Cost of Leadership

In a leadership class I took almost a year ago I had to listen to a podcast of a message by pastor Mark Driscoll. He begins with a question, "Do you want God to use you greatly?" On the recording you can hear people cheer (what Christian doesn't want to be used greatly by God?). But then he follows that question up with this, "Then He must wound you deeply." And the room was silent.

I don't know that Christians are too keen on suffering. It seems, especially in America, that a large percentage of the Church doesn't suffer, and doesn't even think that they should suffer. The New Testament talks over and over about how those who follow Jesus will suffer. One passage that stands out to me the most is Philippians 1.29, "For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,". Suffering is part of it, hardships are part of it. Driscoll also said, "Jesus did not suffer so that we would not suffer, but so that we could know Him through suffering."

Part of leadership preparation involves suffering. Part of becoming a leader involves hardship. Part of becoming the leader that God created you to be involves wounding. And in order to be used greatly by God the wound is going to be deep.

My thoughts are currently on David in 1 Samuel. He has been anointed King by the prophet Samuel. He has had great victories against the Philistines, beginning with the champion Goliath. He is growing in favor with the people, and God is with Him. He has a dear friend, Jonathan, who looks out for him and loves him as he loves his own life (1 Samuel 20.17).

But not everything is perfect for David. Saul, after seeing the favor that David has with the people, is suspicious of David (1 Samuel 18.9), and on several occasions tries to take David's life. David is forced to flee and live among the Philistines. Saul pursues David, and he is forced into the wilderness. Twice David has the opportunity to take Saul's life, but twice his character and love of God are seen by his refusal to harm the Lord's anointed one.

David faced hardships and difficulties. He lived among the enemies of Israel and lived in the wilderness when he was the chosen King of Israel. David was wounded deeply, but He was used greatly by God.

All those God uses greatly must first be wounded deeply. If there is no wound how can we know the healing power of God? If there is no wound how can we learn to minister to hurting people? If there is no wound God has healed how can we learn to lead others who will wound us over and over?

My mentor has said, "Pastors are the walking wounded." They will come, but if we realize that the wound is there to help us be more like Christ, to help us know Christ and His love more deeply, we can endure it and see it as a gift from God for our benefit and His glory.

To my fellow ministers, I know how tough it is. I've been wounded just as you have. Hang in there with me. Don't quite, don't give in. Stand firm, allow God to minister to your wounds. Allow Him to bring healing and restoration. Allow Him to turn the wound into a scar that bears the story of His greatness and faithfulness. Don't let the wound become infected and a source of bitterness, but allow God to stitch it up and heal it.

We will suffer. We will be wounded. But the wounds are there to help us become more like Christ, so that we can be used greatly for God.

To God alone be the Glory!

Peace be with you