Leadership by osmosis?

I recently heard someone say that he has been following the President for so many years that he already knows what the job involves. Now that is something really worth thinking about. First of all, is it really possible to acquire or develop the skills of leadership on a national scope, on the basis of proximity to a sitting president or based on “The Nearness of You”, like the song? Second food for thought is what does it say of someone who simplifies the complex process of leadership on those terms?

When I heard the person make the statement, my first reaction was to point out that even the 12 apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ all saw their master heal the sick, feed five thousand, give sight to the blind, raise the dead, walk on the water and stand in the company of Moses and Elijah while being verbally recognized by God Almighty himself, all abandoned our Lord, went into hiding and only until the time that Jesus Christ rose from the dead were they restored by the Lord. But as heroic as they lived and died, none of them performed half the miracles that Jesus did and none of them rose from the dead! It also required the death of Jesus, his resurrection and anointing of the Holy Spirit before the 11 Apostles finally amounted to their divine destiny, minus one.

In the privacy of the homes of multimillionaires, two kinds of creatures are constantly in the company of the homeowner: servants and geckos or house lizards. Day in and day out they spend time with their host or bosses. They hear, they see, they know the goings on in the lives of their rich or powerful bosses and yet I have not heard any of those servants become a full fledged multi-millionaire or CEO. I sure as heck have not heard of a “butiki” or gecko becoming a CEO by proximity or osmosis!  Yes, it was all probably a figure of speech, or was it? Given how last week was our “National Political Masquerade Ball” complete with a wedding march and all, it would not surprise me if many of those people are fully convinced that they are all qualified to run for president of this country simply because they say so and believe in themselves. We now see a generation who no longer fully consider the challenges and consequence of what they are about to embark on. They simply “Go for it.” I am reminded of the quote or statement that floated during the Marcos era: “What are we in power for!” That sums it all up in terms of audacity and impunity.

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It would be safe to say that so many ordinary Filipinos were confused, shocked and dismayed because of the political circus that took place last week, especially on Friday the 12th. My friend posted this message on Facebook and it clearly expresses the exasperation of people with our political personalities and their gimmickry: “Lord, sa iyo kami titingin (We will look up to you). It might be discouraging for our country right now, but you can turn this for good.”

I for one have taken that option, to turn to GOD and call for HIS will to be done on our country and politics. Remember – Man proposes, God disposes. I recently came across Psalm 73 and it reminds us not to be dismayed by something that has been going on for thousands of years:

1 Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.

2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.

3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.[a]

5 They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills.

6 Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.

7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity[b]; their evil imaginations have no limits.

8 They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression

9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.

10 Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance.[c]

11 They say, “How would God know? Does the Most High know anything?”

12 This is what the wicked are like – always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.

13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence.

14 All day long I have been afflicted,
    and every morning brings new punishments.

15 If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children.

16 When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply

17 till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.

18 Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.

19 How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!

20 They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.

21 When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,

22 I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.

23 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.

24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

27 Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

28 But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

AMEN!