Recently, I saw a clip on the internet of a father and his son walking through the rain. They had only one small umbrella. The father decided to cover the child with the umbrella while he walked under the rain drenched. I was deeply touched. It taught me a lesson about leadership; leaders make sacrifices.
Friend, leaders make sacrifices (John 21:15-21). It is a misnomer to see someone placed in leadership fighting for himself rather than fighting for others. If you are selfish or self-centered, don’t desire a leadership platform. It is for people who would spend and be spent for and on others (Esther 10:3).
Since leadership is about sacrifice, anyone who lives a life of sacrifice is a leader (Luke 22:27). Therefore, if you are a positional leader, you should pay the biggest sacrifice. If there’s anyone exerting himself and making sacrifices more than you, that person is the leader (1 Samuel 3:10-19).
When people think of the gains of leadership, they should also balance it with the pains of leadership (1 Corinthians 15:10). Without the pain, there cannot be gain. It is the pain of sacrifices that qualify a leader for the gains of leadership. Go through your pains now if you want to enjoy the gains (Philippians 2:5-11).
True leadership in the home is not only about issuing commands that must be obeyed. It is about modelling a life of sacrifice that inspires (Ephesians 5:25-31). When wives and children see fathers make sacrifices, it does something to them. You cannot demand what you don’t do (Genesis 18:17-19).
Great leaders make sacrifices today that secure tomorrow. Evil leaders sacrifice tomorrow for today (Hebrews 12:16). They sacrifice posterity for prosperity. This is why God would not trust you with anything serious if He sees that you are preoccupied with yourself and with here and now. Like Jesus, what would you give up to save nations and generations (Hebrews 2:10)?
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria