Issue #105, May 7, 2013
Paul’s list of qualifications next mentions that the leader is “not given to drunkenness” (1 Timothy 3:3). It seems obvious that Paul does not want to see leaders staggering after drinking too much alcohol. But his statement should cause even those who drink no alcohol to think more deeply about what he is saying. What is Paul’s underlying concern and what does it have to do with servant leadership? Servant leaders recognize and avoid three distinct dangers of alcohol.
Servant leaders resist negative influences.
We often describe a person drinking alcohol as “under the influence.” The use of alcohol negatively influences the physical and mental capacity of the one who drinks. Judgment is impaired and often foolish decisions are made because of this influence. Servant leaders realize they are called to be influencers and therefore carefully guard what influences them. They guard their relationships with persons who impact their attitudes and actions. They guard their eyes from images, movies, and pictures that will lead them in the wrong direction. Instead of being under the influence of alcohol, they seek to be increasingly under the influence of the Holy Spirit. (See Ephesians 5:18)
Servant leaders refuse to cover pain with addictions.
Alcohol is an effective way to cover up pain, at least temporarily. Many people turn to drinking to wash away their sorrows. Alcohol quickly becomes an easy way to deal with disappointments, broken relationships and deep feelings of inadequacy. The temporary relief reinforces the behavior and becomes an addiction. Many leaders attempt to cover pain, if not through alcohol, with other addictive behaviors. They may turn to pornography to deal with the pain of their own loneliness; they may become workaholics to cope with the pain of feeling insignificant. They may immerse themselves in sports, gambling, or hobbies that numb the pain in their souls. Servant leaders recognize that addictions are a cheap substitute for real healing and choose instead to expose their pain to the Spirit of God who provides genuine and lasting healing.
Servant leaders reject artificial transformation.
Alcohol quickly changes a person’s personality. Shy persons strike up conversations with strangers. Timid and insecure persons become loud and bold after a few drinks. Alcohol brings freedom from inhibitions and seemingly transforms those who are under the influence. These transformations, however, are counterfeit and temporary. No lasting change happens. In contrast, Paul desires for the Spirit of God to give us boldness and free us from the things that keep us down. Servant leaders recognize that genuine transformation is a product of the work of the Holy Spirit over time. They refuse to accept any artificial shortcuts.
King Xerxes is a biblical example of a leader who allowed alcohol to influence his decisions. In a drunken state he gave a foolish and arrogant command to his wife. When she refused to obey, he became angry and banished her from his presence. In the passion of the moment he felt like a man of power and would have made a good model for a contemporary beer commercial. Later, however, he regretted his foolish action. (Read his story in Esther 1).
Take a moment to reflect on your own leadership. What influences are you allowing to shape you?
For further reflection and discussion:
- What are the three key influences that shape my life?
- What evidence has there been in my life in the past week that I am controlled by the Spirit?
- What negative influences do I need to eliminate from my life?
- Take a few minutes to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any addictions in your life. Identify any behavior that is an attempt to deal with pain. In what way does God want to bring total healing to that area?
- What areas of my life need transformation? Am I cooperating with the Spirit to see this area changed or am I looking for shortcuts?