“From the twentieth year of King
Artaxerxes, when I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah,
until his thirty-second year -- twelve years -- neither I nor my brothers ate
the food allotted to the governor... Instead, I devoted myself to the work on
this wall. All my men were assembled there for the work; we did not acquire any
land... I never demanded the food allotted to the governor, because the demands
were heavy on these people. Remember me with favor, my God, for all I have done
for these people.” (Nehemiah 5:14-19
NIV)
One of the downsides of leadership is
the sacrifice often required of leaders. Being a leader means sacrificing time,
money, and possessions that are dear to our hearts…
When our sacrifices as spiritual leaders
are rooted as much as possible in unselfishness (of course most still have
mixed motivations), they lead others to sacrifice. But more important, they
lead others to selflessness -- and that is the ultimate goal of true sacrifice.
True sacrifice, even in small ways, leads people to become less selfish and
self-focused, and more selfless in their love for others. The sacrifice of
leaders becomes the ground that allows other leaders and the church to become
increasingly focused on outreach to others through ministry and mission.
Sacrifice for God in our leadership leads others to experience God’s purpose,
presence, and power in our lives. It leads them to serve God the Creator,
Christ, and Holy Spirit.
-- N. Graham Standish in “Becoming a Blessed Church: Forming a
Church of Spiritual Purpose, Presence. And Power”
#4648
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