Learning to Lead

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Leadership is getting people to work for you when they are not obligated to do so.

I recently heard a pastor tell about a wealthy oil man who called and said, "Reverend, I've never had much time for religion, but I'm getting older, and maybe I ought to make my peace with the church. I'd like to start by giving you a $20,000 check."

The preacher said, "I immediately extended to him the right hand of Christian fellowship."

I don't think he was joking.

The exchange was an example of manipulation, which despite being repudiated, still manages to find its way into the ministry. Why? Because it's effective—it just plain works! In this case, the church got a $20,000 windfall.

But manipulation comes with a price. The pastor manipulated the fellow into believing he was getting Christian fellowship, but the man also manipulated the preacher by buying his way in, which we all know is an impossible relationship.

By contrast, a young man named Philip makes films with Christian themes. He became acquainted with a non-Christian who shared his interest in film-making techniques but rejected the importance of personal commitment to Christ.

The non-Christian offered some valuable equipment, and Philip said gently, "I appreciate the offer, but I can't accept unless you fully recognize that this gift does not get you any points with God. Your eternal destination is determined by your relationship with Christ, not whether you contribute to Christian films. Do you understand that?"

"I understand," the friend said.

"Then I'll accept the equipment."

Those two stories illustrate the difference between manipulation and motivation. Motivation is getting people to do something out of mutual advantage. Manipulation is getting people to do what you want them to ...

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