroundings when the storms of conflict set in. On the contrary, He runs to, comes along side, He stands, He stays, He protects, He provides, He cares, He creates. In His own words, Jesus declares:
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. (John 10:11-13)
“May you never seek validation from a world that crucified a perfect man. ”
So here’s to sparrow leadership—the resilient, steadfast, consistent leaders who, despite all the pressure, remain faithful and keep leading through the cold seasons of unwarranted criticism, unfounded accusations, false claims, and cruelty from those who have no idea of what it takes to do what you do every day. May you never lower yourself to the level of those who mock others for the very things they themselves do. May you continue to take the high road, keep your peace, and maintain the character of Christ by blessing those who curse you, doing good to those who hate you, and overcoming evil with good (Romans 12). May you never seek validation from a world that crucified a perfect man. Rather, find comfort in the love and grace of God, who is the final authority. When it is all said and done, it is The Lord’s opinion of you that really matters. And if His eye is affectionately on the little sparrows, certainly He sees you, loves you, and will carry you through every season.
By Joseph E.O. Mead