Sacrifice Unto Power
Recent news has been pretty incredible: a man sacrificed his career, just a step away from being a flag officer, to protect his people. He was cheered by those who loved him even as he was removed from serving in his capacity as leader. But there’s a lesson: lead your team so that whatever was achieved while you were there will continue long after you have gone.
My brother and mentor, Jeff H., recently pointed out some amazing leaders in the Bible who achieved incredible success and had noteworthy accomplishments. It occurred to me that accomplishments which are a “flash in the pan” are rarely remembered, while ones which inspire people downline from them tend to be immortalized. Empowering others leads to continued success, even beyond our own generation. It is wise to remember Jeremiah’s words (9:23-24),
“Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.”
Steadfast love, justice, and righteousness. These are how we should treat people. These are how we should lead. And these will lead to lasting effects beyond our own time on earth.
Jesus sacrificed His life to empower us with the Holy Spirit (& forgiveness of sins). With this power bestowed by our leader, we can show Christ in us to our generation. What might we be willing to sacrifice to empower others?
