Leadership & Revenge

Romans 12:17-21 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Usually, I begin most of my teaching sessions with a self-examination in which I ask participants to think about their world views and the roots of their leadership practices. When we are honest with ourselves, it is interesting to consider what has shaped us. Indeed, I begin many seminars with by asking what draws us to the realm of leadership. All participants answer the same: power, position, fame and fortune.

For the last several years, one of the top rated shows on TV has been “The Apprentice.” When I watch it, I cannot help think about the lessons that this show is teaching about leadership. It is all about fighting your way to the top of the heap. To help combat this “teaching,” I draw a contrast between the life of Christ and contemporary leader Donald Trump. They are so different!

Quite some time ago, one seminar participant raised his hand and commented that Donald Trump did have some practices that we can learn from. I knew this person fairly well, and knew that he was a godly man, very dedicated to following Christ. Therefore, I will not forget this example of how evil philosophy gains access to the Christian’s life.

Christ’s Leadership Vs. Donald Trump’s Leadership

Trump could be that perfect example of a "wolf in sheep's clothing.” Find one or two practices of Donald Trump that can have a positive impact on your wealth and/or stature, and you will find yourself defending Donald Trump and unconsciously adopting more of his philosophy and practices.

Having seen enough of Trump's TV program, I wanted to see if Trump put in writing what I was seeing on TV. I proceeded to the book store and bought his book, Think Big and Kick Ass. It did not take me long to find that revenge was one of his core beliefs. In fact, he named and dedicated an entire chapter to it. Using a multitude of quotes and summary statements, he teaches revenge with instructions such as:

1. “That's why I say when you are wronged, go after those people, because it is a good feeling...I love it…
2. “When someone screws you, screw them back in spades.”
3. “Always have a good reason to get even.”
4. “Go for the jugular so that people watching will not want to mess with you.”

Forgive me if you feel I should be editing his title and language, but I leave it in its original form to prove a secondary point, that what you say and do greatly affects other leaders. Watch and listen to what governors and former presidents say and do; then tell me that your leadership has no influence on life and language? Forgive me, for I digress.
 

What the Bible Says About Revenge

Samson and Saul prayed earnestly for the Lord to grant them revenge against their enemies. First Samuel 18:25 says:

"Saul replied, ‘Say to David, The king wants no other price for the bride than a hundred Philistine foreskins, to take revenge on his enemies.’

If that was not in the Bible, you would accuse me of embellishing this article. Leaders, you will experience days when you will have an opportunity to get revenge. There will be other days when you just think about it.

Friends, don't do it. In fact, don't even enjoy the satisfaction of picturing what you would like to do! Furthermore, don't even withdraw from your enemies or from those that don't do as you wish. These more subtle and covert forms of revenge can come in several forms. You can:

1. Strategize against them.
2. Withdraw from speaking to them.
3. Withdraw from supporting them in their good endeavors.

Paul reminds us in the scripture today that God said, "It is mine to avenge.” As Christian leaders, let us leave that kind of judgment and punishment to Him. Our job is to not only love those who don't do as we wish, but also supply those who hurt us with act of kindness.

Our scripture today concludes with, "In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." The ultimate subtleness of revenge would be to find satisfaction in watching how your kindness torments those who have hurt you. However, we must acknowledge that only the Holy Spirit can bring conviction or guilt to the wrongdoer. While we might like to help, it’s important that we be intentional about repelling that most covert urge. When we repay evil with good, we need to do so with a true, good intent.

 Friends, every day we choose whose leadership we emulate. Please consider whose life your leadership most reflects. Please also consider the ideology and practices of who you follow or whose books you read. Consider if and how you have used revenge. Discard its use and enjoy the value of the absence of revenge, as well as the joy that brings to your team.