We discussed the codependency of leaders and followers in the light of their mutual needs. Leaders sometimes feel they need to appear to be outstanding and competent in every way—nearing perfection itself. Likewise followers to sense they are in good hands sometimes need to feel they have outstanding and competent leaders in every way—nearing perfection itself. Thus in concert a fabricated leader image is created that resides on a pedestal, in a sense becomes an idol. This image does not display normal human tendencies to make dumb mistakes, to feel emotions that are not admirable, to fail at tasks now and then. In short, for mutual comfort, mutual delusion is indulged in. This leads to the conclusion that we need not remember leaders in our prayers like we do for average mortals. This leap from reality is not healthy for either follower or leader and needs to be avoided. The scripture lesson was Hebrews 10:24 (NRSV) Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds. Letting go of perfection idols is a good place to start. We should always strive to be real.
Another Upper Room lesson (3/3/11) by William Paulsell concluded: We may ask and expect God to act in spectacular ways, but spiritual maturity sees God at work in the ordinary, the mundane, and the routine aspects of our lives. When we can see that, we can experience the new life that Christ brings.
