John 3:28-30 , Romans 2:6-8 , Colossians 3:23-24
This week we focus on “Enabling others to act.” This sounds like a wonderful leadership approach doesn’t it? But often our hearts deceive us when we truly try to empower others and enable them to grow. We hesitate because there is a part in all of us that would rather receive the glory and/or be in control, and we can become jealous when others are promoted and recognized over us. Often we can rationalize our unwillingness to delegate to others or give up some responsibility by saying that others can’t be trusted. But it is also true that often we do not take the time to make sure that our followers know exactly what is expected of them and why. Training followers can be a hassle, and we’d rather just maintain the status quo, which makes us feel so essential and vitally important.
But we know that in Christ, we are not called to store the glory up for ourselves, and we are not to put ourselves on the throne (Colossians 3:23-24) by refusing to delegate and empower others. We are called to be the chief of servants in our organization by seeing the unique, God-given potential in others, draw it out of them, and then rejoice in their success.
It takes faith to see things done with excellence, to see people take steps in developing themselves in their ministry and/or profession, and above all, to want nothing more than God’s glory in everything we do. Yes, this takes faith, but there is always grace for obedience. If by faith we can grasp what it means to really serve God by serving and empowering others, we will find that the joy in doing so far outweighs any frail satisfaction that comes with self-promotion and self-absorption (Romans 2:6-8).
As you prepare for sharing in the devotional, consider the following questions.
- Do you ever struggle when others are promoted or recognized for their hard work and you are not? How does this reflect your ultimate heart disposition before the Lord?
- Why can it be hard to delegate to others and, in general, yield control to others? Again, how can trusting the Lord and living for the Lord make these things easier to do?
- What take-aways from this devotional might be used in secular organizations when enabling others?
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