True Leadership: Sacrifice, Not Privilege

True Leadership is Sacrifice, not Privilege

Leadership is a term that is often misunderstood in our society. Many people believe that being a leader means having power and privilege, and that leadership is a path to success and recognition. However, this understanding of leadership is a lie that has been perpetuated by the world. True leadership is not about privilege, but about sacrifice.

The World's Lie About Leadership

The world tells us that being a leader is about getting the gold star. It is about being recognized for our accomplishments and being identified among the gifted. This understanding of leadership is based on the idea that success is the ultimate goal, and that leadership is a form of success. We are taught that we can achieve whatever we set our minds to, and that being a leader is the path to privilege.

However, this understanding of leadership is flawed. It is based on the idea that leadership is about personal gain and recognition, rather than service and sacrifice. This idea is not supported by the Bible, which teaches us that true leadership is about serving others, and that sacrifice is at the heart of leadership.

True Leadership is Sacrifice

Jesus is the ultimate example of true leadership. He came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Jesus' leadership was characterized by sacrifice, not privilege. He gave up his own life for the sake of others, and he calls us to do the same.

True leadership is not about personal gain, but about serving others. It is about putting the needs of others before our own, and sacrificing our own interests for the sake of others. This is what Jesus meant when he said, "Whoever wants to be first must be your slave, just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:27-28).

The Importance of Sacrifice in Leadership

The importance of sacrifice in leadership cannot be overstated. Sacrifice is the foundation of true leadership, and without it, leadership becomes nothing more than a pursuit of personal gain and recognition. Sacrifice is what sets true leaders apart from those who are only interested in themselves.

In the Bible, we see many examples of sacrifice in leadership. Moses sacrificed his own comfort and safety to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. David sacrificed his own desires to serve God and his people. Paul sacrificed his own life for the sake of the gospel. These leaders were not motivated by personal gain or recognition, but by a desire to serve others and to do what was right.

The Rewards of Sacrifice in Leadership

While sacrifice may seem like a difficult and thankless task, the rewards of sacrifice in leadership are great. When we sacrifice our own interests for the sake of others, we become true leaders, and we earn the respect and trust of those we serve. Sacrifice also brings us closer to God, who calls us to serve others and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Jesus promised that those who serve others will be rewarded in heaven. He said, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40). When we sacrifice our own interests for the sake of others, we are serving Jesus himself, and we will be rewarded for our service.

Conclusion

True leadership is not about privilege, but about sacrifice. It is about putting the needs of others before our own, and sacrificing our own interests for the sake of others. This is what Jesus meant when he said that whoever wants to be first must be a servant. Sacrifice is the foundation of true leadership, and without it, leadership becomes nothing more than a pursuit of personal gain and recognition.

As we seek to become true leaders, let us look to Jesus as our example. Let us be willing to sacrifice our own interests for the sake of others, and let us do so with joy and humility. For it is through sacrifice that we become true leaders, and through our service to others that we serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.