How to Lead in a Divided World

Have you noticed how divided our society has become? Wherever you live, you have probably observed how people seem to be growingly at odds with each other on all kinds of subjects, from sexuality and politics to the Coronavirus pandemic and how to respond to it. To make matters worse, the anonymity of social media helps to amplify the arguments and generates even greater polarization. There has to be a better way and as Biblical leaders, you and I can help facilitate honest conversation and encourage respectful disagreement.

CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE

I happen to have social media friends on both sides of a number of hot issues. It is interesting and sometimes amusing to read their posts. However, on more than a few occasions, I ended up caught in the crossfire of a battle of words, surprised that total strangers can feel the urge to lash out at me as if I was a fierce adversary. As I reflect on these issues, I have put together a list of dos and don’ts for myself as a biblical leader, about how to respond to divisive and polarized environments, whether it is on social media or in the real world.

1. I may oppose ideas, but I choose to never oppose people. 

   This is something I learned when I was still very young, by observing my father handle difficult people during church meetings. A conversation on ideas can sometimes shift to personal accusations because people mix up someone’s ideas with their personhood. It is possible to separate the two, but one has to exercise discipline. And in the case of trolls and abusive individuals, the best thing to do is to walk away.

2. I will never forget we are all sinners in need of God’s mercy. 

   Few things can be more damaging to a discussion than self-righteousness. The moment I assume I am better than someone else is the moment the relationship starts to break down.

3. I want to serve first. 

   Leadership is influence. Servant leadership is the most powerful form of leadership because any influence you may have comes from serving people with a sincere and loving heart. It is harder to hate someone who serves you.

4. I want to be empathic. 

   One of the most difficult and important skills I can develop is the ability to see issues from another person’s perspective, especially if that person feels offended or hurt by my actions, words, or attitudes.

5. I choose to pray.

   I want to bathe all my relationships in prayer. How different would my reaction be to someone who disagrees with me and rubs me the wrong way if I just took a minute to pray for them?

I know I will probably fail at these from time to time, but I am committed to practicing these five attitudes in my life. What do you think it would do for your relationships if you embraced these and others that the Holy Spirit will reveal to you?