The Mystery: Revealed

Most people are familiar of the Golden Rule – “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Matt 7:12; Luke 6:31) Parents often use this rule to help teach “little Johnny” not to light “little Suzie’s” fluffy build-a-bear on fire.  Adults begin to rethink how they talk to the disgruntle teenage employee at Taco Bell because they may not want the ”special saliva sauce treatment” on their chalupa. The golden rule is very popular, and is also common sense. But have you heard of the “Platinum Rule”? 

This seldom heard rule is exclusively reserved to leaders and people with authority, but it is finally revealed in Colossians 4:1. It is paraphrased as this, “Leaders, treat your staff with the level of excellence and fairness that you would want God (your boss) to treat you.” Why is Paul reminding “masters” about fairness? It is because in that day, masters could get away with pretty much anything because there was little accountability. That same temptation stands in the doorway of any leader, teacher, or public official today when he or she recklessly leads with the absence of accountability. That is why Paul reminds us all that we are accountable to God, especially leaders. Leaders, teachers, and pastors tend to get judged on a higher scale because much more has been entrusted to them. Even Peter Parker (Spiderman) knows this principle, “with great power comes great responsibility.” As you lead, I challenge you to remember how you lead is just as important as where you lead. And to help you lead here are some questions to sharpen your focus.

1. Who am I accountable to and do they regularly invest their attention in my leadership character? A great place to be connected is Shoreline Insider where leaders and volunteers go to tune up together.

2. Have I been fair and gracious to the people who serve? When it is in your power to be fair, show fairness. And when it is in your power to show grace, especially to the people that handle your food, extend grace liberally, or you may have to cancel your chalupa order.