John Stanko

"He [Herod] had been quarreling with the people
of Tyre and Sidon; they now joined together
and sought an audience with him. After securing
the support of Blastus, a trusted personal servant of
the king, they asked for peace, because they depended
on the king’s country for their food supply" - Acts 12:20-21.

In this passage, we see that Herod was feuding with a people from the region of Sidon and Tyre. The people sought an audience because Herod controlled their food supply and held the upper hand in negotiations and relationships. There is little doubt that the people would have paid Blastus a bribe to 'secure his support,' which indicates the dysfunction in these relationships with Herod that impacted the lives of many and enriched a few. For Herod and Blastus, power was something to be used to control others while benefitting personally from its application. Leaders who serve the people do not use their power to control others, but when they do, it creates all kinds of disorder and suffering.

LEADERSHIP STEP: Because you have power, people may be telling you what they think you want to hear, which may not be the full truth. Your Step today is to set some meetings this week away from the office to talk to people who have the courage to tell you the truth about you or your organization. When they tell you, you are not to take offense, but to thank them for their candor and honesty. Repeat this exercise regularly so people are not intimidated by your power.