“Weakness” is Power
About a year ago, I taught a class on the book of Revelation from a historical-critical point of view. Weirdly, Simon Walker’s, Leading with Nothing to Lose, reminded me of some of the insights and discussions we had in there. I know this may seem like a weird connection, but this is how my brain works, so humor me while I unpack this a bit.
Ever since I can remember Christians, at least in my part of the world, continue to connect the symbolism in Revelation to current events. This leader is the Anti-Christ, that event marks the first seal being broken, those nations are the ones referred to in chapter so and so. What struck me most when learning about this book in college was the archeological and cultural evidence that pointed to Rome as its target. For example, Revelation 13:18 says,
“This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. That number is 666.”
When ancient experts use a technique called gematria, an ancient way to calculate the numerical values of letters then adding them together, 666 or 616 (Latin in some manuscripts of Revelation) it comes out to Neron Kesar. Emperor Nero, one of Rome’s ruthless leaders who held a lot of animosity toward Christians.
Another example, Revelation 17:9 reads,
“This calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits.”
The picture above is an ancient Roman coin depicting a woman sitting on 7 hills. Rome is even referred to as the “City on 7 Hills.”
What does this have to do with Simon Walkers book you ask? Walker’s book examines leading from our weaknesses, and how “weakness” is what creates greater impact. Qualities like listening, vulnerability, empathy, humility, and serving others in contrast to domination, pride, violence, or imposing our wills on everyone and everything we desire, is ultimately more effective long term for humanity. If there was ever a picture of the latter, it was Rome.
Rome was the major political, economic, and military power in control when Jesus lived and this imposing force eventually executed him, but that was not the end of the story. Rome was still in control while Christianity spread and maintained power as the book of Revelation was written and being circulated to various churches in Asian Minor. Many first and second century Christians were drug from their homes, killed, tortured, or socially ostracized for their affiliation with the person of Jesus. In Revelation, a HIGHLY symbolic and metaphorical book, all of heaven is waiting for someone or something to open the seals to overthrow the great power structures of the world (keeping Rome and others in mind). Revelation 5:2 says,
And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?”
Out steps “the lamb that was slain”. 
This image turns our expectations upside down and strikes us to the core. Instead of fighting the power systems and spirit of the world with greater force, the strategy of God was to send a “lamb” to subvert its values and orders.
As Walker explains about Jesus, “his dying would be an act that, in itself, would release power-God’s power- and would transform the social and spiritual order.” [1] 120 Just to reiterate, I believe the book of Revelation is very symbolic and even pulls from some of the images it is opposing, so I tread extremely lightly when tempted to take it literal, Martin Luther, on Revelation, says
“…let everyone think of it as his own spirit gives him to think. My spirit cannot fit itself into this book. There is one sufficient reason for me not to think highly of it,-Christ is not taught or known in it; but to teach Christ is the thing which an apostle is bound….I stick to the books which give me Christ, clearly and purely.” [2]
Part of Luther’s, and others, aversion to this book is likely due to Jesus’ eventual portrayal as a Roman emperor riding out of heaven on a white horse dominating the world with more violence and force. History has proven that force and fear can certainly change behavior, but it does not transform the heart. The love and wisdom of God found in Christ is what changes the inner workings of people and introduces a new and godly Spirit into our world.
To quote Walker again, “Weakness can be so potent it can pierce the most hardened of hearts, so forceful it can break through any resolve, so appealing it can win more allies, funds and support than all the marketing campaigns in the world.” [3]
The world is finding out that the way of Christ works. Even if we don’t like it (as the disciples faces show in this illustration). We learned in Julian Treasure’s book, in How to be Heard, that to be heard we must listen first. Instead of forcing our opinions or agendas, we should take a different route.[4] Walker’s book gives numerous illustrations of this working from Jimmy Carter’s approach early in his presidency, to Martin Luther King, Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Lincoln, etc. I believe these “weak” values from the Kingdom of God is what will overcome the destructive, selfish power structures of the earth. Edwin Friedman, in Failure of Nerve, encourages families and organizations to adapt to strength and warns us how tempting it is to cater to weaknesses and dysfunction.[5] Grateful that Simon Walker helps us all better define what is truly strength and what is weakness.
[1] Walker, Simon P. Leading with Nothing to Lose: Training in the Exercise of Power. Carlisle: Piquant, 2007.
[2] The Works of Martin Luther Volume Six [(Philadelphia: Muhlenberg Press, 1932), p. 488-489] (pdf)
[3] Walker, Leading with Nothing to Lose, 3.
[4] Treasure, Julian. How to Be Heard: Secrets for Powerful Speaking and Listening. Coral Gables, FL: Mango Pub. Group, 2017.
[5] Friedman, Edwin H., Margaret M. Treadwell, and Edward W. Beal. A Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix. 10th anniversary revised edition. New York: Church Publishing, 2017.
About the Author
Adam Harris
I am currently the Associate Pastor at a church called Godwhy in Hendersonville, TN near Nashville. We love questions and love people even more. Our faith community embraces God and education wholeheartedly. I graduated from Oral Roberts University for undergrad and Vanderbilt for my masters. I teach historical critical Biblical studies at my church to help our community through their questions and ultimately deepen their faith. I love research, writing, learning, and teaching. I oversee our staff and leadership development. Before being at Godwhy I worked as a regional sales coach and director for Anytime Fitness. I've been married for over 13 years to my best friend and we have two amazing boys that keep us busy.11 responses to ““Weakness” is Power”
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One thing they drilled into us in seminary was to LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN for a full year before making changes. They were on to something here. Listening is a form of “weakness” that in the long run holds great power. I also remember the speaker we heard in Cape Town who told us about how his people make decisions through consensus building – another form of “weakness” in which everyone leaves feeling heard.
You note Walker’s quote, “Weakness can be so potent it can pierce the most hardened of hearts, so forceful it can break through any resolve, so appealing it can win more allies, funds and support than all the marketing campaigns in the world.” I think maybe Jesus was on to something when he told us those who lose their lives for his sake will find them. 🙂
One thing I wonder about is when to use more assertiveness in my own leadership instead of weakness. Thanks for your thoughts!
Thanks for your response Kally! Finding that balance is an art. I’m still learning myself. I think assertiveness is incredibly healthy for our mental states, wellbeing, and for others. Our church runs a ministry called Stephens Ministry and we did 3 weeks of training on assertiveness. It was helpful for us all to find the balance between being aggressive and passive.
We had some great discussions on how assertiveness is that very honest middle ground that lets others know your feelings and ideas are valid and legit, without the aggression and anger or just not saying anything and eventually boiling with rage, and resentment. Jesus was on to something with assertiveness as well! See you soon!
Adam, this was brilliant, AND I loved the pictures and how they highlighted the text.
You mentioned, “History has proven that force and fear can certainly change behavior, but it does not transform the heart.”
How is it that I am now only truly grasping this? I used to laugh at the saying “You use a hammer, if you see every problem as a nail.”
I never saw myself as THOR, but certainly I can be truly accused of smashing through my enemies (verbally) this summer. My source of forgiveness and turning the other cheek were in short supply.
Now I will spend the rest of this year, rebuilding bridges.
Sigh….I am taking to heart the CHANGE in leadership strategies as GoodSports moves into Ukraine, supporting other ministries surviving in a war zone.
Shalom.
I’m glad you enjoyed the post Russell! We’re all still in process my friend. There are things I’m still working through myself that I thought I had “whipped”! Praying those bridges are stronger than ever. How can any of us live in community with grace for one another? I most certainly need it myself.
Adam,
Congrats on teaching on the book that many pastors hesitate to unpack, perhaps due to its complexity and also perhaps from years of those trying to foretell all that would come to be. Your takeaway is powerful.
“Instead of fighting the power systems and spirit of the world with greater force, the strategy of God was to send a “lamb” to subvert its values and orders.” The seemingly paradoxical way of the gospel makes the greatest least and the least, greatest.
In what ways have you seen the weak side of leadership bring strength to a situation?
Without a doubt, vulnerability (to a degree that is wise). I know that part in parenthesis is VERY subjective for each person and organization. For me being honest about feelings and struggles has created greater connections with those I lead.
Also, I really enjoyed engaging the book of Revelation from a historical point of view. It helps make sense of a book I’ve always been puzzled about. Thanks for the response!
Adam,
I want to take your class on Revelation! Your post is very insightful just on that topic alone.
I appreciate your statement, “History has proven that force and fear can certainly change behavior, but it does not transform the heart.” I have known a few leaders that were more concerned about changing behavior. I’m curious as to what that is all about. It didn’t draw me into relationship them and it felt quite controlling…but to what purpose? Power and control? It certainly wasn’t very effective unless the goal was personal or protective in some way.
The concept of Walker’s undefended leadership beg the questions, What am I afraid of losing? What am I protecting? I need to ask myself these questions, both from a backstage and front stage perspective.
I enjoyed your post!
Thanks Jenny, as far as your question on behavior change vs. heart change, I think you’re right, there is a much different goal and motivation behind JUST changing peoples behavior verses winning people’s heart. The type of leadership Walker is talking about is the looonnngg game.
Just like the example of Jimmy Carter, it takes way longer to sit with people and listen, then to make a quick decision and say, “This is what we’re doing.” Even though I believe that has its place, servant leadership is not as glamorous or quick to make things happen! Glad you enjoyed the post, you always ask great follow up reflective questions. Thanks for the response!
Adam,
This was an incredible post! I learned so much. I loved the external sources, the pictures, and your thoughtful writing. I was especially struck by this, “Walker’s book examines leading from our weaknesses, and how “weakness” is what creates greater impact. Qualities like listening, vulnerability, empathy, humility, and serving others in contrast to domination, pride, violence, or imposing our wills on everyone and everything we desire, is ultimately more effective long term for humanity.” It makes me sad that qualities like listening, vulnerability, empathy, serving and humility are not commonly seen as qualities of strength. I wonder, are these qualities becoming less and less important in a society that seems to value the loudest, biggest, noisiest qualities.
Adam! I love how your brain works! This was fun to read! Connecting the power of Rome being overthrown by the “weakness” of Christ, the Lamb who was slain, was profound. Great work. It makes me excited for our time together in Oxford!
David!! Man I’m honored you ventured over and read my blog! Glad you enjoyed, very much looking forward to catching up with you as well in Oxford!