How unity impacts leadership

Bob Russell Sept. 19, 2018

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Arizona Senator John McCain died in late August at the age of 81. The former presidential candidate was a U.S. Naval Academy graduate who flew bombing missions from aircraft carriers during the Vietnam War. In 1967 he was shot down, seriously injured, and captured by the North Vietnamese.

John McCain was a prisoner of war for 5.5 years and experienced horrendous torture. He courageously refused a repatriation offer to be released due to his dire physical condition, choosing instead to remain in captivity with his fellow POWs. Regardless of political persuasion, you have to respect a man who could endure brutal torture for that period of time and not break.

Inspirational anecdote

There are numerous inspirational stories of McCain’s heroism during his captivity in the “Hanoi Hilton.” But his account of an interchange with a young Vietnamese guard—a Christian—especially encouraged me.

In his book, Character Is Destiny, Senator McCain told about the guard, who secretly loosened the ropes that tightly bound his hands and feet. During the four hours of that soldier’s shift, McCain got relief. He was deeply grateful for that soldier and wondered what drove this man to be kind when everyone else was so ruthless.

Then, on Christmas, the one day they were allowed to walk around in the yard, McCain spotted that guard. The two made eye contact. The Vietnamese soldier quietly made his way to McCain and stood by him. In the dirt, with his toe, the guard drew a cross, then quickly wiped it away.

McCain wrote: “For just that moment I forgot all my hatred for my enemies, and all the hatred most of them felt for me. I forgot about the jerk and the interrogators who persecuted my friends and me. I forgot about the war and the terrible things that war does to you. . . . 

“I saw him again occasionally. But he never looked at me or attempted to speak to me. We never worshiped together again. But I have never forgotten him or the kindness he showed me as a testament to the faith we shared. That experience helped to form my lasting appreciation for my own religious faith, and it took the faith of an enemy to reveal it to me, the faith that unites and never divides, the faith that bridges unbridgeable divisions in humanity . . . I became a better man, a stronger man, a more faithful man, who, for at least a moment, could love his enemies.”

Lasting lessons 

None of us is the ultimate judge of John McCain’s Christian faith or his political decisions. But the lesson he underscored from that experience as a prisoner of war is one we would all do well to embrace. 

This is an especially teachable moment for church leaders. Remind the members of your congregations of these key lessons:

1. The cross eradicates differences

2. Forgiveness overcomes bitterness 

3. Love is stronger than hate

4. Jesus unites enemies

Ask them if there is a fellow believer they are angry with, or someone they’ve plotting to hurt because of a personal wound. Remind them of the words of Jesus: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:43-45).

Using John McCain as their inspiration, encourage them to quietly approach that despised individual and find a way to draw a cross in the sand between them. It’s time for both parties to be reconciled to God . . . and to one another.

Photo source: istock 

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Bob Russell became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church at just 22 years old. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches; conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. Learn More »

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