I did a Google search the other day for “disappointment in leaders”. It probably has more to do with Google stalking me than any sort of theological statement, but I was a taken aback that most of the articles were related to disappointment within the local church. Apparently there are quite a few people disappointed with their church leaders. Who knew?
You wouldn’t be surprised to know that there are many other articles out there about disappointment in our political leaders as well as our employer. To be a leader means you’ll disappoint people. As a leader I’ve thought a good deal about how to handle the truth of my disappointing others. But I didn’t give much thought to the other end until I preached on 2 Corinthians 1:12—2:4 recently.
Paul’s travel schedule had massively disappointed the Corinthians. He came earlier than advertised. When he came his visit was painful. In fact it was so tumultuous that he left early, then sent them a severely worded letter instead of visiting again. He did end up visiting but he came once instead of twice as he had promised. And on his return visit his intention was to collect more money, and we all know how dicey that can make things. Added to all of this was a group of trouble makers who took any opportunity they could find to throw shade at Paul.
The Corinthians were disappointed. But they shouldn’t have been. Now, certainly this is not all that can be said for when leaders disappoint you. If this were an issue of abuse or some flagrant sin, there would likely be a different emphasis. Yet, regardless of the disappointment I think these three principles can still be helpful. What do you do when your leader disappoints you.
1. Consider that you might not have all the information. (2 Corinthians 1:8-11, 2:1-4)
I remember reading an article awhile back where President George W. Bush was discussing who would take his place in office. Bush said, “When he sees what I see every morning, it will change him.” That caused me to think. Our leaders see things and know things that we never will. That alone should cause us to be humble and slower in our critiques. It doesn’t mean they are infallible but it does mean they might have information that we do not know.
Add to this the fact that much of that information they get every morning is top secret and cannot be shared. This often puts a leader in a difficult spot. He cannot give full information but also must lead based on the information he has and not merely what is public knowledge.
The Corinthians didn’t know about Paul’s troubles in Asia. Nor did they know that the reason why Paul wrote the letter was for their benefit. They did not know his heart or his motivations, they had only assumed them. Had they all the information they likely wouldn’t have been nearly as disappointed in the change in Paul’s travel plans.
2. Know that change doesn’t necessarily communicate character (2 Corinthians 1:12-14)
Those who wanted to make things difficult for Paul were quick to call into question his integrity. How could a minister of the unchanging God change his mind so much? But Paul was quick to point out that even though his plans had changed his character never did.
This is a great reminder for us. We tend to get attached to programs or the way things are done. As such we get disappointed when things change. But so long as the core principles and vision do not change then we cannot say the character has changed. Paul remained consistent to his calling of building up the churches. Though not visiting a second time to Corinth looked like vacillating, he actually wasn’t changing in his central mission. He was still doing everything he was doing out of love for, and with a desire to build up, the Corinthians.
3. Remember the big picture (2 Corinthians 1:17-22)
In verses 17-22 Paul points to the unchanging nature of Jesus as a defense for his own ministry. Paul uses the fact that all the promises are yes in Christ, to show why he too is unchanging. At first glance one can be left scratching their head as to the connection Paul is making. But I believe what Paul is doing is drawing the Corinthians eyes away from his travel plans and onto the finished work of the gospel.
Notice what Paul does in verses 21-22. As he mentions every one of the things that Christ has accomplished on their behalf, what Paul is doing is showing how is travel plans do not change a single one of these things. This is a great reminder. No matter what disappointment we face it cannot change the gospel. Because of what Christ has accomplished we will never be ultimately disappointed. Everything we experience now is but a “light and momentary affliction”. Keeping this in mind helps us face disappointments, whether brought upon by leaders or anything else.
You and I are going to face times of disappointment. We might even experience deep disappointment in a leader. Yet, we will never be disappointed by Christ. At least not when we see Him as as He really is.
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