Leadership is a gift and a calling, but it's not without its challenges. In a world where leadership can take many forms, there's a striking difference between those who lead to serve and uplift versus those who seek to control and manipulate.
Empowering Leaders vs. Self-Serving Leaders
Leadership comes in many forms, but there's a stark contrast between leaders who build others up and those who lead from a place of control or personal ambition.
Empowering Leaders
True leaders see your God-given potential and invest their time and energy into helping you grow. They celebrate your victories as if they were their own, sacrificing their resources and even their comfort to ensure you thrive. Their leadership creates trust, cultivates growth, and ultimately brings glory to God.
They don't hold back encouragement or wisdom. They pray for you, speak life over you, and point you back to God's truth when doubt tries to creep in. Their purpose is not tied to their own success but to your transformation and God's glory through it.
Self-Serving Leaders
In contrast, some leaders use their influence to control, manipulate, or achieve their own ambitions. They may prioritize their gains above others' growth, leaving people feeling drained and disillusioned. While their actions might yield short-term results, this approach leads to broken trust and missed opportunities for authentic impact.
The question we must ask ourselves is this: What kind of leader do we aspire to be?
Leadership Is a Gift and a Calling
Even the most well-intentioned leaders can find themselves slipping into patterns of insecurity or immaturity. Recognizing these moments isn't a sign of failure—it's an opportunity to grow and realign with the servant-hearted leadership God calls us to.
Signs You're Leading from Insecurity
As leaders, it's crucial to regularly evaluate our hearts and motives. Here are some signs to watch for that may indicate you're slipping into a less Christ-like leadership model:
You Feel Threatened by Others' Success
Comparing yourself to others or feeling uneasy when someone you lead excels can indicate a struggle to trust in God's unique purpose for you.
You Seek Validation Over Service
Focusing on gaining approval rather than fulfilling God's mission can distract from the true impact of your leadership.
You Struggle to Delegate
Hesitating to entrust tasks to others out of fear they might outshine you is a sign of insecurity. True leadership empowers others to grow.
You Avoid Accountability
Resisting feedback or struggling to admit mistakes can hinder growth for both you and your team.
You Lead with Control Instead of Trust
Micromanaging or trying to dictate outcomes stifles growth, but trusting the people you lead fosters confidence and collaboration.
How to Grow Beyond Insecurity
If you notice any of these tendencies, don't be discouraged—growth is part of the journey! Here's how you can realign your leadership with God's heart:
Anchor Yourself in God's Truth
Meditate on Scriptures like Ephesians 2:10 and 2 Timothy 1:7 to remind yourself of your identity and purpose.
Celebrate Others' Successes
Shift your focus from competition to collaboration by intentionally celebrating the wins of those you lead.
Recommit to Servanthood
Leadership isn't about status; it's about service. Ask daily, “How can I add value to those I lead today?”
Seek Wise Counsel
Surround yourself with mentors who will lovingly challenge and guide you.
Pray for Confidence in God
Surrender your insecurities to God and ask Him to strengthen your faith.
Honor the Leaders Who Have Helped You Win
Growth isn't something we do alone. We're shaped and strengthened by the leaders God places in our lives. Consider the leaders in your life and reflect on the kind of leader God is calling you to be. Take time to honor those who've invested in you by:
Praying for Them
Ask God to bless their work, sustain them in their leadership, and continue to grow them in wisdom and strength.
Acknowledging Their Impact
Share how their guidance has influenced your life. Let them know their sacrifices and efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Celebrating Their Successes
Publicly honor their leadership by sharing a testimony about their influence. Whether on social media, in a group setting, or through a personal note, let others know the difference they've made.
Supporting Their Mission
Volunteer for their projects, donate to their causes, or encourage others to rally around their vision. Showing up for them is a powerful way to express gratitude.
Offering Encouragement
Leaders often pour out without much in return. Share Scripture, words of encouragement, or small tokens of appreciation to lift their spirits.
Reflecting Christ as a Leader
Leadership isn't just about what you accomplish; it's about who you are becoming. Leadership rooted in security and faith creates an environment where others can flourish.
Imagine how your influence could grow when it's marked by humility, trust, and a heart to empower others. Your leadership has the power to change lives and advance God's kingdom. Let's step into that calling together.
-Viviana Page CourageCo

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