#614 - THIS EXPLAINS IT
Why do I care so much about the inner-life of a leader? Why do I care about their emotional health? Why do I care about the health of their walk with Jesus? Why do I care about their rhythms of rest? Why do I care about a leader's insecurities? Why do I care about their motivations?
Why don't I just let these things slide and concentrate on the work that needs to get done?
Today, I read this quote from Pete Scazzero that puts into words why, many times, I put an inordinate amount of attention on what's going on in a leader's heart, rather than what's going on with a leader's hands.
“Minimally transformed leaders result in minimally transformed teams doing minimally transforming ministry. ”
In other words...
TRANSFORMATIONAL MINISTRY IS A BY-PRODUCT OF A TRANSFORMED LIFE.
With this in mind, we must no longer ignore the "seen" and the "un-seen" character deficiencies in our lives.
We can't ignore the pervasive anger.
We can't ignore the constant envy.
We can't ignore the irrational jealousy.
We can't ignore the petty attitude.
We can't ignore the insensitive apathy.
We can't ignore the negative demeanor.
We can't ignore the adolescent insecurity.
We can't ignore the divisive spirit.
We can't ignore the deficient love.
If we think we can do effective ministry while ignoring these things, we are kidding ourselves.
We cannot lead beyond our own spiritual growth and development. We cannot help others address the darkness within themselves if we can't address the darkness within us. We cannot effectively extend grace to others in the areas where we have yet to receive it for ourselves.