The Cost of Leading
Whether you are leading your community, your church, your family or your organization-
there is always a cost! Below is the Cost of Leading. I promise at some point you will experience some of these things when you step out and lead other people. Leadership Ain’t Always Sexy!
The Cost of Leading- standing out on your own when no one else “gets it” yet.
The Cost of Leading- not taking shortcuts, because people take time to develop.
The Cost of Leading- inevitably being misunderstood & taken out of context.
The Cost of Leading- being WEiRD when everyone else seems normal.
The Cost of Leading- taking criticism and choosing not to respond, even though it hurts.
The Cost of Leading- hanging in there when nothing good is happening.
The Cost of Leading- giving up comfort in exchange for impact.
Why do we not anticipate “the costs” when it comes to stepping out and leading others? Love to hear your thoughts!
Hi Chad,
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this post!
My husband & I have been serving in ministry for 25 years now, so I tend to view this question in light of our experiences. We’ve seen so many come and go in ministry, some almost as soon as they say they’ve “heard from God” about their calling. It seems to me that some quickly fizzle out because they step out in their calling too quickly. There was little or no time given to building a foundation by covering themselves in prayer and serving alongside someone from whose experience they could gain much benefit. In defense of that, however, I must admit it’s so very exciting, and even reassuring, when we finally have some idea of a purpose for our existence, so it’s only natural to want to get started and be obedient to the Father’s voice. Just like the Father, we see the end from the beginning, and it blows us away to think that Almighty God would “use me” for such a great task; and for some, before they know it, their heart takes flight to run with the vision with the mindset of pleasing God through obedience; then, not suprisingly, the first obstacle appears, and a heartbreaking failure follows.
I think it’s good to take our cue from King David, who, to this day, is the greatest General the armies of Israel have ever known. He was very skilled in battle. He knew war strategies. He knew how to lead his men. But, he didn’t rely on that knowledge alone, nor was it his first consult. He always sought the Lord first before heading off to war. His example to us is a perfect illustration, I think, of not just knowing that His thoughts and ways are higher than ours, but living like it’s so.
In short, I think the reason we sometimes fail to count the cost of leadership is because of the excitement in a heart that is bent on pleasing the Father; our zeal sometimes gets the best of us. My prayer is that He will continue to use people like you to continue strengthening His church in the knowledge of Him who called us so that all things are done in His timing and with His wisdom.
To God be the glory!
Blessings,
@ReneeRowell
Renee, thank you so much for the kind words! I love this part the most out of what you said, “There was little or no time given to building a foundation by covering themselves in prayer and serving alongside someone from whose experience they could gain much benefit.” This is such a great reminder for young leaders! Thanks for the comment.