Unity and Service: Embodying Divine Kinship in Leadership and Community (02/03/'24)

Unity and Service: Embodying Divine Kinship in Leadership and Community In a world where leaders might see nations as mere extensions of their personal domain, crafting laws to serve their whims, demanding military service and taxes as if collecting dues from their own estates, and exerting dominion over the populace, we find ourselves at a crossroads of moral and spiritual integrity. What fate awaits such nations? Similarly, envision a scenario where corporate leaders, driven by personal ambition, navigate their enterprises not with the compass of collective welfare but by the erratic winds of self-interest, engaging in clandestine deals rather than equitable transactions. And in the sanctity of the family unit, if parents view their children not as individual souls entrusted to their care but as possessions to mold solely according to their personal desires, what becomes of the familial bonds and the growth of the child? This narrative invites us to a deeper understanding that the stewardship of a country, a company, or a family must transcend personal ownership and desires. It beckons us to recognize that true stability, prosperity, and harmony flourish not from a mindset of ownership but from one of guardianship and service. In this era, where the essence of parenting and leadership is often lost to chaos and self-centeredness, there is a profound yearning for those who lead—whether in politics, business, religion, or within the family—to embody and enact the eternal truth that our greatest responsibilities lie not in serving ourselves but in serving others, guided by the divine principle that we are all interconnected parts of a larger whole. Echoing this sentiment, Jesus profoundly illustrates the expansive nature of divine kinship, challenging the conventional boundaries of family and community. "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" He asked, gazing upon those gathered around Him. With a gesture of inclusion, He proclaimed, "Behold, my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother" (Mark 3:33-35; Matthew 12:48-50). This declaration is a clarion call to recognize that our true family extends beyond biological ties to encompass all who walk in the path of righteousness and love. Furthermore, the commandment to "Love your neighbor as yourself" is not merely an ethical directive but a foundational principle that underlies the very fabric of a just and compassionate society. It reminds us that at the heart of every decision, whether it be in governance, business, or family, should be the unwavering commitment to treat others with the same dignity, respect, and care that we would wish for ourselves. In reflecting upon these truths, we are invited to embody the spiritual values that foster unity, peace, and the well-being of all creation, setting forth a vision of leadership and community rooted in love, service, and the enduring presence of the Divine. -Pastor Steven G. Lee (February 3, 2024)