I had a great conversation on Friday with a group of 12 guys in ministry throughout the country. Among other things, we talked about the leadership trap. You’ve probably experienced this before. It’s that feeling in your gut that says:
“If I don’t do it, no one will do it.”
You know that feeling don’t you? Every leader experiences it…especially in ministry where we’re dependent on volunteers to carry out the mission. Either we have that sense that if we don’t do it, it won’t get done. Or, we have the sense that if we don’t do it, it won’t be done right. You know what I’m talking about don’t you?
Here’s what’s crazy about that thinking. It’s not really true. Your mind says that’s truth, but it’s really a lie. Here’s the truth:
“If I do it, no one will do it.”
Did you catch that? Whenever you decide to step in an do it, you’re taking away the opportunity for someone else to do it. Whenever you step in to do it right, you’re denying the opportunity for someone else to do it better.
We are the body of Christ. God has gifted each of us uniquely. We were designed to serve Jesus differently. You may think you have all the gifts and all the abilities to do all the ministry, but that’s a lie from Satan. And, if you do it all, no one else will do it.
The workers are few but if you continue doing the work, the workers will be fewer.
Until we embrace that reality, our impact and influence as a church will be limited. When that happens it won’t be because God isn’t answering our prayers, it’ll be because we have decided we’d rather continue to sin.
What type of leader are you going to be? Are you going to deny the power of God working through others or are you going to empower people to live out their God-given purpose?
If you do it, no one will do it.
