Then the Ephraimites said to him, "What have you done to us, not to call us when you went to fight against the Midianites? And they upbraided him violently. So he said to them "What have I done now in comparison with you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vineyards of Abiezer? God has given into your hands the captains of Median, Oreb and Zeeb. what have I been able to do in comparison with you?" When he said this, their anger against him subsided. Judges 8: 1-3 NRSV
I think Gideon has the gift of gab. I think he got it from his father (see August 26 devotional). Joash was able to defuse his neighbors' anger. Gideon is able to defuse the anger of an entire tribe.
Not sure if this is a great trait for a politician but it is definitely a good trait for a leader.
Gideon is honest yet flattering: Your tribe produces award winning wines every year, yet my tribe is lucky to be consumed by those with little money. Your tribe captured and beheaded the captains of the enemy. What have I or my people done in comparison to yours?
Is this just politics? Perhaps.
It is definitely a good trait for a leader.
Finding ways to defuse anger, being honest, admitting your faults and not responding in an emotional manner are all essential leadership qualities.
Do you have these qualities?
I'm still working on mine!
God, thank you for the leaders in our lives and your call on some of us to be leaders in church and community. May all leaders share essential qualities of negotiation, honesty, self-realization and emotional health. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Question of the day: Do you see yourself as a leader? Why or why not?
Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims
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