Reflections by the Pond
April 2, 2003

P.C. Run Amok

Real leaders are in short supply these days. Anyone exhibiting firm resolve, a decisive assurance, or a strong, unwavering commitment to absolute truth becomes immediately suspect. Any display of conviction is quickly sneered at, for the sole remaining constant in this world is cynicism. There are no longer blacks and whites, only a tepid porridge of grays--and even any lightening or darkening of the common gray must be determined by popular poll.

The mark of true leadership is having the courage to step out when all around you wish only to lag behind. So it was that when President George W. Bush of the United States and Prime Minister Tony Blair of Great Britain determined that the threat from Iraq had become too great--that it had been left to languish for far too long by predecessors and the U.N.--their resolve was looked upon by many as lunacy. After all, didn't the polls indicate that vast numbers of their respective populations were against such a move? How could they then do such an unpopular thing? But a real leader puts the common good of his or her people above personal or political safety. Indeed, why bother electing leaders at all, if they are expected to make every decision based on popular opinion. In that event, a secretary and a computer would suffice.

Therefore when Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid...
As a result of this Pilate made efforts to release Him, but the Jews cried out saying, "If you release this Man, you are no friend of Caesar; everyone who makes himself out to be a king opposes Caesar." Therefore when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out...
John 19:8,12-13a nasbu

What a sad little man Pilate was. He surely must have been moved about upon a litter, for his liquid spine could not have permitted upright locomotion. Standing before him was very truth itself, a Man of impeccable strength and resolve; standing before him was the highest example of leadership: someone willing to forfeit personal safety for the good of others. But since Pilate was no real leader, but only a nervous political appointee, he could only carom back and forth between Jesus and the opinions of the crowd. And, not surprisingly, the crowd won, for it would have been political--if not personal--suicide if Pilate had ruled against the Sanhedrin.

In that one, electric moment we see the nauseating cynicism of the world system juxtaposed with the resolve and strong character of Christ. Jesus Christ--very God in flesh--came not just as the Savior of mankind, but as the supreme example of character and leadership. We strive to learn from His righteousness and purity, and to conduct our lives by that example. But we also should sit under His tutelage for lessons on unwavering leadership--Jesus' example of standing for what is right, no matter the personal consequence.

When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this Man's blood; see to that yourselves." Matthew 27:24 nasbu

Less than ten years after the crucifixion of Jesus, Pilate, in political disgrace, was banished by Gaius, and forced to commit suicide. Pontius Pilate: a good example of what happens to someone who rules from the shaky ground of the "politically correct." rather than the firm foundation of God's truth.

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Reflections file: pond0365.txt