In one of my leadership journeys, I worked with some folks who desired and clamoured for some of my privileges of office. It took one of our leaders to let them see the pains behind the privileges and how I had lived without the supposed privileges. They never understood the call to leadership.

Friend, the call to leadership is one of sacrifices, not enjoyment. It is that of pain, not only privileges (Luke 12:49-50). You must get your priority and perspective right if you would last in the program of God. This is why God often keeps some leadership opportunities away from some people. He knows their motive is wrong.

What you see in a leader matters. If you see the glory without checking the story, you would be chasing shadows without knowing (Matthew 20:20-23). Leaders also must project the right things before people. We must put an end to celebrity ministry where all that leaders show is their affluence and enjoyment.

When you meet a leader, don’t ask him to show you his tailor, rather ask him to show you his heart, because when God measures a man, He puts the tape around his heart, not his shoulder (Daniel 5:27). It is better to desire your leader’s library, than his bank account balance (Hebrews 13:7).

Knowing your leader’s prayer life is more important than desiring his social media followership (Luke 11:1). Leaders must introduce people to the secret practices that give rise to the public impacts. If the upcoming generation follow the wrong thing in this present generation, the future is already mortgaged.

If you ever have the privilege of being close to a leader or someone great, determine to follow the right thing. You cannot receive wisdom from the same source you are receiving money (Deuteronomy 34:9 Acts 3:6). Prioritise process above product. Prioritise intimacy above familiarity. Don’t desire to share the glory if you have not learnt the story (Philippians 2:5-11).

‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria