I read a book recently about leading from the “second chair.” The premise of the book is that it is possible to exert influence even if you’re not the man or woman at the top of the organizational hierarchy. Second chair leaders, though subordinate to their ultimate authority, can still be effective in shaping the culture and direction of the organization. It is possible to be second and satisfied!
Recognizing Authority
Nevertheless, second chair people must be willing at any moment to submit to the authority of their ultimate leader. Sometimes the direction to yield is subtle, requiring sensitivity and discernment. Sometimes the call to submit and obey is crystal clear.
Obviously Pharaoh was not accustomed to second-chair leadership. He failed to recognize God and his authority. In my own life I am routinely tempted to disregard God’s rightful place as my ultimate authority. I guess we all struggle with yielding. On my worst days I don’t even like to yield to merging or opposing traffic on the freeway. Of course, this can bring about serious, negative consequences! Pharoah’s hard-hearted response to God’s command helps me remember an important principle: God has a plan and it involves submission.
When I don’t want to yield I try to think about the life of Christ. Jesus perfectly exemplifies the principle and benefits of submission. He demonstrated how to submit to authority. The Bible states that he humbled himself and became obedient to his Father’s will even unto death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). He paid taxes to an abusive Roman government. He submitted to corrupt religious authorities. He suffered scandalous injustice but kept entrusting himself to him who judges righteously (1 Peter 2:23). Even in his moment of greatest torment, when he could have called upon legions of angels to bring about his swift deliverance, Jesus took the nails and accomplished the mission set before him.
When I recognize God’s ultimate authority, submission is a reasonable response. I can embrace the second chair role. This pleases him and protects me. |L
Claudia Tune lives with her husband Jim in Mississauga, Ontario. Claudia is the Business Manager for Impact Canada, a church planting organization that starts new churches across Canada.
