Herod and the Power to Say No - March 11
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:97-120; PM Psalm 81, 82; Gen. 45:16-28; 1 Cor. 8:1-13; Mark 6:13-29
One of the trends I am seeing in my own leadership style is that I get myself in trouble often trying to say “yes” to too many things. I’m probably a pleaser (I’m not sure if that is part of my Myers-Briggs score, Enneagram, or something else entirely). In some ways, it probably contributes to some of the excitement of our community. We have lots of programs and ministries and small groups. But it’s not always done in a systemic way that protects time, and it’s a real growing edge for me.
Saying yes to too many things is a pretty light thing that is easy enough to address. But it’s not hard to see how that same impulse, how wanting to please, wanting to keep everyone happy, wanting to avoid disappointing people, can lead to much heavier consequences.
In today’s Gospel, King Herod finds himself in that exact place.
At a birthday banquet, caught up in the moment and in front of a room full of powerful guests, he makes a sweeping promise: “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.” It sounds generous, maybe even noble. But it is also careless. It is a promise made more out of pride and pressure than wisdom.
The request is for the head of John the Baptist. Herod knows it is wrong. Mark even tells us that Herod was “deeply grieved.” Yet because of his oath and the eyes of everyone watching, he goes through with it.
Herod’s story is a sobering reminder of how dangerous it can be when our desire to please people becomes stronger than our commitment to what is right. Sometimes faithfulness means disappointing the room or saying ‘no’ to a friend.
I think there is real wisdom in learning how to say no. And sometimes the most faithful leadership begins with the courage to pause before making promises we cannot faithfully keep.
John+
Question for Self-reflection:
Where in your life might the desire to please others be pulling you away from what you know is right or faithful?