Obama Didn’t Kill Osama bin Laden the SEAL Team Did

by linder6580 at www.sxc.hu

by linder6580 at www.sxc.hu

I am listening to the book No Easy Day by Mark Owen which tells the first-hand account of the mission that killed Osama bin Laden.  In chapter 11 of the book the author tells how the SEALS were discussing the expected results of a successful raid on bin Laden.  These highly trained soldiers, who had dedicated their lives to serving their country for little monetary gain, noted that they expected President Obama to take the credit.  One of them noted that their actions would surely get him reelected.  They could hear him announcing to the world that he had killed Osama bin Laden (*note, I am not saying Obama said this, I am simply referencing what the soldiers expected, from their perspective.)

To these soldiers who were about to actually do the job, politicians in Washington taking credit for their work seemed a bit absurd.  They knew the mission would be great for the President, their commanding General, and other officials, but  when it came down to it they were the ones who actually did the job.  As the saying goes, “Politicians start wars, but soldiers fight them!”  They didn’t like it that officials would get the glory, while they did the work.  

As I thought about their perspective, it made me consider the role of leadership.  Whether in a business, family, or church; leaders must work to appreciate those who actually do the work.  For example at Seven Oaks, we have a great youth program, it is not because of me.  We have a strong Bible school program, it is not because of me.  We have a great preschool program, it is not because of me.  In fact, I could go on-and-on talking about good works that go on at Seven Oaks Church of Christ because people are using their talents.  They are the front-line workers who are getting the job done.

The job of leadership is to delegate and get each part of the body using their talents for the overall good of the body (Eph. 4:11-16).  But we need to encourage and appreciate those who are doing the work.  We should not take them for granted, and certainly not take credit for their work.  Just because we might authorize, create, or even build a ministry it is the workers who make it a success.  Elders and preachers should never appear like politicians in Washington far removed from the battlefield. A husband should appreciate the work of his wife.  A corporate boss should encourage and appreciate his employees.  Let’s give recognition, encouragement, and thanksgiving to those who are doing the work.  Ultimately in the kingdom of God it is not about anyone’s glory, but the Lord’s (Eph. 3:21)

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