Have you ever had an out-of-shape doctor try to tell you why you need to exercise more and eat healthier? I had a friend who lived through this experience, and he had no desire to listen to that doctor, even if what the doctor was telling him was true.
Here’s the problem: it’s easy to be a Christian leader who is just like that doctor.
One of the things we admire about leaders is their desire and ability to get a job done. You plan out your men’s ministry activities, organize Bible studies, and spend time mentoring other men. Part of the reason you are in leadership is because you are very committed to the mission and task in front of you.
However, your most crucial leadership assignment is not your public-facing ministry; it is the hidden side of leadership, which involves caring for your own soul.
Jesus teaches us in John 15:5 that “you can do nothing” apart from Him. Everything comes from your connection to Him. The apostle Paul teaches us that it is “God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13 CSB) The state of your soul has a direct connection to the health and impact of your ministry.
Your most crucial leadership assignment is not your public-facing ministry; it is the hidden side of leadership, which involves caring for your own soul.
Life is busy, and the demands are great, but strengthening your soul is the only way to avoid becoming like the out-of-shape doctor.
The culture we live in offers many ways to find rest, but I want to encourage you to move to a deeper place than simply temporarily stopping your work to take a vacation.
Here are a few ways to strengthen your soul as a leader.
Pray for Yourself
I know for some, this will sound strange. Many leaders pray for the needs of others, but when was the last time you felt convinced that your Heavenly Father wanted to hear from you about you? The invitation to “cast all your cares” on God is not only for everyone else (1 Peter 5:7)—it’s also for you as one of His sons.
If you are like most leaders, you have the opinions of many different people running through your head. One of the most important prayers you can offer for yourself is this: “God, help me to hear the voice of Jesus above all other voices” (John 10:27). Jesus is not only the Good Shepherd for the people you are serving, He is your Good Shepherd too!
Praying for yourself is the most honest way to live, because it acknowledges that what you preach to others is also true for you – we all need Jesus to save, care for, and lead us.
Meditate on Scripture
At the beginning of the Book of Joshua, many men are familiar with the command from God to “be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:1-9 CSB). Leaders love those kinds of challenges. But the foundation of this command is even more important. Joshua is told to meditate day and night on God’s instructions so he will carefully observe everything written in them (Joshua 1:8 CSB).
We all know we are supposed to read our Bibles, but when was the last time you took the time to sit in and meditate on Scripture? When was the last time you asked God to speak to your heart and mind when you read the Bible?
One of the most life-giving things God led me to do recently was spend almost two weeks repeatedly reading Psalm 19. I couldn’t get enough of thinking about how creation proclaims the work of God (verse 1) or asking the Holy Spirit to reveal my unintentional sins (v. 12). Meditation is a deeper way to read Scripture, and it will be beneficial for your soul.
Allow Others to Speak Into Your Life
Who are the people speaking into your life? This applies to both your relationships and content consumption. You and I were always made to be interdependent on other parts of the Body for our health and success in life and ministry. Find other godly people who will encourage you, pray for you, and even challenge you. If you’re like me, most podcasts and books you access are for strengthening your skills and knowledge as a leader. Change it up and bring a greater balance of content that will also speak to your soul.
The hidden work of leadership requires you to care for your soul. It will not only be good for your health, but it will also be good for the health of the people you love and serve in your leadership.
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