Leadership Insights from World History
SUMMARY
Beauty, power, betrayal, murder. These are not words of the latest movie, but words that describe centuries of world history as captured by Peter Frankopan, director of the Centre for Byzantine Research at Oxford.
In the book, The Silk Roads: A New History of the World, Peter Frankopan challenges the linear understanding of history by presenting a complex multi-level account of some of the major events that have shaped our world. The Silk Road was a major highway of trade in the ancient East spanning across several nations from China to the Mediterranean Sea. The author also uses this phrase symbolically to describe how the economic centers of the world have changed throughout history. Trade has been shaped by a diversity of commodities across centuries, including silk, spices, silver, and oil as well as by different waves of political turmoil. Consequently, the silk roads—or the centers of economic and political power— have never been permanent. Currently, the global need for oil, gas, and new minerals used in electronics seems to predict a new shift of economic power centered in the East. Frankopan concludes that the ancient Silk Road is once again awakening, and that the economic power that has been centered in the west will eventually return to the ancient Persian lands.
REFLECTION
I found the book fascinating. Some critics have pointed out that the book has some historical errors, some misrepresentations, and it omits some important facts. Despite these weaknesses, Frankopan succeeds in showing the complexity of history with engaging accounts and quotes, demonstrating that economic and political power are always shifting. In the midst of so much information, the book has made me reflect on a few lessons about leadership with current implications.
The first lesson is one about eschatology. The horrors of war and destruction have painted apocalyptic images throughout history. Thus, it is easy to understand why—from an insider’s perspective—these events looked like the end of the world. Yet, as we now know, the fall of Rome, the Mongol conquest, or the fall of Constantinople were horrific events but not necessarily prophetic. This is a sobering lesson to learn as a pastor. It is easy among Evangelicals to start speculating about the end of times, especially when the current events may look apocalyptic. It seems inevitable that our eschatology will be shaped by our historical context, but this is the first important lesson. I must teach about the hope and signs that Jesus taught us, but I must also teach that no one knows the time—not even Jesus.
The second lesson is one about relationships. As history shows, the colonial mindset that characterized the superpowers throughout history has a common melody. They all looked down on the natives as inferior people. This ethnocentric song written with notes of prejudice were well captured in the words of Elwell-Stutton as he described the way in which Anglo-Iranian employees treated the locals. Frankopan quotes Elwell-Stuton, “Too few Europeans took the trouble to find out about Persians, finding it easier to look on the ‘natives’…as dirty savages with peculiar habits that were of no interest to anybody, except perhaps anthropologists. This ‘racial antipathy’ was bound to end in disaster.” (The Silk Roads, 402). Frankopan reminds us that prejudice results in resentfulness and lack of trust. Sadly, this colonial mindset is not limited to politics, but it is also found in ministry. It only takes a few conversations with nationals who have worked with foreign missionaries to discover that a colonial attitude is also a phenomenon in the church. This is another important lesson to learn. If I am to lead effectively across cultural boundaries, I must ensure that I treat people as equals and not as inferior. Only then trust is gained and true partnerships are born.
Finally, the third lesson is one about humility. History shows that there is a lot of damage that has been done in the name of Christianity and democracy. Human trafficking, genocide, broken promises, manipulation and betrayal are all words that describe many who have acted in the name of Christ. Consequently, not everybody is excited to meet a Christian or an American. This is a humbling lesson to learn. As we serve internationally, it may be easy to dismiss the feelings of antagonism that we may find. Yet, resentfulness has a story. Therefore, if we are to be successful in reaching out to peoples that bear the scars of history, we must first gain their trust by acknowledging the damage done and showing ourselves to be trustworthy.
I am left with mixed feelings after reading the book. I am reminded of proverbs 16:8 & 12: “Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice,” and “A throne is established through righteousness.” Our political leaders would be wise to remember these foundational truths. As we see the economic pendulum move, and as we try to maintain a position of world influence, it may be wise to remember that being a superpower is not a right but a privilege, and no nation has been able to keep the pendulum from moving. Through history, nations have risen and kings have reigned but not in true righteousness. Thus, I am also reminded of the core hope found in the Gospel. The desire for a just and righteous throne is fulfilled in the Messiah. Jesus will bring true justice and righteousness, and his reign will never end. As history continues to be written, I look forward to the new chapter. I echo the last words of the Apostle John in Revelation. “Come Lord Jesus.” Yes, Lord, come.
About the Author
Pablo Morales
Pablo Morales serves as the Lead Pastor of Ethnos Bible Church in Texas. He is currently pursuing the Doctor of Ministry degree in Leadership and Global Perspectives at Portland Seminary in order to understand what it takes to develop a healthy multiethnic church.5 responses to “Leadership Insights from World History”
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Pablo,
Great Blog! Incredible insights, from effect and mindset of Colonialism to the poor role of the Church. I could not help but think of race issues in our nation and Syrian refugees. If we learn from history, what is one big lesson that we as Christian leaders should learn and apply today?
Aaron
Aaron,
As I was reading the book, I got an email from a friend who leads relief missions to places in war (You can learn more about David Eubank at http://www.freeburmarangers.com). This time he was sharing about his experience helping people in Syria. There is a paragraph I want to share with you. He said, “As we did a relief program at a village near the front line, one Syrian we met was a Australian citizen who was back visiting family when ISIS took power. He said that all the borders are closed and he can not safely get out. “When this country was ruled by Assad, we had no freedom. Many of our friends disappeared and we never saw them again. He and his forces are ruthless criminals. Then ISIS came and it was even worse. They killed for no reason and terrorized everyone, especially the woman. Now they are gone and the Kurds – YPG are here. We can breath.” “How is it with the Kurds, the YPG?”, I asked. He smiled widley and said with a great exhaling of air, “We can finely breath, we can relax. The Kurds are reasonable. We can talk, human to human. We can understand each other. I am so happy for this change. They are doing good.””
One of the most important lessons that I learn from the book was captured in the quote from the email. As leaders we need to interact with all peoples from a position of “human to human.” When we do so, trust is gained. This is essential, because without trust we cannot lead.
Pablo
Pablo,
I appreciate your comments regarding political leaders based on Frankopan. May I quote you (without naming you) regarding our current politics…regarding a throne being established through righteousness?
How do we as Christians NOT get depressed when we see this in neither of our candidates?
Pablo,
Thanks for another insightful blog. You speak about relationships and humility. I think they are two sides of the same coin. The person who recognizes that only God is good and perfect in every respect will have an attitude of humility before Him, which transfers to our attitudes about and our relationships with our fellow human beings. We are all created in the image of God and therefore all have the same value before Him. When we think of others from this perspective, we cannot look down on anyone or think of anyone as having less value or worth than ourselves, no matter what their circumstances seem to be. You’re right, prejudices and bigotry are embedded in the minds of everyone, even church folk. But, our responsibility as Christians is to recognize it as such and to combat it with an outpouring of God’s love whenever it lifts its ugly head. As you mentioned, when we treat people human to human, trust is gained.
Great blog Pablo. Thanks!
I love your quote that resentfulness has a story. Wow! That is powerful. How can American christians prove that we are trustworthy?
ps. I hope you and your family had a great time in Greece! Lisa and I wanted to hide in a suitcase and join you!