To lead is to sacrifice. Sacrifice is found at every level of leadership. When will the sacrifice need to be made? How large of a sacrifice will be necessary?

Perhaps above all, are we willing to make the sacrifice?

The apostle Paul was one who made great sacrifices in serving the Lord and the church (Phil. 3:7-10).

First, Paul claimed nothing held more value than knowing Christ Jesus. He suffered the loss of all things to gain Christ, to know his Savior. Notice the terminology: the power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. Paul wanted to know through experience.

Second, Paul’s willingness to suffer was not just past tense, it is future tense also. Later in Paul’s ministry, he states what he gave up in the past and why, but he further points out his willingness to endure.

If we go below the surface and examine Paul’s leadership, we find a leader of great sacrifice. His level of sacrifice is exemplified throughout his writings (cf. 2 Cor. 11:23-29).

Let us arise and make the sacrifice to lead according to the example we find in Paul.