As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.
While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matthew 9:9-13
In this scene, Jesus is totally engaged in a fun gathering at Matthew’s house with a whole bunch of people who are perceived to be ‘unworthy’ of his company. The Pharisees perceive he is either polluting his character or a bad judge of theirs. But this story tells us that followers of Jesus do not have to give up everything that resembles fun. Jesus had some great moments of great fun with his friends.
The second leadership characteristic is found in people who lead with chemistry. Chemistry people are best at working in relationship with others. They are attuned to what others think and feel. This does not mean they are controlled by others, but they provide a sense of community that connects people to one another. Chemistry people help a group keep a safe and welcoming atmosphere.
Chemistry people are often found in the center of the action. They may be prone more to action than planning or reflection. Whatever they do, they find it more fulfilling when they do it in community and with other people.
When you think about your leadership style, do you find yourself alone or in community when you do your best work? When you think about the plan, do you focus more on the goal or the people you are traveling with? Remember, this is not good or bad. This is being more aware of who we are so we recognize our impact on the group.
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