Tag: Sacrifice

I Surrender All

Paul told Christians in Romans 12 to present their bodies a living and holy sacrifice.

The idea is based on an Old Testament reference to sacrifices. When God’s people brought their sacrifice, it was presented as an offering to the Lord, which meant they surrendered all rights of ownership and any plans for future use.

When leaders understand this concept their perspective changes concerning how they lead God’s people.

If we could grasp the significance of this one practice, the culture of the church would change and our influence in the world would be immeasurable.

May we all present ourselves to the Lord!

A Uniting Leader

The uniting agent that makes us one deserves more attention than usually given.

Our common purpose is summed up in Jesus. His blood covers our sins, makes us one, and points us in the same direction.

Consider the implications connected to sacrifice.

First, work harder and more patiently to help others reach their potential.
Second, always speak well of people publicly and address major concerns with them in private.
Third, remember this is not about us, but helping others.
Fourth, our pride is not worth dividing God’s people.

We have a common purpose and the value of maintaining unity is worth the effort.

Suffering Leaders…

Jesus suffered on numerous occasions. He suffered verbally and physically.

The religious leaders were intent on eliminating this threat to their position and power.

At the hands of Rome, Jesus encountered suffering beyond imagination. He was beaten, ridiculed, mocked, crowned with thorns, spit upon, scourged, and nailed to a cross.

His suffering demonstrated the greatness of His leadership.

John Maxwell said, “The higher one goes in leadership, the greater the sacrifice.” Will suffering demonstrate the greatness of our leadership today?

Strengthening the Weak…

When Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, he addressed the need for leaders to help the weak.

The idea simply refers to someone without strength. How fitting that leaders are to help strengthen those without strength. Leaders carry a responsibility to fulfill this incredible task.

They must consider the cause of the problem.

What resources will provide a solution?

Will leaders make the sacrifices needed to become that source of strength?

There comes a time when leaders must stop talking about the helplessness that exists and develop a strategy to provide the strength needed to overcome.

Glory Through Suffering…

An interesting connection exists between suffering and glory. Look through God’s word and see how they relate and their connection to the life of Jesus.

Certainly, we are all aware of how Jesus suffered while here on earth: His persecution, shame, and sacrifice at the cross.

No one longs for or anticipates suffering. We desire the glory to come, but we must realize the suffering related to that glory and lead with an understanding of such.

Paul identifies that the sufferings of this present life are not worthy to be compared to the glory to be revealed to us, but suffering does come first.

Better Leadership…

If something is better, there is improvement from a previous condition or situation.

One of the key words in Hebrews is better. We live under a better covenant, based on better promises, because of a better sacrifice. The result is a better hope.

When we examine our character, attitude, work ethic, practice, or presence, can we say it is better than before?

Would we say the development of those who follow is better today than yesterday?

Perhaps the appropriate question is, “Will we do what it takes to make it better?”

Leaders make things happen, and what they make happen should be for the better.

The Power of Passion…

What is it that drives our lives, especially as leaders?

Steve Jobs once said, “It [what you choose to do] has got to be something that you’re passionate about because otherwise you won’t have the perseverance to see it through.”

While we associate passion with excitement or enthusiasm, there is much more involved.

Passion is from a Latin word associated with suffering or sacrifice.

When leaders are passionate, it is seen by what they are willing to suffer, sacrifice, or give up in order to achieve the goal. 

When passion is present, leaders persevere to see it through.

Independence…

Tomorrow, our country celebrates its independence.

There is a beautiful comparison between our physical freedom and the spiritual freedom enjoyed in Christ.

The willing, loving, and gracious sacrifice of Jesus demonstrates the value of our freedom.

The greatest joy of celebrating our independence is to willingly, lovingly, and graciously help others celebrate the same by introducing them to the way, the truth, and the life. 

The abundant life promised by Jesus is one of freedom from the consequences of sin.

Our leadership should always help others understand the price paid for this celebration, physically and spiritually.

Worth the Investment…

When someone has “skin in the game,” their approach to every situation, project, plan, or goal changes.

Commitment increases when a leader is invested, because failing to accomplish the goal costs them something.

David understood this thought in 2 Samuel 24:24. He dared not offer a sacrifice to God that did not cost him something.

With skin in the game, we attract followers willing to do the same.

Leaders find it a little more difficult to just simply walk away from their charge when invested. 

Leadership costs us something, but what we must recognize is that with God, it is worth the investment.

Actions and Motives…

Leaders give of their time and ability. They possess a willingness to help others reach their greatest potential for God and His church.

Leaders are also selfless. While the ideas are interrelated and it can become difficult to distinguish them, the difference is the action of one and the motivation in the other. 

Effective leadership makes the sacrifice, but the reason they make it is the selfless heart of God’s servant.

William Barclay once said, “Always give without remembering; always receive without forgetting.”

The thought speaks to actions and motives. It should motivate us to lead this way.