Saint Francis of Assisi

There have been numerous books written about the life and times of John Bernardone (better known to the world as Saint Francis of Assisi), and most of them probably have done a great job at presenting his life and character. Among those biographies, Saint Francis of Assisi by Gilbert Keith Chesterton rises to the top level of biographies. Chesterton chose to go a different route with examining the famed Italian who is credited with starting three orders of Christian monkhood. Of course, he mentions in his book some of the famous stories attached to the name of Saint Francis, but Chesterton digs much deeper and gives the history and philosophy that surrounded the monk. However, the purpose of this essay is to describe, summarize, and critique Saint Francis’ life and effectiveness in ministry so that the reader may glean important characteristics that define a Christian leader, and employ them in his or her life. The writer of this essay has identified fourteen characteristics that are worth mentioning.

Saint Francis was a bold and brave man. Chesterton said that there is “a great deal to be said about the man who tried to end the Crusades by talking to the Saracen or who interceded with the Emperor for the birds” (2). He had “courage of heart” (32) because he willingly tried to be a soldier in his youth. Even though that did not work out for him, his brave heart remained nonetheless. Christian leaders have to have a brave heart as well in order to take a stand in this present world and time.

Saint Francis was a “lover of God and he was really and truly a lover of men” (7). Chesterton quipped, “As Saint Francis did not love humanity but men, so he did not love Christianity but Christ” (7). He adored and imitated Christ. Christ was the “pattern on which Saint Francis sought to fashion himself” (108). Chesterton also said that Saint Francis’ “religion was not a thing like a theory but a thing like a love-affair” (8). Some Christian leaders seem to have missed the point of it all. A love relationship with Christ should be sought above all others.

Saint Francis was “one of those people who are popular with everybody in any case” (30). He was a man with an excellent reputation—a man above reproach. Christian leaders should not drag their names, and especially the name of Christ, through the mud, and thus weakening or destroying their witness to a lost world and a confused body of believers.

Saint Francis was a generous giver because “he threw money about both in extravagance and benevolence” (31). He really strove to help out in any way he could by running on “errands of mercy” (34), especially to those “people who had been put hopelessly in the wrong” (31). Saint Francis likely “swore before God that he would never all his life refuse to help a poor man” (33). Chesterton said, “Saint Francis really meant what he said when he said he had found the secret of life in being the servant and the secondary figure” (62). Not only did he give to others, but also he always gave thanks to God for His blessings. He was the giver who gave thanks. Christian leaders should never forget where they came from, whom they belong to, and who provides for their every need.

Saint Francis was a polite, gentle, and kind man. In fact, “all agreed that politeness flowed from him” (32). Chesterton said, “If there was one thing of which so humble a man could be said to be proud, he was proud of his good manners” (32). Chesterton also said that “he seems to have liked everybody” (38), even those who might be viewed as his enemies. When people called him a coward, a thief, or a fool, Saint Francis never lost his cool. A little politeness can go a long way in dealing with people.

Saint Francis was a man strictly concerned with the details, even the smallest of particulars of form in action and conduct. It could be said that he was even punctilious about his punctiliousness. A good leader has to know the big picture and the individual pixels that make up that picture.

Saint Francis was a “man of action” and the “very reverse of a dreamer” (34). He did not sit around lazily like some leaders today. He had a strong work ethic that allowed him to take immediate action when a particular situation arose. When a something tough came along, he did not waver and look incompetent. A good Christian leader will be known as a man of action.

Saint Francis was a positive man. On one occasion, he and several others were thrown in prison during his soldiering days. He “moved among his captive companions…resolved to keep up their spirits and his own” (37). A good leader will inspire his followers and friends. People will not generally follow a negative person. They will grow tired of negativity in a hurry. A good leader realizes this and is careful not to be a glum, downtrodden, defeated person.

Saint Francis was a man of prayer and he was “in the habit of praying” (46). He occasionally sought refuge in solitude, where he attended to prayer and fasting. In those times, he did not even want his close friends around for fear that they would distract him. Where would a Christian leader be with prayer? Prayer is the power source on which leaders run. Without it, churches and Christian organizations would assuredly be in a world of trouble.

Saint Francis was dependant on God his Father. He knew who he was, and he did not rely on his merchant dad for help. On one dramatic occasion before a large crowd, Saint Francis declared, “Up to this time I have called Pietro Bernardone father, but now I am the servant of God” (48). Christian leaders must have this resolve, not to the point of not allowing others to help, but to really depend chiefly on God.

Saint Francis was a hard worker. When he was in charge of rebuilding a house for worship, he jumped in and helped out with his own hands. A good Christian leader will display this same willingness to jump in with both feet and work until Jesus comes back, despite any difficulty that may come along. A good leader will pour his energies into doing whatever it is the Lord has led him or her to do.

Saint Francis had a “passion for simplicity” (51). When he spoke, he desired that his message to be simple enough in so that “the village idiot could understand it” (142). A Christian leader must know his people to be able to effectively lead. There has to be a base level of understanding. Some of the smartest people on earth have the ability to present material in a way that even a child can understand it. That makes a good leader and communicator.

Saint Francis could work well with others. He was a team player. He partnered up with Saint Clare to form an order for women. On another occasion, he met with Saint Dominic, his Spanish opposite. They both sought to end the Crusades, one by conquest and the other by conversion—one by the sword and the other by the Gospel.

Saint Francis had a genuine concern for the lost. He lived by the idea that it was “better to create Christians than to destroy Moslems” (114). Imagine the difference in the world if the Christian church always had that focus in evangelism.

Those are the fourteen main characteristics learned from reading Saint Francis of Assisi. When one thinks of a good Christian leader, each of these will undoubtedly come to mind. Billy Graham, perhaps one of the greatest Christian leaders of our generation, lives out each of these characteristics. May God help leaders all over the world to exhibit and resemble the life that made Saint Francis a man of outstanding character for Christ!