Leadership Is Not For Us

I read a spiritual development book each morning. No big reason. It’s just the best time for me to read this type of book. I’m close to finishing my latest “morning book” called Grace Walk by Steve McVey. The bottom line of the book is that Christianity is not about rules and behavior, it is about allowing Jesus to live through you. As I’m closing in on the end of the book, some sentences jumped out at me as they relate to spiritual development…and to leadership…

There is no such thing as Christianity turned inward. Empty religion seeks to preserve itself and focuses on gathering. New Testament Christianity purposes to pour itself out in ministry to others. The ultimate benefit in allowing Christ to express His life through us is not what happens in us personally. Religion makes performance its priority. Grace chooses people as its priority.

Several years ago, I went through a paradigm shift in my view of who my relationship with Jesus is for. For years, I’d seen my Christianity as being for me. All the classes and books and sermons I exposed myself to were all about my growth and my development for my sake. I’ve changed. My spiritual growth and development are now for the people around me. Sure, I benefit from it. But it’s not for me.

The same should be said about our leadership. Leadership is not about you. It is not about performance. It is about people. Leadership is about others. It is about taking people to a better place. I know at first glance you probably read this as old news. You’re already leading for this exact reason. Or are you?