The Jesus PrinciplesSample

DAY FIVE: Suffering as a Leadership Strategy

Paul’s suffering was connected to his leadership ability and great calling. It had to be tempered through his suffering because of our human propensity to boast about our own accomplishments.

The very things that make us successful are also connected to our sin nature. For example, in my own life the perseverance to move forward for the sake of Christ is connected to how in my childhood I coped with rejection, isolation, and pain through making a name for myself by excelling in street fighting, sports, and music.

This was all in an effort to carve out a name and identity for myself so I would be praised, respected, and celebrated by my peers. Although this developed in me qualities of perseverance in the midst of pain and suffering, it was for my glory and not for God’s glory.

God has to allow pain in our lives to keep us dependent upon Him because all of us are born in sin with the fleshly tendencies to brag about our own accomplishments and trust in our own gifts, abilities, and flesh instead of in His grace.

We are not alone in our pain. To the extent people have influence, they will have to endure the process of pain so their gifts and abilities can be continually redeemed for the glory of God.

Was this plan helpful to you? It was adapted from my book The Jesus Principles: Lead a Life That Even Death Can’t Stop.