If you are a leader so that others will see you and recognize how magnificent you are, then you shouldn’t be in that role. Parents don’t raise their children for public recognition of their parenting skills. They do so out of love. And it hurts. There is a lot of suffering involved. Dying to self. Selflessness. Love. But ask any parent if it’s worth it.
The Crown of Thorns: Model for Leaders
To be a leader is not to be prom king or queen. To be a leader is to wear the crown of thorns. Remember when Jesus was mocked by the Roman soldiers who placed a crown of thorns on His head, a reed in His hand, and a cloak on His back. They bowed before Him and praised Him as the King of the Jews. No glory in that scene, right? Doesn’t exactly inspire you to want to be a leader.
What it does teach us is that true leaders aren’t in it for themselves. They are in it for those they follow and for those they lead. A Christian does not become a Christian for glory. Believe you me. There is nothing glorious about walking in the footsteps of Jesus. It’s hard. But it’s worth it.
And through our lived example we lead others to a relationship with Him, not for our own glory, but for His. For the building of His Kingdom. We won’t reign there. Our names might not even be mentioned. But it doesn’t matter. We do it for Him and for them. It’s death to self. We aren’t seen or recognized in the eyes of our peers, but He sees and that’s what matters.
“He must increase; I must decrease.”
~ John 3:30
Question: Do you find your role as a leader to be nothing more than a pursuit of your own glory and praise?