There was a time I thought I should be preaching to bigger crowds. Then I discovered the crowds that were listening to me weren’t getting it. Finally, I figured out no one else got it because I didn’t get it.
John Maxwell often says the most difficult leadership challenge is “leading yourself.”
Sometimes our desire and even abilities distract us from the main task of every leader. Sometimes the demands and accolades of others woo us from the real priority of effective leadership. Sometimes our own pride distorts our need to lead ourselves first.
When Paul spoke into Timothy’s life, he avoided giving his opinion about leadership philosophy. He never dealt with style or personal preferences. And yet he was very specific about the issue of the leader’s ability to lead himself.
Here’s what he said,
An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, uncontentious, free from the love of money—1 Timothy 3:2-3.
How does a leader lead himself? Here it is:
Be intimate only with your wife.
A man of influence gets close to only one woman…his wife. He shares his heart, his life, and his body only with his wife. If we stay faithful in this area, anything is possible. But compromise detours and often destroys a leader’s ability to lead.
Make good daily decisions.
Good intentions are not enough. A leader must think right and then do right on a regular basis in order to build credibility. This often frustrates young leaders. Our heart is in the right place, but people still don’t trust us. Influence depends on trust, and trust develops as people see “temperance” and “prudence” in our lives over time.
Love people.
People want leadership, but they respond to loving leadership. People will comply, but passionate followers are produced in an environment of significant relationships. So be “hospitable.” We may not be the life of the party, but we can pour our lives into others.
Provide a safe environment for growth.
Leaders can be intimidating…either by their personality or simply by their position. But leaders accept people where they are. They don’t respond in anger or frustration to the growth pains of others. Instead they are controlled, gentle and non-combative. Leading others is hard work and full of challenges. So give others room to fail and then coach them to a better future.
Keep an honest check on your motives.
Leadership can pay big rewards. When a leader’s influence increases, often his paycheck gets bigger as well. Paul knew that if a leader was going to lead well he must manage his motives. Sex, money, and power are great temptations for every leader. So remember your calling. Remember what’s at stake. And trust God to provide.
As a leader, our character determines how far our calling, charisma, talent, and skills will take us. So let’s lead ourselves before we ever attempt to lead others.
What do you think is the greatest challenge to leading yourself? Click the comment button below to give feedback.
