Do we populate structures that are relics of the past? What will future social and organizational mappings look like? How does one map the Kingdom of God—supposedly a reality that will be fully realized on earth eventually. There is no doubt that our current structures testify to the fact that we harbor relics of the mind.
The
“strong leader” is clearly such a relic. The concept is well
defined—it is the line of kids playing the game “follow the
leader”—all following in tow behind a strong leader. Or it is
the person at the top of the organizational hierarchy propagating
directives and orders. Or it is the President firmly in charge as the
Commander-in-Chief.
This
might be called—probably in great unfairness to the insect—the
“Ant Theory of Human Behavior.” It clearly does not sync with
the real nature or aspirations of humanity, nor of humanity's breadth
and depth, nor of the current reality of talent contribution. A
realistic view of human organizations should start with legitimate
authority most correctly seen as following divine authority.
In
Matthew 13:33 we read: “Jesus also used this illustration: 'The
Kingdom is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though
she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour it permeated
every part of the dough'” (Source). That is, heaven influences the world as
yeast influences bread—it is not hierarchical or
representative but broadly democratic. There is no aristocracy of
talent, rather there is a democracy of talent with everyone being
contributors. Here, the mapping of structure, rather than being
hierarchical, is—for want of a better description—loaf
structured. A slice of bread does not reveal hierarchy, rather it
reveals universal contribution. (As salt of the earth, everyone can
make a significant contribution to the enterprise of humanity.) In a
loaf of bread, there is no Zeus figure ruling from above. Yeast
simply does not influence in this way.
A
loaf of bread clearly provides the organizational structure for the
future. It will be more successful than other structures for it
validates the real nature of man. Virtually everyone yearns to
exercise leadership in this sense—to exercise democratic influence
in their environment. This is a form of control that does not depend
upon egotism or pride. Rather, it is gentle control, humble control.
It is power that best reflects the current leadings of the spirit
and the organizational structure of the future.
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