“Now the company of prophets said to Elisha, ‘As you see, the place where we live under your charge is too small for us. Let us go to the Jordan, and let is collect logs there, one for each of us, and build a place there for us to live.’ He answered, ‘Do so.’ Then one of them said, ‘Please come with your servants.’ And he answered, ‘I will.’ So he went with them. When they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. But as one was felling a log, his ax head fell into the water; he cried out, ‘Alas master! It was borrowed.’ Then the man of God said, ‘Where did it fall?’ When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick, and threw it in there, and made the iron float. He said, ‘Pick it up.’ So he reached out his hand and took it.” 2 Kings 6:1-7
Leadership requires presence with the lead. Leaders provide vision and guidance. Leaders supervise. Leaders provide resources. Leaders solve problems. Leaders provide focus, and attention to detail. An axe is only an axe when the head is securely fastened to the handle, capable of being swung with force to cut and chop wood. A handle alone is useless as an axe; the head alone is useless as an axe, but the two together become a formidable tool for shaping wood. Sometimes followers need their Leader to remind them of the purpose of the tool, to fix a broken tool, returning it to its original design. It is expected that borrowed tools will be returned in their original condition, not in pieces, unable to be used. Leaders, as resourcers assist in that process. Leaders help keep things (equipment, doctrine, guidance, people) whole, pure and in their original condition. Unless present leaders are unable to provide focus to ensure the assigned task is accomplished. Unless present leaders are unable to identify and solve problems, to over-come brokenness, provide focus and prevent deviation/distraction from mission accomplishment. Leaders enforce standards, leaders uphold laws, and leaders set an example whether present or not. O God that I be present for the flock you assign me to, that assist them to follow you, to worship you, to stay within the boundaries of your truth.