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An article in a recent issue of “The Economist” looked at the rising influence of American mayors. The article notes how mayors across the country are doing more of the “Think Globally, Act Locally” vision. At a gathering in Los Angeles last month, they debated “pointless resolutions, including one to eliminate nuclear, biological and chemical warfare throughout the world.”
Though these resolutions are pointless, the mayors are bringing change that has national significance. When the federal government passed over the Kyoto treaty, more than 500 mayors signed on to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in their cities by 7%. And in recent times, Mayor Bloomberg (of New York City) has organized an alliance of over 200 mayors to increase gun-control.
Whereas climate control and gun-control are generally thought of as national (or even international) issues, these mayors have decided to lead by example in their own communities. In many contexts, the leader has the choice of either blaming and criticizing his or her leaders and cry that he or she is not to blame for the lack of movement, or the leader can lead by example within his or her context.
The mayors that are committed to curb greenhouse-gas emissions or work on gun-control are looking to lead their vision within their context. They are looking to bring change within the circle that they can bring change. A leader must lead within his or her context. Too many leaders approach leadership with their hands tied behind their backs. They cry, “Because I am not ‘more powerful’ I cannot bring the change that I want to see happen.” Leadership begins in our circle of influence.
In my ministry context, I have to remind myself that my context is the most important place for me to lead. My leadership is not hijacked by “the powers that be.” I have an opportunity to influence and lead well within my context, and complaining of the direction of our ministry or organization usually reveals to me that I have forgotten the context into which God has called me.
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Gun control is not about guns. It’s simply about control. And control freaks like Bloomberg are to be watched very closely. Especially, when measures to curtail rights and liberties are done so under the guise of “for the common good”.
That’s how despots rise to power.
Some mayors have already pulled out when the true motives of the Bloomers is revealed.
In this post, I was trying to highlight less about the pet issues that mayors may be backing, but how these mayors exemplify an aspect of leadership by leading within their contexts. This post was not about the politics of gun control or Bloomberg.