When we breathe the air of a consumer culture, we can’t draw enough oxygen to achieve spiritual vitality. Godly motives for true service suffocate while baser motivations—personal fulfillment—thrive. “My ministry” becomes a virus that sucks the health and life from a Christian leader.
The world agrees. Advertising constantly moves leaders to the center, enticing us to find identity in what we do. We labor tirelessly, wearing ourselves out to produce the nebulous, ever-shifting vision of the good life. Christian leaders are especially prone to this danger. Platform is everything. The engines of social media churn endlessly with visions of the good life posted by those who seem to achieve it. How do we find our way back to ministry that helps us flourish and inspires life in others?
It’s Not About You
The call to lead—whatever your role—is not actually about you. Shockingly, it’s about those you’re called to lead. Even more, it’s about who is exalted as you lead. The position you hold is given for the sake of others: to promote their good, to draw them forward in their work, their calling, their roles. By serving others, we bring glory to God.
Paul’s parting words to the Ephesian elders offer a clear picture of servant leadership:
“I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27).
“I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears” (v. 31).
“I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel” (v. 33).
“These hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me” (v. 34).
Paul reminded them they were made overseers not to make a name for themselves, gaining honor and riches or achieving the good life promoted by the world, but “to care for the church of God” (v. 28).
Trade Polluted Air for Clean Air
Breathing the “Miletian air” of Acts 20 helps us recognize what clean air smells like. Spend time in a big city and you grow accustomed to air polluted by exhaust, cigarette smoke, and noise. But step outside the city, and you get a breath of fresh air.
Maybe your paradigm for leadership needs that breath of fresh air. Maybe you’ve been pulled in by the self-promotion culture’s vision of the good life. Pursuing that vision will sour your leadership and—gradually—destroy those you’re called to lead. Making the good of others your primary aim will cost you, but it will sustain your soul and give your leadership lasting impact.
Today’s Tenacious Question
Think about the people you’re called to lead today. What are three practical ways you can focus your energy on promoting their good instead of yourself?
Prayer
Lord, you know my selfish heart that leans toward self-promotion and seeking my own good. Grant me grace to put selfish ambition to death and to lead for the sake of others, so that your name might be glorified among them.
