Are you self-centered or God-centered? Is that a loaded question or what? It’s a hard one to answer too because ultimately most of us will have to admit, myself included, that the self often crops up before God. We all live by a “What’s in it for me?” motto and we forget that to truly live with purpose, the “me” should never really enter into the equation. And that’s the real crux and the struggle to find true leadership in the faith. We’re all, by nature, self-absorbed.
I was given this summer’s Book Club selection, “Spiritual Leadership” by a client several months ago. After thumbing through it, I knew the gift was not happenstance, but a true God-influenced offering. Friends and family have often remarked that I’m a “natural-born leader”. On the outside, it’s a wonderful compliment, right? It means I display powerful traits and characteristics that can influence others. Yet, it bears an awesome responsibility, too. The kind of leader I am is entirely up to me and what I do with this role can have far and reaching benefits, or ramifications, on others. The older I get, this has only become clearer to me.
In Chapter Two, Oswald says, “If the world is to hear the church’s voice today, leaders are needed who are authoritative, spiritual, and sacrificial. Authoritative, because people desire reliable leaders who know where they are going and are confident of getting there. Spiritual, because without a strong relationship to God, even the most attractive and competent person cannot lead people to God. Sacrificial, because this trait follows the model of Jesus, who gave Himself for the whole world and who calls us to follow in his steps.”
This quote, in particular, hit me hard. I first started He’s the Solution because I realized that my circle of influence, through my business, was becoming wider and wider. I recognized that I could keep it entirely surface and professional or I could dive deeper and use this platform as a way to bring others into a relationship with God. I’m so thankful I chose the latter.
I may be a natural leader, but we are all blessed by God with the ability to share the gospel and we’re all asked by God to do it. We just have to decide which inner voice to follow—God’s or our own. If the world is to hear the message of God, each one of us is going to have to lay down the “me” mantle and take up the cloak of God.
